Music study for professional careers
Year of entry: 2023/24
W300
Y50
3 years full-time
We come into contact with music every day: on the internet or radio, in the street, in a club, on film, or in a concert hall. This experience can be fleeting or intense, relaxing or frustrating, trivial or life-changing, looked-for or unexpected, solitary or social.
Studying music at university gives you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of that experience and to look at how music has shaped and responded to the world. The story of music is always about people and their creativity – even in a world full of music, what it is and what it does still matters.
You'll learn from musicians who are leaders in their fields and benefit from the working relationships we have built up with our professional partners – an enviable roster of artists-in-association. We teach in small groups and individual tutorials, which means you'll always be actively engaged in discussion with your lecturers.
York Music graduates are creative, critical, independent thinkers. Our degree programme develops these qualities through a modular teaching system covering all forms of musical activity: performance, composing, analysis, musicology and music technology are all valued. Both flexible and challenging, we deliver a balanced musical education and develop key skills, providing you with opportunities to specialise and pursue your own choices of study under expert guidance.
York appealed to me because of the fantastic atmosphere and the excellent course. Our lecturers are down to earth, extremely interesting, and passionate teachers, as well as producing some of the top current research. For students this translates into a stimulating academic environment, offering in-depth insight into a wide variety of topics.Anna, BA Music
of the Russell Group universities included in the latest National Student Survey (2022).
Our BA Music is designed to be flexible, meaning you can tailor your studies to what interests you, while developing your core skills in musicology and analysis, composition and performance.
Throughout your three years at York, your studies will include:
Option modules are key to the way we teach. Rather than being split by year, students from all years of the degree are taught together, giving you invaluable opportunities to meet and learn from other students on the course.
The core skills modules complement and support the specialist topics covered in the option modules. You will develop research techniques, skills in writing about music, aural ability, and analytical, critical and creative thinking.
You will be supported with a bursary for instrumental or vocal lessons; this will be increased if you choose to present a final recital in Year 3. Individual tuition is also supported by a range of performance classes ranging from masterclasses with leading concert artists on various aspects of instrumental and vocal techniques to sessions on the Alexander technique and developing entrepreneurial skills, as well as workshops with non-Western, folk and jazz musicians.
There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:
There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.
You will also study two option modules. We update these modules every year. Recent examples include:
The options available to you will be confirmed later in the year. For further information please get in touch.
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.
This module will:
You'll focus on developing your independence, critical thinking and confidence; improving your core skills; and continuing your instrumental/vocal studies. You'll also begin to prepare for your Solo Project, Composition Folio and/or Recital in your final year. The Critical Thinking and Listening module develops critical reflection on music and its performance, while your specialist option modules allow you to explore the areas you are most interested in.
You will also study four option modules. Recent examples include:
The options available to you will be confirmed later in the year. For further information please get in touch.
During your final year, you'll specialise further with Recital and Composition Folio options alongside your choice of option modules.
You will also have the opportunity to devise, research and produce a Solo Project. Building on skills you've acquired across your degree, this is an opportunity for you to develop a piece of large-scale work that will be useful to your future career. Past Solo Projects have included dissertations, editions, albums, innovative performance events, orchestrations, film music, community music projects and many other types of work.
You will also study three option modules. You will choose from similar options to those available to you in your second year. In previous years, options have covered topics such as:
The options available to you will be confirmed later in the year. For further information please get in touch.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
| UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|
| £9,250 | £21,950 |
The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.
You will be expected to pay for the maintenance of your instruments, equipment and sheet music. You will also need appropriate concert attire throughout your studies, the cost of which will vary depending on what you choose.
If you don't already have them, you will need a laptop capable of running notation and recording software, as well as a set of good quality headphones. The School has a network license for Sibelius which students can use at no extra cost. The School will also provide hearing protection for musicians playing in high-volume settings, but you may choose to purchase your own.
You may also wish to take out specialist insurance if undertaking professional work or travelling with instruments.
If you choose to take a module involving a placement, you will be responsible for the cost of travel, which will vary depending on placement location. If the placement requires a DBS check, this cost will be covered by the School.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2023/24 throughout the year.
We offer some scholarships for undergraduate students. See our bursaries for instrumental and vocal studies.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Our modules are taught in small groups (typically 15-25 students). Much of the course content is developed alongside ongoing staff research so what you learn keeps pace with the constant changes in music culture and technology. Most modules are taught across all three years, giving you the chance to learn from your peers as well as your tutors.
