About this course
The BA Music and Business Management degree combines a broad music curriculum with the study of business management. You'll prepare for a career in the industry as you explore classical music, jazz, pop and commercial styles. Management topics will give you an understanding of the modern business world, ready for you to drive improvement and change within it.
You can tailor your degree to focus on the areas of music and business that you're most interested in. Choices range from performance to project management, music therapy to marketing.
Our students sing opera and music theatre, play funk guitar and classical oboe, and make electronic dance music. Whatever your passion for performance, we'll help you develop through:
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regular performance and composition workshops with our superb teaching team
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high-profile performance projects with internationally renowned performers
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up to 20 hours of fully funded individual tuition per year for solo performers, as well as ensemble and conducting coaching
Our wide range of modules also allow you to:
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learn about ethnomusicological (the study of music from the cultural and social aspects of the people who make it) analytical and musicological approaches to topics from music in the middle ages to global hip-hop
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develop skills in composition and music technology, covering composing for the concert hall and commercial music
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gain an understanding and practical skills in arts administration and community music
Management modules encourage you to think differently about business and management. You'll cover contemporary concepts and practices to learn:
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how the business world works and how it's affected by consumers, markets, culture and technology
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core skills in finance, marketing and accounting
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how to communicate in business
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about digital trends in the business world
Our high-level facilities include dedicated rehearsal rooms and electronic studios. Our concert hall, Turner Sims, supports the most extensive series of professional concerts and workshops of any UK university. You'll also get the chance to organise and perform at events around the city in a range of different venues.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202324
A-levels
ABB to BBB including Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, 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 as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
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: BBB including Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and grade A in the EPQ, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: BBC including Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 to 30 points overall with 16 to 15 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, 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 as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard* Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard* Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB to BB to include A level Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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 as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
QCF BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard* Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard* Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB to BB to include A level Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard* OR 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 to must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Access to HE 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 as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 to H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 to B1 B1 B1 B1 B2 B2 including Music at B1 and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Irish 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 as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
Scottish Qualification
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) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 to M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including Music and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, 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 as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB to BBB from 3 A levels including Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard* or AB to BB from two A levels including Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, 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 as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B). We can accept a grade 5 in GCSE mathematics if you achieve grade B in A level Maths, Physics, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Business
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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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.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Your first year will give you a fundamental knowledge of music. Management modules introduce you to basic concepts in business management, methods, models and technologies.
In management, your second year will extend your knowledge of business principles while your third year gives you a range of optional modules to choose from.
In music, your second and third years give you the chance to specialise in areas that are of interest to you. These might include:
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music history and cultural studies
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performance
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composition
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technology
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music therapy
In your third year you'll take on a major project too. This might be a piece of music, business dissertation, composition portfolio or a performance recital.
You can also broaden your experience throughout your degree by choosing:
You do not need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you customise your course.
Year 1 overview
In music you can choose from a wide choice of optional modules including music history, analysis, performance, composition or technology.
In your management modules you'll learn:
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how government, society, markets, consumers and technologies shape the business world
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the basics of accounting, financial control and other key management skills
Year 2 overview
You can choose from a range of optional music modules including:
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conducting
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composing music for films
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studio-based modules
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music therapy and community music
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a wide range of history and cultural topics from opera to musical subcultures
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solo and ensemble performance modules
You can also choose optional management modules, including organisational theory and the effects of new digital technologies. This module will be useful if you want to run your own digital business.
Year 3 overview
You can choose from optional modules including:
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research into a topic of your choice that might be musical (historical, analytical, critical) or business focused
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a 40-minute public performance recital
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commercial or concert-hall composition, where you'll work closely with a course tutor in one-to-one tutorials to develop a portfolio of original work
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an elective outside your formal studies that allows you to gain academic credit
Management modules allow you to study the impact of research in business. Innovative content like online lectures and workshops, and input from leaders in consultancy and business research, will teach you how to:
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design research projects
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collect data
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undertake analysis
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prepare conclusions and recommendations
You'll also have opportunities to get involved in high-profile performance projects and gain work experience in schools.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Exploring Music 1
Offering a broad overview of European music in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, this module will also allow you to develop your academic writing skills. Lectures introduce major cultural and historical topics such as worship and belief, technology and...
Introduction to Accounting and Finance
The course seeks to provide an introductory, but comprehensive overview of financial accounting, management accounting, and financial management to non-specialist students. The course is delivered with particular emphasis on helping students of management...
