Program Overview

Music BA

The Music BA course at the University of Leeds is a flexible program that enables students to shape their learning around areas of music that interest and excite them. The course draws on music from various genres, styles, cultural and social contexts, and geographic locations to explore key concepts, theories, and approaches.

Course Overview

Students will develop their skills as creative, critical, and reflective thinkers, gaining the tools and experience needed to be independent workers and musicians. The course allows students to personalize their learning by choosing optional modules from a broad range of areas, including aesthetics, analysis, contemporary composition, film music, music business, musicology, music psychology, music technology, performance, and popular music.

Year Structure

The course is divided into three years, each with its own set of compulsory and optional modules.

Year 1

• Music and Society (20 credits): This module supports the development of research and practice-research skills, exploring music in historical and contemporary contexts.
• Materials of Music (20 credits): This module brings music theory into the 21st century, encountering materials of music and music theory from across the globe.
• Collaborative Performance (20 credits): This module develops collaborative learning skills, confidence, and understanding of music's relationship to wellbeing.
• Optional modules (20 credits each) in areas such as:
  • Contemporary Composition
  • Film Music
  • Music Business
  • Music Psychology
  • Music Technology
  • Performance
  • Popular Music

Year 2

• Researching Music (20 credits): This module develops musicological, practice-based, and empirical research techniques.
• Towards the Future: Skills in Context (20 credits): This module provides an opportunity to think about applying knowledge and expertise outside university studies.
• Optional modules (20 credits each) in areas such as:
  • Aesthetics
  • Collaborative Performance
  • Contemporary Composition
  • Film Music
  • Music Business
  • Music Psychology
  • Music Technology
  • Notation Studies
  • Performance

Year 3

• Independent Research Project (40 credits): This module allows students to explore an area of music of their own choosing.
• Music Beyond Graduation (20 credits): This module examines the application of expertise in music beyond studies.
• Optional modules (20 credits each) in areas such as:
  • Collaborative Performance
  • Contemporary Composition
  • Critical Theory
  • Music Analysis
  • Music Business
  • Musicology
  • Music Psychology
  • Music Technology
  • Performance

Learning and Teaching

The course uses a range of inclusive, active, and student-centered approaches to learning and teaching, including rehearsals, performance classes, taught and self-directed sessions, workshops, and practice-based sessions.

Assessment

Assessment methods include written assignments, creative outputs and portfolios, recitals and performances, presentations, project work, and online assessments.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAB, with a discursive subject and evidence of musical literacy.
• BTEC: DDD.
• Other qualifications: Access to HE Diploma, Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, Welsh Baccalaureate.

Fees

• UK: Ł9,790 per year.
• International: Ł28,750 per year.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Music from the University of Leeds equips students with valuable subject knowledge, cultural and social awareness, and a strong balance of musical and transferable skills. Graduates can pursue careers in the music industry, including performing, composing, teaching, arts management, and music therapy, as well as in other sectors such as business, law, and media.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

Students have the opportunity to apply for a study abroad year or a work placement year, which can enhance their CV, gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in their chosen sector, and build professional contacts.

Related Courses

• Music with Enterprise BA
• Music, Multimedia and Electronics BSc
• Music and Music Technology BA
• Music (Performance) BMus
• Music and Music Psychology BA