Music and Philosophy

Program Overview

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Music and Philosophy

Be inspired in a beautiful location to develop your musical knowledge, while opening your mind to the fascinating world of philosophy.

Start Dates

• September 2026
• September 2025

Degree Type

BA

Course Length

3 years full-time

Location

Durham City

UCAS Code

WV53

Typical Offers

• A Level: AAB
• BTEC: DDD
• International Baccalaureate: 36

Course Details

The BA Music and Philosophy enables you to pursue your interest in both disciplines and explore the fascinating intersection between them. You will be part of two particularly vibrant departments. Located at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham offers the perfect juxtaposition of the ancient and the cutting-edge.

We pride ourselves on combining the traditional and the modern in the study of music, exploring diverse genres from the past and present and developing exciting new approaches in musicology, composition, psychology of music, analysis, ethnomusicology, and performance.

As part of the philosophy element of the course, you will examine the broad divisions of philosophy, delving into metaphysics and theory of knowledge on the one hand, and moral philosophy on the other. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.

In the first year, you will take a variety of core and optional modules designed to give you a broad overview of the disciplines and approaches of each subject.

In the second year, there is an increased emphasis on the development of critical and analytical skills, and the modules will specialise more strongly in particular areas.

The third year of this course is structured around an independent project, which can take the form of a composition portfolio, public performance recital, or dissertation (in either music or philosophy).

Course Structure

Year 1 Modules

Core Modules:

• Historical Studies 1: introduces the historical study of the Western art music tradition, covering music from the baroque to late classical periods.
• Ethics and Values: provides a structured introduction to moral philosophy, including applied ethics, by exploring key moral concepts and showing how they influence moral practices and theories.
• Knowledge and Reality: introduces philosophical problems in epistemology (the study of knowledge) and metaphysics (the study of reality and ourselves).

Optional Modules:

• In recent years, optional modules have included:
  • Introduction to Ethnomusicology
  • Analysis 1: Elements of Tonal Theory and Practice
  • Historical Composition Techniques
  • Composition 1: 20th Century Innovations
  • Performance 1 – with recital/with essay
  • Reading Philosophy
  • Science, Medicine and Society
  • Being Human: An Introduction to Post-Kantian Philosophy

Year 2 Modules

Core Modules:

• Philosophy, Music and Improvisation: introduces the relationship between music and philosophy and explores the philosophical issues to which music gives rise, how music may illuminate some of those issues, and how philosophy may illuminate the understanding of music.

Optional Modules:

• In recent years, optional modules have included:
  • Historical Studies 2
  • World Music Traditions
  • Studies in Popular Music
  • Creative Music Technology
  • Early Modern Philosophy
  • Moral Theory
  • Fundamentals of Logic
  • History, Science and Medicine

Year 3 Modules

Core Modules:

• Portfolio of Compositions, Public Performance Project, or Dissertation (in either music or philosophy).
• Aesthetics: provides a grounding in the philosophy of art and literature by introducing some historically important texts as well as more recent work.

Optional Modules:

• In recent years, optional modules have included:
  • Portfolio of Compositions
  • Contemporary Music Performance
  • Performance 3: Recorded Performance Project
  • Psychology of Music
  • Biomedical Ethics: Past and Present
  • History and Philosophy of Psychiatry
  • Philosophical Issues in Contemporary Science

Additional Pathways

Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway. Places on these pathways are in high demand, and if you are chosen, your studies will extend from three years to four or four to five, depending on the course.

Learning

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, and performance and composition workshops. The number and balance of these activities will change over the degree as you develop your knowledge and abilities as an independent learner.

For each module, weekly lectures will introduce you to the broad questions and current issues. Seminars/tutorials will give you the opportunity to engage with topics introduced in lectures, discuss key issues in small groups, and explore musical and philosophical works.

Instrumental/vocal lessons will help you develop as a performer, while composition seminars/workshops will allow you to explore approaches to composing. Study skills and practical training in areas like notation software, recording equipment, and transcribing music are embedded within the modules.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a variety of means, including continuous assessment, examinations, and recitals.

Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on the development of independent research skills. Teaching methods and coursework are designed to help you achieve this; for example, you will receive reading lists, assignments, presentation briefs, and online materials to direct your research in preparation for seminars.

In your third year, you will undertake a major project which can be a dissertation, composition portfolio, or a solo recital.

Entry Requirements

• A level offer: AAB, including a B in Music. ABRSM Grade 6 Theory is acceptable in lieu of A level Music alongside 3 A levels.
• Contextual offer: BBB/ABC, including a B in Music. ABRSM Grade 6 Theory is acceptable in lieu of A level Music alongside 3 A levels.
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DDD, plus Music requirements as above.
• IB Diploma score: 36, with 665 in higher level subjects, including Music.

Fees and Funding

The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full-time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase expected to rise throughout the programme of study.

Career Opportunities

Music

We are one of the very best music departments in the UK, with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and employability of our students. Our students benefit from passionate guidance from our staff and alumni, as well as support from our Careers and Enterprise Centre.

Our students graduate with a range of skills which open up many opportunities for employment or further study. Graduates from the Department have gone on to work in diverse careers in the music industry and beyond, including education, music teaching, arts administration, broadcasting, music production, artist management, and journalism.

Philosophy

Philosophical training will equip you with a range of theoretical and transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, project management, presenting, and researching, that will be of value to employers across a range of industries.

Our graduates work in a vast range of employment sectors worldwide, including law, the Civil Service and politics, management, public relations, teaching, journalism, media, and publishing, marketing, retail, and business, IT, and financial services. Examples of recent employers include Penguin, Random House Publishing, Save the Children, Amnesty International, and .

