About this course
At Southampton, you can study the music you care about, and develop the skills and experience for a successful career. This 4-year degree provides a broad musical education, across all forms and styles. You can specialise in areas including performance, music history, composition and technology. Your year abroad will give you international performance experience and build your global network.
Our students sing opera and music theatre, play funk guitar and classical oboe. No matter what your musical background, we'll provide:
regular performance and composition workshops, including with guests from the music industry
performance projects with world-renowned performers and recording artists
up to 20 hours of fully funded individual tuition per year
ensemble and conducting coaching
This 4-year course lets you study at a partner university abroad for an academic year. This includes cities such as:
Paris
Madrid
Venice
Hong Kong
Norway
As part of this course, you can:
learn different approaches to musical topics, from the middle ages to global hip hop
work on projects with other students across classical, pop and jazz
study concert hall composition, commercial songwriting or film scores
experience advanced studio techniques, jazz theory and orchestration
take your music to the local community, with school placements, music therapy sessions and music workshops
You'll also gain professional career skills. These may include arts administration or managing music events.
Our excellent facilities include:
dedicated rehearsal spaces
electronic studios
networked multimedia workstations
Our Turner Sims concert hall supports the most extensive series of professional concerts and workshops of any UK university. You can also perform around the city in a range of different venues.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 294.16 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Highfield campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB to BBB including 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.
Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 to 30 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in 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 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.
Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
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, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma in Music plus B in an A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Music plus AB to BB in two A levels and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB to BB to include 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.
Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
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:
BBB including 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:
BBB including 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, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma in Music plus B in an A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate in Music plus AB to BB in two A levels and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB to BB to include 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 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in Music 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 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.
Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 to H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including Music 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 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.
Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
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 M2 M2 to M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including 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.
Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB to BBB from 3 A levels including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
or
AB to BB from two A levels including 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 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.
Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall including grade 8 in Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
75% overall including grade 8 in 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
Year 1 includes compulsory modules and a choice of optional modules. In your second and final years you'll choose from a wide range of options. These include skills-based modules like performance and running music workshops.
You'll learn different approaches to studying music, including:
analytical
musicological
ethnomusicological (the study of music from the cultural and social aspects of the people who make it)
You can also broaden your experience by selecting:
You do not need to choose your modules when you apply. Your tutor will help you customise your course.
Year 1
In your first year, you'll learn the basics of:
performance
composition
music history
theory
The compulsory modules will explore the fundamentals of analysis, counterpoint and harmony. You'll also get a broad overview of music from the Renaissance to the twentieth century.
You'll choose from a range of optional modules, including
solo and ensemble performance
music technology
composition
Year 2
You'll choose from a range of optional modules, including topics such as:
conducting
composing music for films
studio-based modules
music therapy and community music
There's a wide range of history and cultural topics to choose, from opera to musical subcultures. You can also take an elective module outside your formal studies, that allows you to gain academic credit.
Year 3
You'll spend your third year abroad at one of our partner institutions. These include:
University of Hong Kong
Grieg Academy (Bergen, Norway)
Charles University, Prague
University of Bayreuth (Germany)
Université Paris-Sorbonne
While you're abroad you'll keep a blog and write a report on your experiences over the year.
Year 4
You'll take a module examining your experiences abroad. This will help you produce an enhanced CV.
You must choose one of these modules:
Commercial Composition - you'll work closely with a course tutor to develop a portfolio of original work
Composition Portfolio - you'll produce a portfolio of score-based, concert compositions
Performance Recital - a 40-minute public performance recital
Research Project - this might be musical (historical, analytical, critical) or relate music to another art form such as architecture
You'll also choose from a range of optional modules on topics like:
Benjamin Britten operas
film music composition
American musicals
global hip hop
You can also get involved in high-profile performance projects and gain work experience in schools.
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:
- Composition Fundamentals
- Exploring Music 2
- First Year Ensemble Performance
- First Year Performance Tuition
- First Year Performance Tuition (single module)
- First Year Performance Tuition, Joint Studies
- Introduction to Music Technology
- Transformations in Twentieth-Century Music: Pop, Jazz, Art Music and Beyond
Modules year 2
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 2:
- 19th Century Italian Opera: Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi
- Composition Workshop
- Conducting
- Ensemble Performance 1
- Explorations in Composition
- Film Music Composition
- From Teddy Boys to Drag Queens – Music and Subculture
- Global Hip Hop
- Haydn in London
- How the Arts Work: a practical introduction to cultural economics
- Jane Austen's Playlist: Entertainment in Georgian Britain
- Jazz Theory
- Mozart in Vienna, 1781-1791
- Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
- Music and Sound Production 1
- Music and the British Empire
- Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Musical Theatre Songwriting
- Orchestration and Arranging
- Performance Tuition (Joint Studies)
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
- Second Year Performance Recital
- The American Musical
- The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
- The Producer as Composer: digital sound & songwriting in practice
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:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
- 19th Century Italian Opera: Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi
- Commercial Composition
- Composition Portfolio
- Composition Workshop
- Ensemble Performance I
- Ensemble Performance II
- Explorations in Composition
- Film Music Composition
- From Teddy Boys to Drag Queens – Music and Subculture
- Global Hip Hop
- Haydn in London
- Jane Austen's Playlist: Entertainment in Georgian Britain
- Mozart in Vienna, 1781-1791
- Music Therapy 2: Beneath the Surface
- Music and the British Empire
- Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Orchestration and Arranging
- Performance Recital
- Performance Tuition (Joint Studies)
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
- Research Project
- Songwriting
- Studio Techniques 2
- The American Musical
- The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
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
- 14%
- Independent study
- 86%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 17%
- Independent study
- 81%
- Placement
- 2%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 0%
- Independent study
- 100%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 11%
- Independent study
- 86%
- Placement
- 3%
Course leader
Andrew Pinnock is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- 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 by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 23%
- Practical exam
- 25%
- Coursework
- 52%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 14%
- Practical exam
- 6%
- Coursework
- 80%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 100%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 6%
- Practical exam
- 21%
- Coursework
- 73%
Careers
Employability is included in our modules from the first lecture to the day you graduate.
Our Music graduates have secured roles including:
performer
music therapist
sound engineer
composer
arts and culture manager
This Music degree can also provide a good foundation for further study.
Our careers and employability service will support you throughout your studies and for up to 3 years after graduation. You'll get help with:
work placements and graduate jobs
specialist careers advice
Your personal academic tutor and an employability coordinator can also advise and support you on your career path.
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.
Work in industry
The University’s Excel Internship Programme can help you find a paid work placement during the Easter or summer vacation.
You can choose to spend a year in employment during this course.
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
Music students will also need to pay for:
maintaining and insuring musical instruments
extra musical tuition or rehearsals
hiring session musicians
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Instruments and Equipment
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Tuition Fees
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Vocal and Instrumental Lessons
- Software Licenses
- Computer discs or USB drives
- Textbooks
- Placement Salary
- Securing accommodation
- Stationery
- Occupational Health, DBS checks or vaccinations
- Hardware
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 294.16 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.
University life
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: W301
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 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.