About this course
On this joint honours course you’ll engage with some of the biggest questions in Western philosophy while developing advanced skills in musical performance, composition and analysis. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of both subjects, and have the freedom to pursue your own interests through optional modules covering topics as varied as existentialism, studio techniques and 19th century Italian opera.
This degree will give you an excellent education in philosophy and music. In your degree you can:
develop an understanding of philosophical questions such as ethics, reason and responsibility
apply philosophical thought to language, morality, sex and other important aspects of life
explore a range of music from European music in the Renaissance and Baroque periods right through the the music of the 20th century and global hip hop
understand the principles of Western tonal music, including harmony and counterpoint
learn how to write and present dissertations and research
You’ll be taught in small groups in a relaxed and friendly environment, and benefit from the expertise of both visiting performers and academic staff whose researches feed directly into the course content.
You can also improve your musical skills and performance through:
workshops with professional performers
submitting original compositions
managing the administration of public music events
You can take modules from other disciplines such as anthropology or psychology, studying a language, or choosing from a range of cross-disciplinary modules.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 505.78 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 to ABB including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
*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 to 32 points overall with 17 to 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
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
*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, Distinction to 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 A to B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma in Music plus A to B in an A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A to B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Music plus AA to AB in two A levels and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA to AB to include A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
BTEC additional information
Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
*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.
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 to 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:
ABB to 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, Distinction to 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 A to B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma in Music plus A to B in an A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A to B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate in Music plus AA to AB in two A levels and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA to AB 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 39 must be at Distinction and 6 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 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*
Access to HE Diploma additional information
Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
*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.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 to H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 to A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including Music at B1 and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
*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.
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 to D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
*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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB to ABB from 3 A levels including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
or
AA to AB 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. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
*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 in Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
77% 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
You’ll have the freedom to shape your degree to suit your interests by choosing modules from a wide range of options, including modules outside philosophy and music.
You don't need to choose your modules when you apply - your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your studies, by selecting:
Year 1
Compulsory modules give you a strong foundation in the philosophical concepts of:
reason and argument
freedom and responsibility
appearance and reality
The compulsory modules will give you a springboard to choose your own areas of interest through optional modules. By choosing carefully, you’ll achieve a fascinating combination of philosophy and music.
You can learn the fundamentals of analysis, counterpoint and harmony - core principles of Western tonal music. You can go on to choose from an array of options, including 20th century music, Greek philosophy or musical technology.
There are also ample opportunities for individual or group tuition so that you can lift your own performance to a new level, or be exposed to a new discipline such as conducting.
Year 2
Your knowledge is extended in the second part by a further compulsory module in the history of philosophy.
In addition, you'll take seven optional modules in philosophy and music, allowing you to build the course around your developing interests. Topics include moral philosophy, aesthetics, epistemology, philosophy of religion and logic.
Year 3
You’ll consolidate your knowledge and skills by writing a philosophy dissertation or doing research into music. The topic may be musical (historical, analytical, critical) or it may relate music to another art or discipline (for example, music and architecture, acoustics, psychology of music).
You can choose make your own performance part of your research project.
A module on commercial composition allows you to work closely with a course tutor to in one-to-one tutorials to develop a portfolio of original work.
You’ll also select further optional modules. These usually cover topics which academic staff are actively researching, introducing you to the latest thinking. Options include studying the work of Nietzsche or Heidegger or looking at classical Indian or Islamic philosophy.
There are also opportunities to get involved in local performances and to add to your CV by gaining 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:
- Ancient Greek Philosophy
- Applied Ethics
- Composition Fundamentals
- Existentialism and its Origins
- Exploring Music 1
- Exploring Music 2
- Faith and Reason
- First Year Ensemble Performance
- First Year Performance Tuition (single module)
- First Year Performance Tuition, Joint Studies
- Freedom and Responsibility
- Fundamentals of Analysis, Counterpoint and Harmony
- Introduction to Music Technology
- Political Philosophy
- Puzzles about Art and Literature
- Transformations in Twentieth-Century Music: Pop, Jazz, Art Music and Beyond
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:
- Aesthetics
- Composition Workshop
- Conducting
- Ensemble Performance 1
- Epistemology
- Ethics of Global Poverty
- 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
- Jazz Theory
- Kant
- Logic
- Metaethics
- Metaphysics
- Moral Philosophy
- Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
- Music and Sound Production 1
- Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
- Philosophy of Language
- Philosophy of Mind
- Philosophy of Religion
- Philosophy of Science
- Political Thinkers
- 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:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 3:
- Action, Reason and Ethics
- Advanced Aesthetics: Aesthetic Creativity
- Classical Indian Philosophy
- Commercial Composition
- Composition Portfolio
- Composition Workshop
- Contemporary Theories of Justice
- Ensemble Performance I
- Ensemble Performance II
- Film Music Composition
- From Teddy Boys to Drag Queens – Music and Subculture
- Global Hip Hop
- Happiness and Wellbeing
- Haydn in London
- Heidegger
- Islamic Philosophy
- Music Therapy 2: Beneath the Surface
- Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Nietzsche
- Other Minds
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
- Philosophical Logic
- Philosophy of Mathematics
- Philosophy of Sex
- Puzzles and Paradoxes
- Research Project
- Schopenhauer
- Studio Techniques 2
- The American Musical
- The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
- Wittgenstein's Later Philosophy
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
- 20%
- Independent study
- 80%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 18%
- Independent study
- 82%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 19%
- Independent study
- 81%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Jonathan Way is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- compositions
- composition portfolios
- debates
- developing websites
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 28%
- Practical exam
- 15%
- Coursework
- 57%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 26%
- Practical exam
- 35%
- Coursework
- 39%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 12%
- Coursework
- 88%
Careers
You’ll graduate with a wide range of transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, analysis and team working. Career skills are embedded at every stage of our courses and certain modules offer specific teaching in reasoning and communication.
Our philosophy graduates have secured roles as diverse as:
project manager
teacher
human resources (HR) coordinator
investment analyst
digital marketing coordinator
tax consultant
data analyst
Our philosophy degrees are also a good foundation for further study at Masters or PhD level.
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
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
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Hardware
- Software Licenses
- Instruments and Equipment
- Textbooks
- Vocal and Instrumental Lessons
- Computer discs or USB drives
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Stationery
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 505.78 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: VW53
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'll need to show you're proficient to grade 8 or equivalent, either by auditioning or sending a video.
Some candidates will be invited to a selection day, which will include an interview. If the admissions tutor decides to invite you to a selection day you'll receive an email. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.
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.