Music
UCAS code W300
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
As one of the most vibrant musical cities in the world, and a former Capital of Culture, there is no better place to study Music than Liverpool. We are intrinsically connected to the city, working closely with musical and cultural partners, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. This particular partnership extends across the spectrum of our activities, with the Orchestra’s musicians making frequent visits to campus to provide lessons, coaching, and workshops.
Introduction
The BA Music develops an in-depth and critical historical understanding of classical music repertoires, cultures, and practices. Some modules are practical, concerned with musical performance, composition and orchestration, or creative music technology; while others focus on classical music history or music theory. There are also options in areas such as music psychology, audio-visual media (films and video games), and vocational options.
The nature of the programme will vary according to your module choices. In year one, core modules develop theory skills that will be useful for composition and performance, while the study of music history explores key musical milestones and the nature of music histories and how they are written. You will also have the opportunity to study or investigate areas that may be new to you (such as film music, jazz, technology, composition, world music and many more). Flexibility is our guiding principal, which means that you have a wide-range of modules to choose from that run the full spectrum of musical endeavour.
In your second and final years, you will focus in more depth on fewer selected topics, either concentrating solely on classical music modules or retaining the option to pursue one or two modules in technology or popular music if you wish. Specialist topics can be studied alongside advanced level historical, theoretical, performance or composition modules. In the final year, there is a particular emphasis on specialism and an extended or independent project (such as a dissertation, major composition portfolio or extended recital).
Year in industry
Undergraduate students in the Department of Music have the opportunity to spend a year in industry, either in their third year, or by adding a ‘follow-on year’ at the end of their academic studies. These are paid placements within an organisation in industry, broadly defined, and you will receive support from the Department and the School of the Arts to source and apply for opportunities. Find out more about the difference between these options, including how to apply.
What you'll learn
- A critical understanding of music from a wide range of aesthetic, cultural and social perspectives
- A detailed understanding of Western Classical (and some other) music repertoires
- Advanced proficiency in performance, and composition
- Academic research skills
- Critical and cultural awareness
- The ability to devise and sustain complex arguments
- Written and oral communication and presentation
- Creativity
- Time management and organisations skills
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In year 1, students:
•Must take at least one from: MUSI180, MUSI181
•May take a maximum of one from 104, 107, 140, 182 (Popular Music options)
•May not take both Classical Performance and Popular Performance.
Your optional modules must include either MUSI180 or MUSI181, and no more than one from MUSI104, MUSI140, and MUSI182.
You may not take both classical performance and popular performance.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC HISTORY (MUSI130) | 15 |
| MUSIC AS AN INDUSTRY (MUSI150) | 15 |
| MUSIC IN CONTEXTS: WHY MUSIC MATTERS (MUSI121) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
You will choose your modules from a wide range of options. If you are taking the year in industry pathway, you will be required to take SOTA260.
There may be some restrictions on which modules can be taken in conjunction with others, which will be explained during module registration.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final year
You will undertake a major independent project in research, performance, composition or technology. The rest of your modules will be chosen from a range of options.
There may be some restrictions on which modules can be taken in conjunction with others, which will be explained during module registration.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Combined degree
Choosing this subject as a combined degree
In year one core modules look at classical music repertoire and analysis, while in years two and three you focus in more detail on the areas that interest you most (such as history, analysis, psychology, audio-visual, performance, or composition etc).
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
We employ a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, master classes, 1-2-1 instrumental lessons, ensemble coaching, and online tasks and projects. The emphasis is on student participation and interaction. We fit the most appropriate mode of teaching to the particular subject, conscious that the learning process needs to be enjoyable, enabling you to acquire useful and marketable skills and knowledge.
How you're assessed
Each module has an individually determined system of assessment (by coursework, written paper, test, recital, composition or technology portfolio, presentation or podcast, examination, and combinations of these), and we select the method that best suits the nature of the module.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC (including Music: B) |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM in Music. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma DM plus B in Music at A level (BTEC in Music can also be considered in lieu of A level Music); BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB including Music at A level. ABRSM Grade 8 in Music Theory acceptable in lieu of Music A level (this is in addition to three A levels). We cannot accept Rockschool Popular Music Theory in lieu of ABRSM Music Theory. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
Grade B, plus A level grades BB including Music. ABRSM Grade 8 in Music Theory acceptable in lieu of Music A level (this is in addition to three A levels). We cannot accept Rockschool Popular Music Theory in lieu of ABRSM Music Theory. |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit. Not acceptable without A level Music or Grade 8 Music Theory. We cannot accept Rockschool Popular Music Theory in lieu of ABRSM Music Theory. |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Year in industry
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
- Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
- Experience and understand workplace culture and discipline
- Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
- Begin your professional network
- Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
Learn more about year in industry
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Combine this subject
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
- Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
- Choose joint or major minor subjects
- Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
- Same number of credits as single honours students
- Same classes as single honours students
- Appeal to a wide range of employers
Your experience
Much of your teaching will take place in the Department of Music. Our recently renovated facilities include studios, teaching spaces and industry standard equipment, and we recently opened the Tung Auditorium: a 400-seat state of the art performance venue, which has been developed to support our requirements and to function as a public-facing space for concerts outside of teaching time.
Explore where you'll study
Studying Music at Liverpool
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why study Music at Liverpool?
- We pride ourselves on being an innovative department that embraces the full spectrum of music, from the great works of the past to emerging trends such as sound for computer games
- Our staff and students come from a variety of performance and non-performance backgrounds and share interests that span classical, popular, world and film music
- Long established as a classical music department, in 1988 we created the Institute of Popular Music – the world’s first specialist centre for the study of Popular Music
- Music placed in the top quartile for impact classified as outstanding (4*) (REF 2021)
- Our recently refurbished facilities boast brand new studios, teaching spaces, and industry standard equipment. These include recording and production studios, an SSL studio, practice rooms with Yamaha pianos, a multipurpose rehearsal and performance space, iMac suites and a games research lab
- In March 2022 we opened the Tung Auditorium, a new state-of-the-art performance venue seating up to 400 people, with space for a 70-piece orchestra.
The Music department at the University of Liverpool is friendly and welcoming and I felt that I could really fit in to that environment. I have felt so at home within this department that I have chosen to continue my studies in this department right through from undergraduate to PhD.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
Studying music opens up many career opportunities. As well as jobs in music (from performance, composition, and production, through to teaching, music therapy and community arts), employers in many sectors are increasingly seeking arts and humanities graduates for their transferable skills.
As a music student you will achieve creative flair and imagination, confidence in expressing yourself, an openness to new ideas, a capacity for hard work and an ability to analyse data. You will learn the value of working with others towards a shared, finished product and a whole range of flexible, professional skills.
As a student in the School of the Arts, you will be supported to maximise your employability from day one.
The School has its own placements and employability officer, and you will have the opportunity to undertake the following work experience opportunities:
- Work placement or a year in industry as part of your programme
- Work in our student-run record label to gain practical experience of all aspects of the music industry – from contract negotiation and project planning, through to promotion and distribution.
Meet our alumni
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Jake Dorfman, BA (Hons) Music for Special Needs 2014
Jake graduated in 2014, and is currently studying for a masters degree in Composition and Conducting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, whilst working as a composer, music director and jazz musician. In the two years between graduating and beginning my MMus, I worked as a Composer and Music Director, specialising in music […]
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The Liverpool Bursary
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Asylum Seekers Scholarship
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Estranged Students Bursary
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Nolan Scholarships
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Rigby Enterprise Award
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
ROLABOTIC Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions