BMus Music at University of Aberdeen

Programme overview

Music at Aberdeen is the wonderful opportunity to learn, compose and perform with world-renowned composers, conductors, musicologists and researchers working in all genres, styles and periods. You will benefit from first-class facilities and instruments and unrivalled opportunities to grow as a musician and performer, be part of the vibrant musical scene in north-east Scotland and have options to specialise in teaching music or working with music in community settings. Aberdeen is the ideal environment and location to study music, with 500 years of musical history and heritage and a vibrant cultural identity, which celebrates the traditional while embracing the modern.

Duration: 4 years (48 months) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: September | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Music at Aberdeen offers a range of diverse courses and the performance and composition skills that you will develop will help you prepare for an exciting career in music. Some of the topics that you will explore throughout the programme include musicianship, digital musicianship, music theory, harmony and analysis, composition, music history and musicology, performance, composition, conducting, harmony and ethnomusicology. Year 1 compulsory courses: Academic Writing for Language & Literature, Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, Performing and Composing 1, Writing About Music, Introduction to Music Theory and Harmony and Introduction to Music Studies.

Career pathways

Our music programme is specifically designed to enable students to pursue a career in music or a related field. The performance and composition skills, coupled with the deep knowledge and understanding that you will gain of the subject, will help you prepare for a variety of careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2026 entry. SQA Highers Applicants who achieve BBBB in four distinct disciplines are encouraged to apply. Higher Music preferred. We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject. Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects. A LEVEL Three A Levels at BBC. A Level Music is preferred. IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE Five subjects at H3. Music at Higher preferred. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 32 points at 5, 5, 5. Music at HL 5 or above preferred. Please Note: Candidates for the BMus Music (honours) are required to demonstrate a strong interest in the study of music as well as significant attainment in one or more of a range of disciplines including performance, composition, music technology, musicology, and community engagement. Entry to the programme will be assessed on the strength of the candidate's academic record and personal statement. Graded qualifications on instrument or voice are welcome but are not essential. Candidates may be invited to interview.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Home fee for students from Scotland. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,800 a year (2026/27). EU / international fee. Reduced rate (Self-funded Students): £14,800. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4 years (48 months)

Apply through the official page: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/ucas-application-process/

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