Music and Music Technology BA

Course overview

Our BA Music and Music Technology course specialises in both music and music technology, and allows you to pursue other areas of musical interest.

The core of the course balances modules focused on music technology, electronic and computer music, with those drawing on musics from a range of genres, styles, cultures, and geographic locations to explore key concepts, theories and approaches. You’ll develop your skills as a creative, critical and reflective thinker, gaining the tools and experience needed to be an independent worker, musician and music technologist, ready for life after university.

Personalise your course

You can personalise your course in all years by choosing optional modules from a broad range of areas – including aesthetics, analysis, contemporary composition, film music, the music business, musicology, music psychology, performance (solo and collaborative) and popular music – enabling you to shape your degree to fit your interests and ambitions.

How will I learn?

You’ll study with academics who are experts in their fields, receive support from a dedicated technical team, and take lessons with a visiting professional specialist if you study solo performance. Across your course, you’ll engage with the latest research, explore a range of theoretical, creative and practical aspects of music and music technology, and develop a set of valuable subject-specific and transferrable skills.

You’ll have opportunities to work independently and collaboratively, developing your skills and knowledge in contexts that extend beyond the University environment. All these elements combine to provide you with an exciting and dynamic educational experience that’s unique to Leeds.

Why choose Leeds?

We are one of the largest schools of music in the country, which means you’ll benefit from the impressive range of specialisms within our curriculum, reflecting our ethos that music is music, regardless of genre or style. We attract a diverse body of students from across the UK and internationally, which gives the School a vibrant community and culture. Decolonisation, equality and inclusivity are embedded within our curriculum, so all our students can feel a sense of belonging in the School and can thrive on their course, no matter what their background and musical experience.

We work closely with our students, particularly through our active Student Staff Partnership Forum, to ensure that we offer the best possible experience to everyone studying in the School of Music.

Our Industrial Advisory Board – an invited body of professionals from across the professional music sector, including several alumni – actively supports the ongoing development of our courses to ensure they deliver the skills and opportunities our students need to prepare them for life after university.

The School of Music is part of a strong musical community at the University of Leeds, and there are numerous Leeds University Union (LUU) clubs and societies that offer opportunities to get involved in music and performance activities. The Leeds University Union Music Society (LUUMS) is one of the Union’s largest societies and boasts ten ensembles including orchestras, choirs, brass and wind ensembles, and a composers’ collective. Our students also often participate in other campus-based ensembles, including the Clothworkers Consort of Leeds (led by School of Music staff members) and Student Union performance societies

In the recent national Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) exercise, 93% of our research was considered to be ‘internationally excellent’ or better in terms of its originality, significance and rigour, with 56% rated as ‘world leading’ – the highest classification. Each of these measures places us within the top 10 Schools of Music in the country based on the REF 2021 results for the subject area.

Staff expertise

Our staff expertise feeds directly into our curriculum, with specialisms including:

• Applied music psychology

• Black, popular, independent and global musical cultures

• Contemporary and experimental composition

• Electronic and computer music

• Film music

• Historical musicology

• Music analysis

• Music and wellbeing

• Music industry and management

• Music technology in theory and practice

• Musical aesthetics and postcolonialism

• Opera

• Performance and performance practice

• Practice research in music and the arts

• Science and technology studies

The Clothworkers Concert Hall in the School of Music hosts our diverse International Concert Series, and the Students’ Union runs regular gigs. The city of Leeds provides numerous opportunities to engage with a wide variety of musics at venues including:

• Leeds First Direct Arena

• Leeds Grand Theatre

• Leeds Playhouse

• Leeds Town Hall

• O2 Academy Leeds

• Seven Arts

• The Brudenell Social Club

All these elements combine to make studying Music at the University of Leeds a distinctive and memorable experience that actively supports our students to pursue careers or future study within and beyond music.

Specialist facilities

The School of Music provides you with dedicated, purpose-built facilities including studios for sound recording, software development and computer-music composition, and a multiple-loudspeaker system, supplemented by a wide range of specialist software and recording equipment to help you with your studies. There are also rehearsal, performance and practice spaces, computer clusters, a lab for studying the psychology of music, and dedicated learning and teaching spaces.

At the heart of our School is the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, a beautiful performance space that hosts a large and varied programme of concerts in term time. You can attend events in the International Concert Series programme free of charge. The spacious Clothworkers Foyer is the School’s social hub, and doubles as a venue for popular music and informal performances, including the LUUMS ‘Friday Feature’ series.

We were the first Russell Group university to have All-Steinway status. Over £700,000 was invested in the pianos – a combination of uprights, baby grands and concert grands – and all 29 pianos in the School are Steinways. Our instrument collection also includes a specially commissioned gamelan, historic and modern keyboard instruments and a large selection of orchestral and world percussion.

