Program Overview

Introduction to the Music BA (Hons) Program

The Music BA (Hons) program at the University of Liverpool is a comprehensive undergraduate degree that delves into the world of music, exploring its historical, cultural, and practical aspects. This program is designed for students who are passionate about music and wish to pursue a career in this field.

Program Structure

The program is structured over three years, with each year building upon the previous one to provide a thorough understanding of music. The first year focuses on introducing students to the fundamentals of music theory, history, and practice. In the second and third years, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas that interest them the most, such as classical music, popular music, music technology, or music psychology.

Year One Modules

• Introduction to Classical Music History (MUSI130): This module provides a solid foundation in the history of Western art music from the Baroque era onwards.
• Music as an Industry (MUSI150): Students are introduced to the structure, history, and contemporary challenges of the music industries.
• Making Music in Culture (MUSI121): This module explores how music is created, composed, produced, disseminated, and received across different cultures and contexts.
• Foundations of Music Theory (MUSI181): A constructive course in music theory for all musicians, covering scales, modes, diatonic chords, and more.
• Introduction to Digital Audio Workstations (MUSI109): An introduction to MIDI sequencing in Logic Pro and Ableton Live.
• Introduction to Popular Music History (MUSI140): An overview of key developments in Anglo-American popular music.
• Classical Performance 1 (MUSI102): Develops students' performance skills with an emphasis on technique and awareness of reflection, score analysis, and historical performance practices.
• Popular Performance 1 (MUSI104): Focuses on developing practical performance skills in popular music contexts.

Year Two Modules

• Classical Performance 2A (MUSI201): Continues to develop students' performance skills with a focus on technique and historical performance practices.
• Early Musical Cultures from the Islamicate Court to the English Reformation (MUSI219): Introduces students to a wide range of early musical cultures.
• Exploring Harmony, Chord Progression and Pitch (MUSI280): Examines how harmony, chord progressions, and pitch are organized in different musical repertoires.
• Foley and Sound Design (MUSI208): Covers the basics of foley and sound design for film and video games.
• Global Pop: Popular Musics of the World (MUSI261): Explores popular music from around the world, focusing on its cultural, social, and historical contexts.
• Live Sound (MUSI214): Introduces students to live sound technology and practical skills needed for operating a live sound system.
• Max and Ableton Live (MUSI209): Students learn to create electronic music using Ableton Live and Max for Live.
• Music in Gaming (MUSI273): Examines the function and design of music in video games.

Year Three Modules

• Aesthetics of Music (MUSI320): Explores the philosophical underpinnings of music and its aesthetic dimensions.
• Composing Electronic Music (MUSI308): Students learn to compose electronic music using various software and techniques.
• From Hardware-Hacking to Hyper-Instruments (MUSI318): Introduces students to the world of experimental electronic music and instrument design.
• Jazz (MUSI341): A module focused on the history, theory, and practice of jazz music.
• Popular Performance Contexts (MUSI303): Develops students' understanding of popular music performance in different contexts.
• Record Label Recording, Production and Project Planning (MUSI314): Provides practical experience in running a record label, including recording, production, and project planning.
• Self-Management for the Music Industries (MUSI319): Equips students with the skills necessary for self-management in the music industry.

Admission Requirements

• A Levels: ABB including A level grade B in Music or ABRSM Grade 8 in Music Theory at Pass.
• T Levels: Not currently accepted.
• GCSE: 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics.
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: Applications are encouraged, with offers made at DDM.
• International Baccalaureate: 33 including Higher Level 6 in Music, with no score less than 4.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, or equivalent.

Fees and Funding

• UK Fees: Ł9,790 per year for full-time study, with reduced fees for year in industry and year abroad.
• International Fees: Ł27,000 per year for full-time study.
• Scholarships and Bursaries: Various scholarships are available, including the Liverpool Bursary, Asylum Seekers Scholarship, and subject-specific scholarships.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Music BA (Hons) program can pursue a wide range of careers in the music industry, including performance, composition, music production, teaching, and music therapy. The program's emphasis on developing transferable skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and communication also prepares students for careers in related fields like arts management, journalism, and education.