Department Information

Music

The Department of Music is a vibrant and welcoming community focused on hosting and supporting enriching musical experiences. Join us and develop your creative, practical, and critical skills in one of the best music departments in the UK.

Durham is one of the leading university music departments in the UK, offering innovative courses that are informed by our internationally recognised research. When you study with us, you will be encouraged to engage actively with music, both familiar and unfamiliar, as we challenge you to think about the subject in new ways.

Our curriculum strikes a distinctive balance between breadth and depth, covering perspectives from history, theory, ethnography, psychology, as well as composition and performance.

The curriculum will challenge you intellectually, stimulate your curiosity, and equip you with the skills to produce an independent project that engages with the latest research in your chosen area of study. In the first year, teaching will revolve around six foundational areas. As you progress through the course, there will be increasing choice and flexibility, including study options from other departments. To further develop your skills, we offer the opportunity to spend a year studying at an overseas music department or on a work placement.

By the end of your studies, you will be equipped with the theoretical, practical, and independent research skills necessary for further study or future employment.

Philosophy

Gain a deeper understanding of this complex world and change your outlook on life with this ancient and fascinating intellectual discipline. Philosophy at Durham covers many of the profound and important questions that arise in all areas of human life.

Philosophy is an ancient and diverse discipline that is fundamental to our understanding of what it is to be human. Amongst the most prestigious departments in the UK, at Durham, we pride ourselves on our excellence in teaching and research and we are committed to the pursuit of philosophical knowledge and understanding. Our distinctive, research-led approach to learning means that our undergraduate courses are constantly shaped in line with research and to reflect contemporary study in the area.

We offer a range of single and joint honours degrees with flexible pathways to suit your interests and career aspirations. As well as covering more traditional areas of philosophy, such as ethics and values, philosophical traditions, and moral theory, our curriculum also highlights the relevance of philosophy to current issues in the world. This includes modules relating to the ethics of science and medicine. You can further develop your skills and experience with the opportunity to spend a year studying overseas or on a work placement.

Rankings

• 3rd The Complete University Guide 2025
• 8th The Guardian University Guide 2025
• 2nd The Times and Sunday Time Good University Guide 2025

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see our department web pages.

Facilities

We are located at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Durham City, right next to Durham Cathedral and Palace Green.

Program Outline

Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham offers a unique blend of the ancient and the cutting-edge. The program combines traditional and modern approaches in music studies, encompassing historical, theoretical, and practical perspectives. The philosophy element delves into metaphysics, moral philosophy, and knowledge.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of both music and philosophy.
• Foster critical and analytical skills.
• Encourage independent research and project development.
• Prepare graduates for diverse career opportunities or further studies.

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Program Description:

The Music and Philosophy BA program features a balanced curriculum covering both disciplines. The first year introduces foundational areas in music and philosophy. Subsequent years offer increased specialization and flexibility, including optional modules from other departments. Students can also opt for a placement year or a year abroad to enhance their experience.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program focuses on:

• Music: Historical studies, composition, performance, music theory, ethnomusicology, music technology.
• Philosophy: Metaphysics, moral philosophy, epistemology, logic, applied ethics.

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Program Structure:

• Year 1: Core modules focusing on foundational areas in music and philosophy.
• Year 2: Increased specialization and flexibility with optional modules.
• Year 3: Independent project (composition portfolio, public performance, dissertation).

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Course Schedule:

Weekly lectures, seminars, tutorials, instrumental/vocal tuition, performance workshops.

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Modules:

• Year 1:
• Historical Studies 1
• Ethics and Values
• Knowledge and Reality
• Introduction to Ethnomusicology (optional)
• Analysis 1: Elements of Tonal Theory and Practice (optional)
• Historical Composition Techniques (optional)
• Composition 1: 20th Century Innovations (optional)
• Performance 1 (optional)
• Reading Philosophy (optional)
• Science, Medicine and Society (optional)
• Being Human: An Introduction to Post-Kantian Philosophy (optional)
• Year 2:
• Philosophy, Music and Improvisation
• Historical Studies 2 (optional)
• World Music Traditions (optional)
• Studies in Popular Music (optional)
• Creative Music Technology (optional)
• Early Modern Philosophy (optional)
• Moral Theory (optional)
• Fundamentals of Logic (optional)
• History, Science and Medicine (optional)
• Year 3:
• Portfolio of Compositions
• Public Performance Project
• Dissertation in Music or Philosophy
• Aesthetics

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Continuous assessment
• Examinations
• Recitals

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Assessment Criteria:

• Depth of understanding
• Critical analysis
• Communication skills
• Research ability
• Project execution

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• One-to-one supervision
• Instrumental/vocal lessons
• Performance workshops

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Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced and passionate staff from the Music and Philosophy departments.

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Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on independent research
• Interdisciplinary learning
• Project-based learning
• Use of technology and digital resources

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

• Music: Music education, arts administration, broadcasting, music production, artist management, journalism.
• Philosophy: Law, Civil Service, politics, management, public relations, teaching, journalism, media, publishing, marketing, IT, finance.

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Average Salary:

• Music: £27,500
• Philosophy: £27,000

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Graduate Outcomes:

• 90% employed or in further study (Music)
• 94% employed in high-skilled jobs (Music)
• 84% employed or in further study (Philosophy)
• 80% employed in high-skilled jobs (Philosophy)

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Other:

• Study Abroad/Placement Year: Available to enhance experience.
• Scholarships and Bursaries: Available to support students.
• Entry Requirements: A level/BTEC/IB Diploma with specific subject requirements.
• University Rankings: Top 50 in the world for Philosophy, Top 10 in the UK for Music and Philosophy.

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The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved. The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).