Course details and modules

This programme is structured to give you a strong grounding in music and music technology, while also enabling you to develop your other interests through the selection of optional modules in various areas of music.

Year 1

During your first year, you’ll gain and develop core skills in studio recording and electronic music production, learn about musical research and practice, and engage with multiple ways of thinking about and understanding music. You’ll also choose some modules that focus on specific areas of music that are of interest to you or allow you to explore new areas.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll continue to develop your skills, applying your learning in new contexts. There is a strong emphasis on the relationship between theory and practice, and you’ll consider how you understand and evidence your experience and developing expertise in different contexts. You’ll study a core based around music, music technology and computer music, and be able to take modules in other areas of music that might connect with or differ from those taken in the first year, depending on your focus and future goals. You might complete a work placement or international year between your second and final years of study.

Year 3

The final year is centred around an independent project, enabling you to pursue a music or music technology topic of your own choosing. Your research project can take the form of an extended essay or a practical project (in music technology, composition, performance, musicology or music production), enabling you to focus on a topic that you want to pursue. You'll learn about creative applications of technology for sound and music production, allowing you to develop your technical and practical skills further. Alongside this you’ll take a module designed to support the development of creative skills or knowledge in a real world context as you transition from university to life beyond graduation. As with the earlier years of study, you’ll choose optional modules in areas of music that complement your project work and the skills you are developing, based on your individual interests.

The course is designed to equip you with a broad range of advanced musical, music-technological and transferrable skills, which were determined through consultation with our undergraduate students. You’ll cultivate and hone critical, applied, creative and communication skills, developing your cultural awareness and ability to make connections across disciplinary areas and contexts. You’ll strengthen personal attributes including confidence, self-reflection and resilience, and problem-solving skills such as adaptability and initiative. Through your degree you’ll learn to adopt a professional mindset and approach, with opportunities to demonstrate these qualities through collaborative, independent and extended projects.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Studio Recording (20 credits) – This module introduces you to the theory and practice of studio recording. You’ll study the work of a range of practitioners, enabling you to contextualise your own practice and gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which sound recording may be undertaken, and the impacts of the decisions taken during the process.

Electronic Music (20 credits) – On this module, you’ll be introduced to electronic music and start developing your own skills. Practical and theoretical approaches to creating electronic music will be related to key historical, technical and social developments, contextualising your learning and use of technology. The module will encourage you to adopt a creative, critical and self-reflective approach to the creation of electronic music.

Music and Society (20 credits)– This module supports the development of research and practice-research skills and sets you on the way to being a critical and creative thinker. Rather than offering a chronological overview of music history, the module provides a thematic exploration of music in historical and contemporary, Western and global contexts (including the specific and diverse musical culture of Leeds), and consideration of how musical practice reflects and shapes society. The development of academic research skills is integrated into this exploration, enabling you to thoroughly engage with the topics covered, to understand and address the challenges and arguments they present.

Materials of Music (20 credits) – This module brings music theory into the twenty-first century. You’ll encounter materials of music and music theory from across the globe in their cultural contexts – from jazz, popular music, and world musics to Western art music. The module does not assume familiarity with Western notation and harmony. Instead, you’ll develop your listening skills to put theory into practice by learning the fundamentals of improvisation across a variety of musical traditions.

Optional modules in areas of music such as (each 20 credits):

• Collaborative Performance

• Composition

• Film Music

• Music Industries

• Music Psychology

• Performance

• Popular Music

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Applied Music Technology (20 credits) – On this module, you'll explore applied music technology, contextualising your practice and situating it within broader approaches to music technology. You'll engage with topics such as sound synthesis, sound practice, music production and music-creation technologies, developing your applied, critical and problem-solving skills through collaborative practical work.

Computer Music (20 credits) – On this module, you’ll be introduced to computer music and start developing your own skills. Key historical, technical and social developments will contextualise practical approaches to creating contemporary experimental computer music to enhance your learning and use of technology. The module will introduce and develop your use of computer programming techniques for music, adopting a critical, creative and self-reflective approach to computer music.

Researching Music (20 credits) – Music is a multi-disciplinary subject, and musical research employs a diverse range of methods. On this module, members of staff draw on their own research projects to support your development of musicological (text-based, archival, analytical), practice-based (creative practice as research, applied research) and empirical (questionnaires, focus groups, interviews) research techniques, leading to you creating a proposal for your own research project.

Towards the Future: Skills in Context (20 credits) – This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to think about the ways in which your knowledge and expertise can be applied outside your university studies. You’ll be supported to secure an opportunity to volunteer or work in an external context, such as school education, or with a charity or community group. Alternatively, you could use experiences you are gaining through engagement with the Students’ Union or other on-campus activities. You’ll be encouraged to consider the relevance of your academic studies and skills beyond Higher Education, and reflect on how framing your studies within an external context can inform your learning and academic practice. The module will support you to reflect on your personal skills development and the ethical implications of working with external partners.