Each module is made up of intensive tutor-led sessions which typically include a combination of lecture-style teaching, group discussion, performance workshops and other practical activities. With the support of the module tutor, you will then produce a portfolio of work in response to these taught sessions.
Your contact time with the School can take the form of rehearsals, lectures, seminars, tutorials, supervision meetings, concerts, performance assessments and instrumental lessons. Around your timetabled hours you'll work independently – altogether we recommend that you spend about 40 hours per week on learning.
Beyond your scheduled teaching, you’ll have the chance to attend weekly seminars on research and composition and performance masterclasses (some of these may be compulsory, depending on the modules you choose). These sessions are often delivered by visiting experts in the field, including professional composers, internationally established concert artists and ensembles and specialist researchers. You’ll join at least one musical ensemble and attend the associated rehearsals and performances, but many students choose to join many more. You’ll also be expected to attend a certain number of events in our professional concert series. Many students also take the opportunity to put on their own performances as part of our biweekly, student-run series of lunchtime concerts.
In your first year, you can expect:
| Lectures | 1-2 hours per week |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 8 hours per week |
| Ensembles | 2–3 hours per week minimum, often more if you join additional ensembles (many do) |
| Concerts | 2 hours per week (expected to attend at least 5 concerts per term, but many choose to attend more) |
| Instrumental/Vocal tuition | 1 hour every two weeks, with additional weekly performance classes available |
These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.
Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
We have a range of outstanding facilities, including the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall and Rymer Auditorium; dozens of teaching rooms and practice facilities; four digital recording studios; and a large collection of historical and world instruments. All spaces are designed to be flexible and are used for projects, seminars, ensemble rehearsals and recordings. Discover our facilities.
John Paynter Music Library
The John Paynter Music Library is an elegant facility, located within the University's JB Morrell Library, and houses the main music collections. It is also equipped with digital pianos and media replay equipment. The physical collection as well as an extensive range of electronic resources are searchable through the YorSearch.
Sound Resources
The University Library houses and extensive collection of CDs and DVDs, which are available for listening and research. There are also archival recordings available for student use in the University of York Sound Archives.
You will be based in the School of Arts & Creative Technologies on Campus West. Nearly all of your teaching will take place within the School.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
The York Music degree is unique in its approach to assessment. There are no closed written exams – instead we want to focus on your individual response to our teaching. You are assessed through portfolios, the precise content of which will be tailored to the individual module, but might consist of one or more essays, compositions, performances or other options. This approach challenges you to take what you have been taught and extend it into new, exciting areas.
What York does extremely well is offer the resources, teaching and time for students to experiment, discover their voice, and find a niche: something rather important in a climate where just being an excellent violinist/pianist/soprano won’t cut it.Kerry Andrew, BA Music
York graduate and award-winning composer and performer
The creativity, professionalism, and critical thinking that you develop in our Music degree sets you up for a wide variety of careers, both within the field and beyond. The majority of our students go on to graduate-level jobs in music and related professions. Others undertake further study for an MA, PhD, conservatoire programme or a PGCE.
Recent graduate careers include:
Others have gone on to work in:
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| A levels | AAB including A in Music If you are not taking A level Music we will accept AAB in three A Levels plus ABRSM or Trinity Grade 5 Theory and Grade 8 Performance. Other equivalent qualifications and exam boards may be considered on a case by case basis. |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | 36 credits from units awarded Distinction and 9 awarded Merit or higher. An additional A Level or equivalent qualification in Music will be required. |
| BTEC National Extended Diploma | DDD in Music. If you are taking a BTEC in a different subject, an additional A Level or equivalent qualification in Music will be required. |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3, D3, M2 including D3 in Music |
| European Baccalaureate | 80% overall, including 85% in Music |
| International Baccalaureate | 35 points including 6 in Music at Higher Level |
| T levels | We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless an additional A Level (or equivalent qualification) in Music has been taken. |
| Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | Scottish Highers - BBBB Advanced Highers - B in Music We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications. |
| International foundation programme | Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.
| Criteria | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Widening participation | If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to three A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities, YESS, YorWay to York. More about widening participation. |
| Contextual offers | If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers. |
| EPQ | If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
| Core Maths | If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component |
| C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in each component |
| GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) | Grade C / Grade 4 |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert International ESOL | B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
| PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online | 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all components |
For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Get in touch if you have any questions
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