University Course Information - Creative and Performing Arts - Music

Entry requirement

Many courses will require you to know how to play an instrument to a high standard. Some course may also require you to have basic keyboard skills.

Undergraduate: varies between universities. A-Level offers range from AAA to C’s to D’s.

Postgraduate: usually Upper second-class honours degree or equivalent.

PHD: preferably a Master degree.

Skills gained

A music degree will help you build and develop a range of skills and knowledge which can be general and more specific to the course. You will find that through extensive reading, coursework writing and seminar discussions, you will gain useful transferable skills such as analytical, critical, research and presentational skills. More specific skills include:

• powers of memory, and concentration - developed in practice and performance;
• teamwork through working in a band or orchestra
• technical skills by using technology to create and record music
• critical reflection
• knowledge of issues and professional ethics in the arts world.

Career Options

It is a common fallacy that studying a music degree strictly limits what you can do after university. This is in fact false. Music graduates work in a wide range of professions inside and outside music. It is also common for graduates to take several years after graduation to establish themselves in the creative industry. Music graduates can find themselves working on both a freelance and contract basis. Popular employers include:

• Schools & colleges
• Orchestras
• Media organisations
• Music retailers

A high proportion of music graduates also progress to postgraduate study at a university or conservatoire.