Music BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- W300
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB at A level and a pass in the Access to Leeds module
Full entry requirements - Contact
- musicug@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
This diverse course allows you to explore music through a variety of subject areas in musicology, performance, composition, theory, notation, music technology, aesthetics, analysis and psychology.
You’ll study core modules that will introduce you to theoretical, historical and social aspects of music, whilst optional modules will allow you to develop specialist knowledge and skills in composition, solo and ensemble performance, musicology, music technology, analysis, and the psychology of music.
You can explore ideas across periods and cultures through practical, theoretical, and research-based modules.
Our leading researchers will guide you through self-directed project modules and the final-year dissertation, developing independence, team-working, and communication skills, which will enable you to pursue a career within or beyond music in the professional world.
Specialist facilities
At the heart of the School of Music is the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, a beautiful performance space which hosts a large and varied programme of concerts in term time. The entire concert programme is free for students.
The School of Music has its own purpose-built building complete with rehearsal, performance and practice spaces, a lab for studying the psychology of music and four lecture theatres. There are also studios for sound recording, software development and computer music composition – we have a wide range of professional recording equipment and up-to-date music software to help you with your studies. In addition, our instrument collection includes a specially commissioned gamelan, historic and modern keyboard instruments and a large selection of orchestral and world percussion.
Music at Leeds
Leeds offers a fantastic variety of opportunities to get involved with music and performance that go far beyond the School of Music ensembles. You can also be involved in extra-curricular activities through the students’ union, or by creating your own ensembles or bands.
Leeds University Union Music Society (LUUMS) is one of the Union's largest societies and boasts ten ensembles, including orchestras, choruses, brass and wind bands; each one gives regular concerts and some go on tour. The campus hosts a diverse range of other musical societies, including Gospel Choir, Clothworkers Consort of Leeds, Opera Society, Music Theatre, Band Soc, Big Band, Electronic Music and DJ Societies. Find out more about Leeds University Union clubs and societies.
You could also get involved in cultural activities in the Leeds area, and perform in the city’s many venues such as clubs, pubs, churches, or the Town Hall.
Course details
In your first year, you’ll study core modules introducing you to the relationship between music and culture, and the theoretical elements you'll need to develop the skills to study music at degree level. You can also choose from aspects of music technology, music psychology, composition, ensemble and solo performance. Throughout the degree, you will also have the chance to study discovery modules within the School or from across the University.
Over the next two years, you’ll continue to choose topics that suit your interests. Our core musicology modules explore the relationship between music and politics, culture, or religion, among other specialist topics. In addition, you can choose from a variety of modules which allow you to build on your composition and performance skills, or develop your interests in technology, analysis, aesthetics, or music psychology.
By your final year, you’ll have developed your musical knowledge and abilities in your chosen specialisations, and you'll demonstrate your skills through an independent research project.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Understanding Music | 20 |
| Music in History and Culture | 20 |
| Music Research Skills | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Composition | 20 |
| Performance | 20 |
| Ensemble Performance | 20 |
| Sound, Technology, and Music | 20 |
| Introduction to the Music Business | 10 |
| Introduction to the Psychology of Music | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Interpreting Music | 20 |
| Music in the Judeo-Christian Tradition | 20 |
| British Music and National Identity | 20 |
| Music, Culture, Politics: the Long Sixties | 20 |
| The Tools of Music Making | 20 |
| Music and Culture in Late Seventeenth-Century London | 20 |
| Duke Ellington and the Twentieth-Century Jazz Environment | 20 |
| Composition | 20 |
| Performance | 20 |
| Ensemble Performance | 20 |
| Aesthetics and Criticism | 20 |
| Music Technology Skills and Techniques | 20 |
| Film-Score Creation and Production | 20 |
| Opera North: Opera in Practice | 20 |
| Studies in Conducting | 20 |
| Marketing for Musicians | 20 |
| Synthesizer Ensemble | 20 |
| The Psychology of Listening and Performance | 20 |
| Towards the Future: Skills in Context | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 40 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Analysing Music | 20 |
| The Supernatural in Opera | 20 |
| Music and Postcolonial Politics | 20 |
| Music as Performance: People, Bodies and Instruments | 20 |
| Composition | 40 |
| Ensemble Performance | 20 |
| Applied Project | 20 |
| Performance | 40 |
| Editing and Source Studies | 20 |
| Contemporary Aesthetics | 20 |
| Music Technology | 40 |
| Music in the Real World | 20 |
| Opera North: Opera in Practice | 20 |
| Music Psychology | 40 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Academics in the School of Music are leading practitioners and researchers, carrying out research which directly informs their teaching.