Introduction to Management
This module provides you with a broad view on key management related topics. It also provides a chance for you to gain hands-on experience on teamwork through preparation and delivery of a group presentation as part of the module assessment. The lectures ...
Performance Skills A
This module introduces music performance skills. You undertake individual tuition in your chosen performance specialism* (8 hours of lessons) along with a variety of workshops exploring topics from across the performance spectrum. With the help of y...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Business in Society
This module exposes students to the idea that firms are organisations embedded in societies, thus helping students contextualise the nature, goals, actions, and impact of the organisations of the business world. As such, it helps students build an interdi...
Composition Fundamentals
Composition Fundamentals will introduce you to a range of compositional techniques and principles. We will consider different ways of creating musical ideas and different approaches to structuring, varying and developing musical ideas. In particular, we w...
Digital Technologies in Business
Digital technologies ranging from the Internet to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, etc. are often not just a key part of organisational operations; they also create opportunities for developing new digital businesses and their applications can ha...
Exploring Music 2
This module aims to introduce you to some of the major musical forms, techniques and styles cultivated between 1750 and 1900. During the module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of ‘Classical’ and ‘Romantic’ musical styles and genres while...
First Year Ensemble Performance
Ensemble performance is a crucial skill in any musician's portfolio, in addition to being one of the most rewarding aspects of musical life. In this module you will prepare a 15-18 minute programme of instrumental, vocal or mixed ensemble music of your...
Global Transformations in Twentieth and Twenty-First Century Music
This module explores the history of key twentieth and twenty-first musical styles and practices including jazz, popular and art musics. Its scope is global, with the aim of "provincialising" European and North American experiences. In addition the module ...
Ideas that shape the contemporary world - work, change and organisations
This module helps you to build an intellectual foundation to business as a field of inquiry. The module links big topics to the everyday workings of organisations and individuals. You will locate the emergence of business, management, and the modern world...
Performance in Practice B
This module allows you to develop your music performance skills to a new level. A combination of individual tuition in your chosen performance specialism* (12 hours of lessons) and a variety of workshop and public performance opportunities provide you ...
Year 2 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules in year 2:
Adventures in Musical Research
This module is based on a selection of recent and innovative scholarly writings on music, which challenge the reader to examine their assumptions about the nature of both scholarship and music as cultural practices. It is taught together with MUSI6022 Adv...
Business Research
Organisations exist in dynamic environments, which mean that frequent changes need to be made to remain competitive. This requires managers to make important decisions which can ‘make or break’ an organisation. These decisions need to be based on sound ev...
Conducting
This module covers basic gestures used in duple, triple, compound, mixed and asymmetric metres; cueing of players and singers, and introducing expressive gestures for dynamics, phrasing etc.; basic approaches to rehearsal and score-marking technique.
Ensemble Performance 1
In this module students prepare one programme of instrumental, vocal, or mixed-ensemble music of their own choice, which is coached regularly by members of staff. There is an expectation that students, not staff, will independently organise an ensemble ...
Entrepreneurial Management
The aim of the course unit is to introduce students to the nature of entrepreneurship on a corporate level. You will explore the unique challenges that entrepreneurial managers face within established corporations and examine the role of diverse organizat...
Explorations in Composition
This module focuses on composition that endeavours to innovate within and extend beyond musical conventions through actively exploring new possibilities, taking risks and experimentation. We’ll delve into a wide range of compositional approaches and techn...
How the Arts Work: A Practical Introduction to Cultural Economics
How are the arts getting back to work again after Covid-19? This is a critically important question for everyone who cares about them, artists and audiences alike. If you’re a student considering a career in the arts you’ll want to know where fresh opport...
Human Resource Management
This module concerns issues in human resource management and organisational design. These are what ultimately implement the firm’s strategy. Although many organisations recognise the importance of managing the work force effectively and even "know" what a...
Innovation, Technology and the Environment
This module explores the opportunities and challenges presented by the growing importance of the environmental agenda in the political, social economic and technological context. With increasing environmental awareness comes a need for commercially sustai...
Interactive! Music in Video Games and Media
Interactive music and sound can be found in diverse forms, from video games and interactive installations through to data driven sonic art and works with audience/performer interventions. Such situations provide composers and sound artists with both exci...
Issues in Latin American Popular Music and Culture
The module aims to develop your critical awareness of Latin American music and dance cultures of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and the ways that scholars have approached them. Rather than a survey of Latin American music, the course will be th...
