BMus Music at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The BMus develops a broad understanding of music alongside specialist skills to professional standards, with teaching from staff with international reputations in performance, composition and musicology. The degree has run since 1947 and includes musicianship, harmony, music history and transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication and teamwork. Students use the Harty Room concert hall, practice rooms, recording studios and the Sonic Arts Research Centre including the 84-loudspeaker Sonic Lab, and the School is an Avid Learning Partner.

What you will study

Stage 1 core modules (20 credits each): Fundamental Harmony, Music in History, Introduction to Music, Introduction to Composition and Sound Recording and Production 1. Optional modules include Introduction to Film Studies 1, Composition 1a, Solo Performance 1, Being Creative: Music, Media and the Arts, Fundamentals of Sound and Ensemble Performance 1. Performance bursaries cover practical tuition for students taking performance modules.

Career pathways

Graduates work in musical and non-musical careers across the UK and internationally, and the transferable skills gained support graduate employment generally. Graduates may progress to postgraduate study such as the MRes and PhD.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB including A-level Music; where A-level Music is not offered, BBB plus Grade 6 Practical and Grade 5 Theory (any board). A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted (Distinction* = A, Distinction = B). IB Diploma: 32 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Music. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including H3 in Music (or Grade 6 Practical and Grade 5 Theory if not offered). Access Course: Certificate in Foundation Studies in Music with 65% average. BTEC QCF Extended Diploma: DDD (must be relevant); the RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma is not accepted. Graduates: minimum 2:2 Honours degree. GCSE English Language C/4 required. Applicants who receive an offer are invited to visit the School and demonstrate performance skills; students taking Stage 1 solo performance must pass an audition. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year. International and EU Other rate for 2027/28 entry Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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