Optional modules in areas of music such as (each 20 credits):

• Music and Meaning

• Collaborative Performance

• Composition

• Creating Screen Music and Sound

• Marketing for the Music Industry

• Music Psychology

• Music and Politics

• Conducting and Musical Directing

• Performance

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Independent Research Project (40 credits) – This module gives you the chance to explore an area of music or music technology of your own choosing. You’ll identify and apply appropriate research methods to contextualise and answer your research questions through either a portfolio of practice (eg a recording project, development of software, compositions or orchestrations, a performance, etc.) with contextual materials, or an extended dissertation. Whichever approach you choose, you’ll work with a supervisor who will offer you guidance as you devise, manage and produce your independent project.

Creative Music Technology (20 credits) – This module is based around a series of case study topics in areas of staff expertise, such as installation design, diffusion, interactive music technology, and electronic musical instruments and technologies. You'll be supported to undertake research and practice in these specialist areas, enabling you to identify a suitable aspect of creative music technology to pursue in greater depth.

Music in Our World (20 credits) – This module provides an opportunity to examine the ways in which expertise in music can be applied beyond your studies. You’ll be encouraged to consider the relevance of your academic studies and skills beyond Higher Education and to reflect on how framing your studies within an external context can inform your learning and academic practice. Working in a small group on a project commission, you’ll respond to a brief provided by either an external partner or an academic researcher. The nature of the outputs will depend on the specific needs of each project and may involve research and analysis, curating an exhibition or event, creating online resources, or developing a project plan for a musical intervention.

Optional modules in areas of music such as (each 20 credits):

• Collaborative Performance

• Composition

• Musical Acoustics

• Music and Meaning

• Digital Marketing for the Music Industries

• Music and Politics

• Music Psychology

• Performance

Optional modules in each year of study are presented in ‘baskets’ from which you may choose up to two, with no more than one from a basket. Very few modules have pre-requisites, meaning that as you progress through your degree you can craft your own path that aligns with your musical interests and ambitions.

Learning and teaching

Academics in the School of Music are experts in their fields, and their activities inform their teaching directly. We use a range of inclusive, active and student-centred approaches to learning and teaching to engage you in your course and support you to develop your knowledge, understanding, and skills. Depending on the modules you choose, your learning and teaching methods may include taught and self-directed sessions in studios and computer clusters, workshops and practice-based sessions, and rehearsals and performance classes, as well as lectures, seminars, tutorials and other small-group learning classes. You may also have one-to-one instrumental/vocal lessons with a specialist teacher as part of the performance modules.

Taught sessions are only a part of university learning, and on many of our modules you’ll be supplied with online learning resources designed to work in tandem with classroom sessions. Some modules may require you to engage with videos, podcasts, readings or other activities before class sessions, with some of the classroom time devoted to debate, discussion and deeper learning based on how students have interpreted the online materials. Your learning experience will offer opportunities for collaboration – a key aspect of music and the arts – and peer learning, as well as fostering a culture of reflection and self-awareness. Independent study is also an important part of your course, and you’ll develop your critical, creative and research skills through time spent in the University Library, practice rooms and studios, depending on your module choices.

We support your learning in several ways. Resources are made available through our virtual learning environment, Minerva, you can seek assistance as required from our experienced technical staff and your Academic Personal Tutor, and there is extensive support for students offered through the academic skills programme at the University Library. Additionally, all staff have office hours when they are available should you have questions, or you need to ask for help. We also work closely with the University’s Language Centre to ensure that international students are fully supported and able to thrive on our courses.

Fieldwork

Elements of local fieldwork may be embedded in a range of modules that take you outside teaching spaces as part of the learning experience. The second-year module Towards the Future: Skills in Context requires you to undertake work or volunteering activity, starting the connection between your studies and life beyond university. You might also undertake fieldwork through module activities such as sound recording in external locations, composition sessions designed to capture and work with sounds in natural environments, performance activities in off-campus venues, or trips to local music and performance venues to inform understanding of management, acoustics or other aspects of music.

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 a variety of assessment methods, each of which is chosen to best measure your achievement of a module’s learning outcomes and associated skills, so you and we can understand and support your progress and development. Depending on the modules you choose, you are likely to encounter a mix of written assignments (eg essays, reports, reviews, reflective logs), creative outputs and portfolios (eg compositions, technology projects, recordings, notation assignments), recitals and performances, presentations, project work, and online assessments. Some assignments will be completed individually, some collaboratively, and some may require elements of group working leading to individual submissions.

