BA (Hons) Music at Durham University

Programme overview

Be inspired in a beautiful location to develop your creative, practical and critical skills in one of the UK’s leading Music departments. This degree will challenge you to think about music in new ways. BA Music combines 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 (acoustic and electroacoustic), analysis, ethnomusicology, psychology of music, and performance.

What you will study

The first year of the course is designed to introduce a diverse range of disciplines and approaches. In the second year, there is a much greater choice of modules to allow you to explore your own interests. Compulsory modules include What is the History of Western Music?, Historical Composition Techniques, Introduction to Ethnomusicology, Composition 1, Analysis 1, Performance 1 (with essay) OR Performance 1 (with recital).

Career pathways

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.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry requirements: AAB including a B in Music. ABRSM Grade 6 Theory is acceptable in lieu of A level Music alongside 3 A levels. Applicants who have not followed the ABRSM route are invited to contact the Music Department to ask about alternative arrangements for assessing theoretical understanding. | 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. Applicants who have not followed the ABRSM route are invited to contact the Music Department to ask about alternative arrangements for assessing theoretical understanding. | BTEC requirements: DDD plus Music requirements as above. | IB diploma score: 35 with 665 in higher level subjects, including Music requirements as above.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Home/Island full-time tuition fee per year for September 2027 entry Source

International applicants: GBP 30,000 a year (2027/28). International/EU full-time tuition fee per year for September 2027 entry Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/

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