Philosophy and Music (BA)

Program Overview

On this joint BA Philosophy and Music degree, you’ll engage with some of the biggest questions in Western philosophy while developing advanced skills in musical performance, composition and analysis. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of both subjects, and have the freedom to pursue your own interests through optional modules covering topics as varied as existentialism, studio techniques and 19th century Italian opera. You'll also get to spend a

placement year

This degree will give you an excellent education in philosophy and music. In your degree you can:

You’ll be taught in small groups in a relaxed and friendly environment, and benefit from the expertise of both visiting performers and academic staff whose researches feed directly into the course content.

You can also improve your musical skills and performance through:

You can take modules from other disciplines such as anthropology or psychology, studying a language, or choosing from a range of cross-disciplinary modules.

Program Outline

You’ll have the freedom to shape your degree to suit your interests by choosing modules from a wide range of options, including modules outside philosophy and music.

You don't need to choose your modules when you apply - your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your studies, by selecting:

Year 1 overview

Compulsory modules give you a strong foundation in the philosophical concepts of:

The compulsory modules will give you a springboard to choose your own areas of interest through optional modules. By choosing carefully, you’ll achieve a fascinating combination of philosophy and music.

You can learn the fundamentals of analysis, counterpoint and harmony - core principles of Western tonal music. You can go on to choose from an array of options, including 20th century music, Greek philosophy or musical technology.

There are also ample opportunities for individual or group tuition so that you can lift your own performance to a new level, or be exposed to a new discipline such as conducting.

Year 2 overview

Your knowledge is extended in the second part by a further compulsory module in the history of philosophy.

In addition, you'll take seven optional modules in philosophy and music, allowing you to build the course around your developing interests. Topics include moral philosophy, aesthetics, epistemology, philosophy of religion and logic.

Year 3 overview

You’ll consolidate your knowledge and skills by writing a philosophy dissertation or doing research into music. The topic may be musical (historical, analytical, critical) or it may relate music to another art or discipline (for example,  music and architecture, acoustics, psychology of music).

You can choose make your own performance part of your research project.

A module on commercial composition allows you to work closely with a course tutor to in one-to-one tutorials to develop a portfolio of original work.

You’ll also select further optional modules. These usually cover topics which academic staff are actively researching, introducing you to the latest thinking. Options include studying the work of Nietzsche or Heidegger or looking at classical Indian or Islamic philosophy.

There are also opportunities to get involved in local performances and to add to your CV by gaining work experience in schools.

Want more detail?

See all the modules in the course.