Program Overview

Music BMus

The Music BMus program at the University of Sheffield is designed to inspire students to become the musician they want to be. Taught by world-leading academics, the program offers a diverse and flexible range of modules, providing creative experiences within various musical industries to help establish a professional career.

Course Description

The program is about supporting students to become independent musicians and music researchers, finding their creative voice and taking the first steps towards forging a rewarding, international career. Students will study everything from performance, composition, and musicology to ethnomusicology, music psychology, musical industries, and technology.

Modules

The program includes a range of core and optional modules, such as:

• Music in a Global Context
• Digital Skills for Music
• History of Western Music
• Psychological Foundations of Music
• Composition
• Performance
• Popular Music Studies
• Music Analysis

Learning and Assessment

Teaching ranges from academic to hands-on, with a combination of lectures, seminars, interactive classes, and tutorials. Students are expected to carry out independent study, assignments, and instrument practice. Instrumental lessons are available in the first year and throughout the rest of the degree if students choose to take assessed performance modules.

Entry Requirements

The standard offer for the program is:

• AAB; ABB at A Level
• 34, with 5 in Higher Level Music, at International Baccalaureate
• DDD in Music at BTEC Extended Diploma
• Other qualifications are also accepted, including Access to HE Diploma and music technology in lieu of music

Graduate Careers

The musical excellence and academic aptitude developed on the program make graduates highly valued by employers. Career paths include:

• Artist management
• Audio programming
• Composition
• Concerts coordination
• Instrument repair
• Marketing and communications
• Music research
• Music promotion
• Music therapy
• Orchestral management
• Professional performance
• Publishing
• Sound engineering
• Teaching

Department

The School of Languages, Arts and Societies has a strong reputation for music, with:

• 1st in the Russell Group for teaching on their courses
• 3rd in the UK for music
• Ranked 6th nationally for the quality of their research environment
• An All-Steinway School

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been confirmed, but the 2025 annual tuition fee is:

• £9,535 for home students
• £26,820 for overseas students
• Additional costs may include sheet music and instrument purchase for certain optional performance-based modules
• Scholarships and bursaries are available, including music scholarships and alumni donations

Placements and Study Abroad

Students may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of their course, converting the three-year course to a four-year Degree with Placement Year. There are also opportunities for study abroad, with over 250 University partners worldwide. Hands-on projects are integrated into several academic modules, and students can lead activities with local schools through the student-led volunteer organization, Music in the City.

University Rankings

The University of Sheffield is:

• A world top-100 university
• Number one in the Russell Group for student experience
• 92% of research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
• University of the Year for Student Experience
• Number one Students' Union in the UK

Student Profiles

Students praise the support and encouragement to find their own musical voice from the staff, with opportunities to get involved in professional music-making of the highest quality.

Extra Information

The University of Sheffield is proud to be an All-Steinway School, providing students with access to pianos of the highest quality. The Jessop Building houses study and rehearsal rooms, with dedicated specialist spaces, and the Soundhouse is a purpose-built facility for instrumental lessons, practice, and sound recording. The University of Sheffield Concert Series hosts concerts and masterclasses from touring professional musicians throughout the year.