You might be given a brief, question or problem to be addressed, or you may have scope to determine your own question or approach under the guidance of a member of staff. You’ll be given clear instructions regarding the assessment requirements and criteria, and you’ll receive feedback on your work to support your learning as you progress through your course. Assessments will usually require you to synthesise and evaluate learning from multiple taught sessions and learning resources (eg a module’s lectures, seminars, set readings and other online resources), and you should think of your course as a whole, and apply your learning across your modules. Creative and practical work may offer you the chance to take risks and experiment with new ideas and concepts, and in all cases we encourage you to challenge yourself, think critically and creatively, move as far beyond your comfort zone as you can, and reflect on your working process and achievement.

Our assessments are designed to be fair and inclusive, to engage you intellectually and to help prepare you for life beyond university through the development of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB. We also welcome BTEC applicants with DDM.

If A levels or equivalent qualifications do not include Music, we would normally expect a discursive subject and evidence of musical literacy.

Other course specific tests:

Practical grades in music are not a requirement for this programme. However, if you want to study on solo performance modules, you will need a minimum of ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall or Rockschool Grade 7 (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. This would typically be BBB + A in the EPQ for students taking A-levels, for example.

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

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 a contextual 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.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level or DMM at BTEC, and pass Access to Leeds.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

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: £10,050

International: To be confirmed

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790 and £10,050 for students starting in 2027/28.  

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Additional cost information

Equipment and materials costs

You’ll need to cover the cost of a (non-programmable) scientific calculator (approximate cost: up to £10). All specialist software required for your programme can be accessed through our Computer Clusters and Studios.

If you are enrolled on optional Performance modules you’ll continue to be liable for covering ongoing costs of insuring and maintaining your own instrument and buying instrument-specific materials such as reeds, strings, etc. These costs are variable depending on the type of instrument and the nature of the maintenance required. You’ll have access to a good supply of sheet music that is available in the University libraries. Additional sheet music required for Performance modules can usually be ordered through the library; however, for final-year recitals, you might need to purchase your own repertoire (costs for this are variable).

Reading materials

You’ll have access to a good supply of books, academic journals, periodicals, etc., that are available in the University libraries. You’ll also have online access to an extensive range of reading resources. You might decide, however, to purchase required books that are recommended on your programme.

Study trips and placements

There may also be the opportunity for optional study trips and individual projects / placements. Costs will depend on the project / placement undertaken, and on the nature and location of each trip.

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

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 may also 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.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Music

Contact us

School of Music Undergraduate Admissions

Email: musicug@leeds.ac.uk

Career opportunities

A degree in Music and Music Technology from the University of Leeds equips you with valuable subject knowledge, cultural and social awareness, and a strong balance of musical, technological and transferrable skills. We worked with our undergraduate students to identify a skillset that all our graduates will develop across their courses, and we continue to review these attributes with the student body and our Industrial Advisory Board to ensure they meet the needs of students as they leave university.

Skills such as communication, leadership, time and resource management, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are particularly attractive to employers, and you’ll also be able to demonstrate the flexibility, resilience and confidence needed to adapt to new situations and environments. Your musical knowledge will bring your critical, creative, research and problem-solving abilities to the fore, and you’ll be able to articulate how the experience gained through your degree has prepared you for whatever comes next, be that work or further study.

Our courses equip our graduates to work in a wide range of areas within the music industry, including:

• Performing

• Composing and music production

• Teaching, lecturing and coaching

• Studio and sound engineering

• Arts, artist, project and event management

• PR

• Creative production

• Theatrical stage direction and musical direction

• Music supervision

• Music publishing and copyright

• Marketing and digital marketing

• Arts research

• Music therapy

Our graduates also use the skills developed through their Music degree to pursue careers in other sectors, including business, chartered surveying, data management, healthcare, law, management and media, and many progress to postgraduate study in Music or a related discipline, including continuing to Masters study here at Leeds.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.

• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.

• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.

• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

During your second year, you’ll have the opportunity to apply to transfer onto our BA Music and Music Technology (International) variant and extend your degree by a year, spending your third year studying at one of our many partner universities worldwide. The University has over 300 University exchange partnerships worldwide, including many of the world’s top-ranking institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, East and South-East Asia, South Africa and Latin America.

The University also has a ‘Horizon Year Abroad’ scheme with selected partner institutions in Africa, Asia and Latin America. On the Horizon scheme the focus is on developing linguistic and intercultural competencies, and you’re not limited to taking modules in your degree subject.

Studying abroad is a great opportunity to enhance your CV and gain a new perspective on your studies, as well as deepening your cultural awareness through a 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 at the Study Abroad website.

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement year as part of the course.

It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation.

Our Employability Team will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas

• Build industry contacts within your chosen field

• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers

• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice

• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry

• Improve your employability

Find out more about Industrial placements