Jazz Theory
This module focuses on common jazz harmony as used by jazz musicians and improvisers. It also explores harmonic and rhythmic devices used by some jazz musicians to inform their improvisations. The course will focus predominantly on jazz standards (music f...
Making Successful Decisions
This module considers the generic aspects of decision processes that take place at individual and organisational levels and demonstrates how various lines of enquiry and analytical techniques can help achieve better quality decisions. It draws sharp atten...
Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
This module explores how music therapy uses music very differently to the entertainment industry, introducing you to the unique use of music as a powerful clinical tool in health and education settings. Using clinical music therapy techniques, music can b...
Music and Sound Production 1
This module allows you to explore basic multi-track recording and production techniques. The module is based in the University’s recording studios and music computing facilities where you will explore a range of techniques and equipment from both theoreti...
Operations Management
Operations management is concerned with the management of resources for producing and delivering products or services. Case study material will be used in the module to illustrate many of the important issues faced by operations managers as well as coveri...
Performance Tuition (Single Study)
This module allows you to continue to develop your music performance skills. A combination of individual tuition (10 1hr lessons) and a variety workshop and public performance opportunities provide you with the chance to study new repertoire, improve your...
Philosophy of Management and Organisations
This module introduces students to philosophical approaches in understanding organisations and their management. The module will consist of three interrelated themes. The first will comprise the attempt to familiarise students with the essential problems ...
Second Year Performance Recital
This module allows you to continue to develop your music performance skills. A combination of individual tuition (20 1hr lessons) and a variety workshop and public performance opportunities provide you with the chance to study new repertoire, improve yo...
Sounding the Museum
An early flute sits silently behind glass in a museum, grouped with others of its type to show changes in instrument manufacture through the ages. Fans flock to the childhood house of a former Beatle, hoping to achieve a new form of intimacy with a legend...
The American Musical
This module introduces you to the history of the American Musical and examines some of the issues connected with race, exoticism, gender and national identity as they were articulated in this multimedia entertainment between the late nineteenth century an...
The Producer as Composer: digital sound & songwriting in practice
In 2017, global recorded music revenues totalled $17.3 billion, the majority of which comes from the consumption of what we would classify as songs. This module aims, through lectures and practical work, to investigate & demonstrate how new production...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Commercial Composition
You will be introduced to a series of techniques and processes that can be applied to a wide range of commercial musics in the first semester; in the second semester you will work closely with course tutors in one-to-one tutorials to develop a portfolio o...
Composition Portfolio
With a mixture of lectures and individual supervision, Composition Portfolio is the final stage of the undergraduate pathway in concert-music based composition. Building upon the skills gained in first and second year creative music based modules, the lec...
Dissertation
To provide an opportunity to undertake a sustained piece of individually researched academic study. Inter alia this provides a context within which research skills may be developed and demonstrated.
Performance Recital
This module allows you to expand your music performance skills to a high standard. A combination of individual tuition (20 1hr lessons) and a variety workshop and public performance opportunities provide you with the chance to study new repertoire, impr...
Research Project
This module is based on a topic chosen by the student, completed under the supervision of a member of staff and culminating in a detailed dissertation. The topic may be musical (historical, analytical, critical) or it may relate music to another art or di...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Adventures in Musical Research
This module is based on a selection of recent and innovative scholarly writings on music, which challenge the reader to examine their assumptions about the nature of both scholarship and music as cultural practices. It is taught together with MUSI6022 Adv...
Conducting
This module covers basic gestures used in duple, triple, compound, mixed and asymmetric metres; cueing of players and singers, and introducing expressive gestures for dynamics, phrasing etc.; basic approaches to rehearsal and score-marking technique.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business
This module covers the development of the concept and the meaning of the term corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable business (SB); how CSR and SB models are being implemented in today’s corporations, its impact and likely future directions...
Ensemble Performance 2
In this module students prepare one programme of instrumental, vocal, or mixed-ensemble music of their own choice, which is coached regularly by members of staff. There is an expectation that students, not staff, will independently organise an ensemble f...
Explorations in Composition
Following on from Composition Workshop (MUSI 2093/3100), this module will explore more technical devices, formal procedures and ways of thinking about composition. You will study key compositional approaches and techniques that have developed during the s...
