Whether you're interested in performing, composing or studying theory, the UK is the place to study for a professional degree in music.
In addition to improving your technical skills and knowledge of music, a music course can also help you develop essential qualities such as discipline, perseverance, and creativity. Playing an instrument or singing requires practice and dedication, and the process of learning and mastering a piece of music can be incredibly satisfying. You can study a wide range of musical genres at UK universities and choose from specialisms such as performance, composition, musicology and production.
Learn about studying for a degree in music at top UK universities and conservatoires below or speak to SI-UK India directly by booking your free consultation with SI-UK today.
Top Five UK Universities for Music
1. Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Guildhall is one of the most prestigious music colleges in the UK. The BMus is designed to develop practical musicianship skills for performers, composers, and electronic musicians. The programme focuses primarily on Principal Study, which is at least two-thirds of the programme and includes a minimum of 30 individual lessons per year with renowned academic staff. Additionally, students participate in over 100 hours of departmental classes, workshops, coaching, and projects with high-profile artists, as well as opportunities to perform in prestigious venues.
The programme at the best music school in London also provides exposure and contacts through partnerships with organisations such as the Barbican, London Symphony Orchestra, and BBC Symphony Orchestra.
- Course in focus: BMus – Bachelor of Music Honours degree
- Entry requirements: 2 A-Levels (GCE Advanced A2) - Pass (grades A-E); International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma - 24 points
- International fees: £9,250
2. University of Cambridge
Cambridge University is home to a world-renowned music faculty that has produced some of the most significant figures in British music, including composers, performers, conductors, writers, and broadcasters. The undergraduate music course has a strong academic component, with a focus on history, analysis, composition, and performance, while also covering topics such as screen and media composition. The faculty building includes a professional concert hall, an extensive music library, books, periodicals, and recordings, a purpose-built studio, and music computing laboratories.
- Course in focus: BA (Hons) Music
- Entry requirements: A Level: A*AA; IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
- International fees: £32,064
3. University of Southampton
The BA Music degree at the University of Southampton is a 3-year programme designed for those who are passionate about music and want to have a successful career in the field. The degree offers a broad musical education across all forms and styles, with opportunities to specialize in areas like music performance, history, composition, and technology.
In the first year, students learn the basics of performance, composition, music history, and theory. The second and third years offer a wide range of optional modules that cover conducting, composing for films, studio-based modules, music therapy, and community music. Students can also choose from a range of historical and cultural topics like opera, musical subcultures, American musicals, and global hip-hop. In the final year, students must choose from four modules: Commercial Composition, Composition Portfolio, Performance Recital, or Research Project.
- Course in focus: Music (BA)
- Entry requirements: A-levels: ABB to BBB including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard
- International fees: £20,340
4. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive music course covering various music genres, cultures, and contexts. The course includes Western classical music, popular music, music from different cultures, and community music and students are taught to study music through various methods, including reading, listening, performing, and composing.
In Year 1, students take six subjects, including a compulsory programme in Foundations in the Study of Music, Stylistic Composition, Arranging and Transcription, Musical Analysis and Critical Listening, and Topics I. In Year 2, students take eight subjects, including compulsory courses in Topics II and III, which cover a range of historical and critical fields. They also have options to choose from, including an extended essay, composition, performance, critical studies in ethnomusicology, historically informed performance, and musical skills.
Candidates also have optional topics to choose from, including a dissertation, composition, solo performance, music ethnography, musical analysis and criticism, musical thought and scholarship, techniques of composition, orchestration, edition with commentary, analysis portfolio, chamber music, choral performance, choral conducting, music education: practice and pedagogy, and recording and producing music. Special topic papers are also available.
- Course in focus: BA Music
- Entry requirements: A-levels: AAA; International Baccalaureate (IB): 38 (including core points) with 666 at HL
- International fees: £39,740
5. University of Surrey
The NMus (Hons) at the University of Surrey, one of the finest music schools in England, has been ranked fifth in the UK by the Guardian University Guide and received an overall satisfaction score of 95.2% in the National Student Survey. The degree covers a wide range of musical styles, from classical to popular, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre. Students can take part in orchestras, choirs and bands and work on improvisation.
The course includes performance and composition each year, studying music across history and culture, and developing advanced music theory and analysis knowledge. Students graduate with a BMus qualification, emphasising practical skills such as performing and composing. In the final year, students undertake a large-scale individual project. Students can also take a year-long Professional Training placement on the four-year degree to gain experience in the music and wider arts industries.
- Course in focus: Music BMus (Hons)
- Entry requirements: A-level: Overall: BBB
Music Careers
Almost all UK universities allow you to tailor your modules as per your choice, from performance to music and science, thus enabling you to choose a focused career pathway. Music graduates can work in careers such as musician, composer, recording artist, sound technician, sound engineer and music producer. You can also choose to be music teachers, academics, publishers or arts administrators.
Study Music in the UK
Make a fulfilling career out of your vocation by studying music in the UK. Book a free consultation to connect with our expert consultants today and enquire about course details, entry requirements, scholarships, post-study work visa and more.
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