About this course
With this degree, you’ll become fluent in German and you'll spend a year living and working abroad. This course is a particularly suitable combination, given the rich musical tradition linked to the German-speaking world.
You’ll start at a level that matches your ability in spoken and written German, which will help you to progress quickly. You’ll have excellent resources to support you. The Centre for Language Study at Southampton has everything you need.
As well as developing your practical language skills in German, you can choose options according to your interests in both subjects. A module in year 2 prepares you for the following year abroad.
Music options embrace a wide range of styles and traditions and allow you to develop your studies in performance, composition and musicology. In addition to technical, historical and critical music studies, there are opportunities to engage with a varied programme of practical music activities both on and off campus.
To explore your passion for music you can:
attend the most extensive series of professional concerts and workshops of any UK university, in our acclaimed Turner Sims concert hall
join a band, orchestra or choir and take part in a thriving local music scene
Our partner universities in the Erasmus programme are in Germany and Austria.
You’ll write a final year dissertation with guidance from a supervisor.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 343.21 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Avenue campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including Grades AB in German and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of a Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 at Higher Level in German and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of a Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Music plus A in A level German and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma in Music plus A in A level German and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate in Music plus A in A level German and A in one further A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A level German and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
BTEC additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Other qualifications
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Grades AB in German and Music, and grade A in the EPQ, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Grades AB in German and Music, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Music plus A in A level German and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma in Music plus A in A level German and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Music plus A in A level German and A in one further A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, plus A in A level German and Pass in Grade 6 Music Theory, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Access to HE Diploma additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including German and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including German and Music at A2 and B1, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three principal subjects including German and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Grades AB in German and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
or
AA from two A levels including German and Music and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of a Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8.5 and 8 in German and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band C IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6
- writing
- 6
- speaking
- 6
- listening
- 6
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
Each year combines compulsory modules to build your mastery of German with a wide range of Music options. This allows you to tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions.
You can also take courses from different subject areas or learn a different language.
To give you the best possible start, we use our system of 7 language levels to work out your proficiency in German. We can then make sure our teaching develops your skills as effectively as possible.
Year 1
You’ll improve your German and choose from a range of optional subjects such as:
German history, politics and society
modern German culture
elements of linguistics - sound, structure and meaning
composition fundamentals
music technology
transformations in twentieth-century music
fundamentals of analysis, counterpoint and harmony
You'll also have the opportunity to get performance tuition with a combination of individual tuition and a variety of workshop, public performance and ensemble opportunities.
Year 2
You’ll develop your listening, reading, writing in German. You’ll also take a module preparing you to study and work abroad in year 3.
You can choose from a wide range of optional modules in both German, linguistics and music including topics such as:
globalisation: culture, language and the nation state
psycholinguistics
language and society in the German-speaking world
multilingualism
composition
jazz theory
music therapy
film music composition
There is also the opportunity to take more performance tuition either solo, accompanied or with an ensemble or rhythm section.
Year 3
You can spend this year abroad in a German-speaking country:
as an English language assistant in a school
studying on a university course
on an approved work placement
Find out more about the year abroad.
You’ll also do an independent study project.
Year 4
We will support you in your return to university from your year abroad and we’ll help you to talk about your experiences in a way that enhances your employability.
You can choose to write a Modern Languages dissertation, or a Research Project in music, exploring a topic of particular interest to you in greater depth.
You’ll take modules focusing on areas of interest that you have developed during your studies.