How the Arts Work: A Practical Introduction to Cultural Economics
How are the arts getting back to work again after Covid-19? This is a critically important question for everyone who cares about them, artists and audiences alike. If you’re a student considering a career in the arts you’ll want to know where fresh opport...
Interactive! Music in Video Games and Media
Interactive music and sound can be found in diverse forms, from video games and interactive installations through to data driven sonic art and works with audience/performer interventions. Such situations provide composers and sound artists with both exci...
International Entrepreneurship
The module provides an overview of the diffusion of entrepreneurship in international settings, including USA, Europe, and developing economies, by examining entrepreneurial strategy, process and operations that entrepreneurs are engaged in at various sta...
Issues in Latin American Popular Music and Culture
The module aims to develop your critical awareness of Latin American music and dance cultures of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and the ways that scholars have approached them. Rather than a survey of Latin American music, the course will be th...
Knowledge Management
As organisations have become more knowledge intensive, the ability to manage knowledge has become a matter of competitive survival. This module is intended to provide students with a blend of theory and current practice in knowledge management in organisa...
Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
This module explores how music therapy uses music very differently to the entertainment industry, introducing you to the unique use of music as a powerful clinical tool in health and education settings. Using clinical music therapy techniques, music can b...
Music Therapy 2: Beneath the Surface
The aim of this module is to look beneath the surface - challenging assumptions made about music being therapeutic and exploring how to prove music is effective as therapy. Drawing on the knowledge gleaned in the second year module, the module aims to dev...
Music and Sound Production 1
This module allows you to explore basic multi-track recording and production techniques. The module is based in the University’s recording studios and music computing facilities where you will explore a range of techniques and equipment from both theoreti...
Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
This innovative module, developed and delivered in close collaboration with the BSO Participate Team, will allow you to develop a range of skills and experience in community music practice. You will undertake training with BSO Associates and members of th...
Performance Tuition (Single Study)
This module allows you to expand your music performance skills to a high standard. A combination of individual tuition (10 1hr lessons) and a variety workshop and public performance opportunities provide you with the chance to study new repertoire, improv...
Project Management
Project management is an integrated approach to achieve non-routine business objectives. This module aims to introduce the ideas, techniques and tools of project management as used in practice. Students will be equipped with both knowledge and underst...
Sounding the Museum
An early flute sits silently behind glass in a museum, grouped with others of its type to show changes in instrument manufacture through the ages. Fans flock to the childhood house of a former Beatle, hoping to achieve a new form of intimacy with a legend...
Strategic Management
Strategic management is central to the operation of a variety of businesses in different sectors and environments. The creation of a strategy and the management of its implementation are important in developing businesses that can create and sustain a com...
Strategic Operations Management
In today's highly competitive environment, though, strategic operations capabilities must be in place in order for organisations to provide goods and services that meet and exceed customer requirements. Key issues such as cost, speed, quality, flexibility...
Technological Innovation
Technological innovation is increasingly recognised as one of the most important sources of sustainable competitive advantage for businesses around the world. However, building an organization which can successfully and repeatedly create technological inn...
The American Musical
This module introduces you to the history of the American Musical and examines some of the issues connected with race, exoticism, gender and national identity as they were articulated in this multimedia entertainment between the late nineteenth century an...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- assessed performances
- compositions
- composition portfolios
- creative projects
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- module journals
- portfolios
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- assessed performances
- compositions
- composition portfolios
- creative projects
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- module journals
- portfolios
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- assessed performances
- compositions
- composition portfolios
- creative projects
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- module journals
- portfolios
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
David Bretherton is the course leader.
Careers
This music and business management degree will help you pursue managerial roles in the industry. It could also provide an entry to graduate schemes or careers in accounting, finance or banking. Your degree can also be a good foundation for further study.
Our Excel Internship Programme can help you find a paid work placement during the Easter or summer vacation.
Previous graduates have gone on to roles including:
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performer
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music therapist
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manager in arts organisations
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composer
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creative marketer
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arts and culture manager
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 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:
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work experience schemes
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CV and interview skills and workshops
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networking events
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careers fairs attended by top employers
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a wealth of volunteering opportunities
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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
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £20,340.
What your fees pay for
Music students will also need to pay for:
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maintaining and insuring instruments
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extra tuition or rehearsals
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hiring session musicians
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 to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: W3N1
- 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
You will be asked for an interview and audition, either remotely or in person. If you want to take performance modules you'll need to show you're proficient to grade 8 or equivalent, either by auditioning or sending a video.
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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