To help you benefit from their expertise, a variety of learning and teaching methods are used. Depending on the modules you choose, these are likely to include lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as online learning tasks, solo and ensemble rehearsals, studio time for composition and technology, and lab work in music psychology.
Independent study is also an important part of the degree, since this is where you will develop your analytical and research skills. Our experienced technicians and tutors are on hand to help if you need them, and you’ll have access to our expert instrumental and vocal teachers if you are studying performance.
You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will meet with you individually at least twice a year, and tutorial support for your other modules is always available on request. All staff have office hours where you can drop in and ask for help if you need it. There is extensive support for students offered through the library's skills programme.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use different types of assessment, depending on the modules you choose. You will complete exams and essays, but you may also be assessed through performances, project work, composition portfolios, presentations, concert reviews and recordings.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
If these don't include A level Music, we would normally expect an essay/discursive subject and evidence of Musical Literacy.
GCSE: usually 5 at A-C, including English at Grade C/4 or above
Other course specific tests:
If you have taken Music, practical grades are not a requirement for this programme. However, if you want to study performance, you’ll need a minimum of ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall or Rockschool Grade 8 merit/grade 7 distinction (or demonstrate that you are of equivalent standard by the time you arrive in Leeds).
Students taking the EPQ may also be made an alternative offer.
We typically interview all eligible applicants.
We're committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background. We consider alternative profiles and experience as long as you can demonstrate that you're suitable for the programme. We welcome applications from mature students and entry requirements can be flexible in these cases.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
In Music with 60 credits overall, with at least 45 credits at level 3 to include 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit
BTEC
DDD in a music specialism with evidence of musical literacy.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2
International Baccalaureate
35 overall (6 at higher level in Music)
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers.
Welsh Baccalaureate
We can consider the Individual Project Element of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, and offer ABB for example + Distinction in the IP, (instead of AAB).
Other Qualifications
Cypriot: pass in the Apolytirion with a minimum of 19 overall, including 19 in Music (other music qualifications will be considered) and 17 in English, plus at least one A level at grade B or above (or equivalent)
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
If you would like to study arts, humanities, and cultures at university, but don't currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree, you might be eligible to apply for the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year course.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Music Undergraduate Admissions Team.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £24,000 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Next steps
Suitable candidates will be invited for an online interview as part of the selection process. Interviews usually take place between November and March.
Admissions tutors will consider your experience, skills and knowledge in relation to the academic demands of the course. If you’re predicted grades lower than AAB, or don’t hold standard entry qualifications, the interview is particularly important for demonstrating your musical experience, skills and knowledge, and ability to talk about music critically.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
This course is taught by
Contact us
School of Music Undergraduate Admissions
Email: musicug@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
The BA Music course will allow you to develop a wide range of subject knowledge and skills; you’ll also gain transferable skills which are very attractive to employers.
You’ll be a good communicator who is able to collaborate and work well in a team, but you’ll also be confident working independently. You’ll have the chance to develop analytical, research and organisational skills.
Graduates from the School of Music have gone on to succeed in fields such as composing (e.g. films such as Shaun the Sheep), performing (one of our graduates is part of Grammy award winning group Snarky Puppy), arts administration and education. Others work in business, media, management, law, music therapy and psychology. May also progress to postgraduate study either at Leeds or elsewhere.
We run a series of careers events every year in collaboration with the University Careers Centre to help you explore your options.
Our mentoring scheme connects you with graduates working in music and music-related industries.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
During your second year you’ll be able to apply to transfer to our BA Music (International) programme. This allows you to extend your degree by a year and spend your third year studying at one of our many partner universities worldwide.
It’s a great opportunity to enhance your CV and gain a new perspective on your studies, as well as deepening your cultural awareness through more varied experience. In addition to being a highlight of your degree, it can give you real confidence in a competitive job market.
Find out more about studying abroad.
Work placements
You’ll have the option to extend your programme by a year to spend your third year working in the music industry. It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and contacts – and some students go on to work for their placement companies after they graduate.
Internship opportunities have included placements with major music organisations such as Warner Music, English National Opera, and the Leeds International Concert Season, but you can also explore placements such as music therapy, education, orchestral or band management, in the UK or abroad. In recent years students have taken placements in organisations such as Faber Music, Grand Union Orchestra, and Scottish Opera. One graduate has recently opened the New York office of WilKatPR, following a placement with the company.
Read more about Year in Industry.
Student profile: Alex Lewis
I would highly recommend students to study this course. The modules are fantastic and diverse, with plenty of options for performance based or academic subjects.Find out more about Alex Lewis's time at Leeds