Choices include:
language and the city
translation
language teaching
second language acquisition
public service interpreting
jazz and popular music: theory, practice and improvisation
songwriting
commercial composition
ensemble performance
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 1:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 1:
- Modern German Culture
- Exploring Music 1
- Elements of Linguistics - Sound, Structure and Meaning
- Introduction to Music Technology
- Composition Fundamentals
- Introduction to German Linguistic Studies
- German History, Politics and Society
- Fundamentals of Analysis, Counterpoint and Harmony
- First Year Ensemble Performance
- Transformations in Twentieth-Century Music: Pop, Jazz, Art Music and Beyond
- Reading Culture
- First Year Performance Tuition (single module)
- Reading the City
- First Year Performance Tuition, Joint Studies
- Exploring Music 2
- Applications of Linguistics
Modules year 2
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 2:
- How the Arts Work: a practical introduction to cultural economics
- Syntax: Studying Language Structure
- The American Musical
- Vienna and Berlin: Society, Politics and Culture from 1890 to the Present
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Composition Workshop
- Multilingualism
- Learning about Culture: Introduction to Ethnography
- Explorations in Composition
- Variation and Change in English
- Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Music and Sound Production 1
- Psycholinguistics
- Film Music Composition
- Extra-Curricular Elective
- Humanities University Ambassadors Scheme (Modern Languages)
- Ensemble Performance 1
- Global Hip Hop
- The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
- From Teddy Boys to Drag Queens – Music and Subculture
- Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
- The EU and European Identity
- Orchestration and Arranging
- Language, Ideologies and Attitudes
- Sound and Voice
- Jazz Theory
- The Producer as Composer: digital sound & songwriting in practice
- Media Perspectives on Post-68 Germany
- Language and Society in German-Speaking World
- Conducting
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
- Discourse Analysis
- Haydn in London
- Globalisation: Culture, Language and The Nation State
Modules year 3
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Modules year 4
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 4:
- Composition Portfolio
- German Language Stage 7
- Modern Languages Dissertation
- Seeing and being seen: Study Abroad re-entry
- Research Project
- Commercial Composition
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
- The American Musical
- Advanced Syntax
- Translation: Theory and Practice
- Renaissance of German-Jewish Literature after the Holocaust
- How the Arts Work: a practical introduction to cultural economics
- Extra-Curricular Elective
- The Producer as Composer: digital sound & songwriting in practice
- Language Testing and Assessment in Society
- Haydn in London
- Language and the City
- Ensemble Performance I
- Global Hip Hop
- Language Teaching Theory and Practice
- Writing in a Second Language
- Composition Workshop
- Sociophonetic Project Module
- The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
- Jane Austen's Playlist: Entertainment in Georgian Britain
- Composition Portfolio
- Research Project
- Explorations in Composition
- Second Language Acquisition
- Jazz Theory
- Ensemble Performance II
- Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
- From Teddy Boys to Drag Queens – Music and Subculture
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
- English as a Global Language
- Orchestration and Arranging
- Minorities and Migrants: Exploring Multicultural Germany
- Film Music Composition
- Music and Sound Production 1
- Studio Techniques 2
- Audiovisual Translation
- Commercial Composition
- Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Music Therapy 2: Beneath the Surface
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 16%
- Independent study
- 84%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 17%
- Independent study
- 83%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 0%
- Independent study
- 0%
- Placement
- 100%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 16%
- Independent study
- 84%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
James Minney is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- assessed performances
- compositions
- creative projects
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 23%
- Practical exam
- 31%
- Coursework
- 46%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 13%
- Practical exam
- 23%
- Coursework
- 64%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 100%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 10%
- Practical exam
- 36%
- Coursework
- 54%
Careers
As a Modern Languages and Music graduate, you can choose from a wide variety of employment options.
These will make the most of your skills in:
gathering and interpreting information
working with and leading teams
understanding and adapting to different cultures
Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:
translation
interpreting
teaching
marketing
publishing
international development
advertising, film and television
Many of our graduates go on to further study. Subjects taken include interpreting and translating, law, accountancy, management and international relations.
There is a compulsory employability module for all first-year students in the faculty.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £17,560 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Students studying or working in Europe
- Stationery
- Laboratory Equipment and Materials
- Hardware
- ML Residence Abroad - Cost implications
- Textbooks
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Instruments and Equipment
- Computer discs or USB drives
- Software Licenses
- Vocal and Instrumental Lessons
- Students studying or working outside Europe
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 343.21 KB).
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
Life at Southampton
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: RW23
UCAS Institution Code: S27
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We normally invite all candidates to an interview. You'll need to show you're proficient to grade 8 or equivalent, either by auditioning or sending a video.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.