UCAS code W300
As one of the most vibrant musical cities in the world, and a former Capital of Culture, there is no better place to study Music than Liverpool. We are intrinsically connected to the city, working closely with musical and cultural partners, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. This particular partnership extends across the spectrum of our activities, with the Orchestra’s musicians making frequent visits to campus to provide lessons, coaching, and workshops.
The BA Music develops an in-depth and critical historical understanding of classical music repertoires, cultures, and practices. Some modules are practical, concerned with musical performance, composition and orchestration, or creative music technology; while others focus on classical music history or music theory. There are also options in areas such as music psychology, audio-visual media (films and video games), and vocational options.
The nature of the programme will vary according to your module choices. In year one, core modules develop theory skills that will be useful for composition and performance, while the study of music history explores key musical milestones and the nature of music histories and how they are written. You will also have the opportunity to study or investigate areas that may be new to you (such as film music, jazz, technology, composition, world music and many more). Flexibility is our guiding principal, which means that you have a wide-range of modules to choose from that run the full spectrum of musical endeavour.
In your second and final years, you will focus in more depth on fewer selected topics, either concentrating solely on classical music modules or retaining the option to pursue one or two modules in technology or popular music if you wish. Specialist topics can be studied alongside advanced level historical, theoretical, performance or composition modules. In the final year, there is a particular emphasis on specialism and an extended or independent project (such as a dissertation, major composition portfolio or extended recital).
Undergraduate students in the Department of Music have the opportunity to spend a year in industry, either in their third year, or by adding a ‘follow-on year’ at the end of their academic studies. These are paid placements within an organisation in industry, broadly defined, and you will receive support from the Department and the School of the Arts to source and apply for opportunities. Find out more about the difference between these options, including how to apply.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In year 1, students:
•Must take at least one from: MUSI180, MUSI181
•May take a maximum of one from 104, 107, 140, 182 (Popular Music options)
•May not take both Classical Performance and Popular Performance.
Your optional modules must include either MUSI180 or MUSI181, and no more than one from MUSI104, MUSI140, and MUSI182.
You may not take both classical performance and popular performance.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC HISTORY (MUSI130) | 15 |
| MUSIC AS AN INDUSTRY (MUSI150) | 15 |
| MUSIC IN CONTEXTS: WHY MUSIC MATTERS (MUSI121) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will choose your modules from a wide range of options. If you are taking the year in industry pathway, you will be required to take SOTA260.
In year 2, students:
•Must take at least one of the following: MUSI220, MUSI230, MUSI232, MUSI219.
•Must take at least one of and may take a maximum of four from: MUSI200, MUSI201, MUSI202, MUSI203, MUSI204, MUSI205, MUSI206, MUSI207,
MUSI208, MUSI209, MUSI210, MUSI213, MUSI214, MUSI216, MUSI217, MUSI243, MUSI252 (Practical options)
•May take a maximum of two from MUSI203, MUSI204, MUSI210, MUSI261 (Popular Music options)
•May not take both Classical Performance and Popular Performance.
Students who take SOTA600 (Year in Industry) may not take SOTA300.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will undertake a major independent project in research, performance, composition or technology. The rest of your modules will be chosen from a range of options.
In year 3, students:
•Must take at least one of the following: MUSI320, MUSI331, MUSI353.
•Must take one and only one Independent Project
•May take a maximum of one from 303, 310 (Popular Music options).
Students who take SOTA600 (Year in Industry) may not take SOTA300
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In year one core modules look at classical music repertoire and analysis, while in years two and three you focus in more detail on the areas that interest you most (such as history, analysis, psychology, audio-visual, performance, or composition etc).
We employ a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, master classes, 1-2-1 instrumental lessons, ensemble coaching, and online tasks and projects. The emphasis is on student participation and interaction. We fit the most appropriate mode of teaching to the particular subject, conscious that the learning process needs to be enjoyable, enabling you to acquire useful and marketable skills and knowledge.
Each module has an individually determined system of assessment (by coursework, written paper, test, recital, composition or technology portfolio, presentation or podcast, examination, and combinations of these), and we select the method that best suits the nature of the module.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
Learn more about year in industry
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
Much of your teaching will take place in the Department of Music. Our recently renovated facilities include studios, teaching spaces and industry standard equipment, and we recently opened the Tung Auditorium: a 400-seat state of the art performance venue, which has been developed to support our requirements and to function as a public-facing space for concerts outside of teaching time.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The Music department at the University of Liverpool is friendly and welcoming and I felt that I could really fit in to that environment. I have felt so at home within this department that I have chosen to continue my studies in this department right through from undergraduate to PhD.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Studying music opens up many career opportunities. As well as jobs in music (from performance, composition, and production, through to teaching, music therapy and community arts), employers in many sectors are increasingly seeking arts and humanities graduates for their transferable skills.
As a music student you will achieve creative flair and imagination, confidence in expressing yourself, an openness to new ideas, a capacity for hard work and an ability to analyse data. You will learn the value of working with others towards a shared, finished product and a whole range of flexible, professional skills.
As a student in the School of the Arts, you will be supported to maximise your employability from day one.
The School has its own placements and employability officer, and you will have the opportunity to undertake the following work experience opportunities:
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Jake graduated in 2014, and is currently studying for a masters degree in Composition and Conducting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, whilst working as a composer, music director and jazz musician. In the two years between graduating and beginning my MMus, I worked as a Composer and Music Director, specialising in music […]
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
As part of our application process, applicants are normally required to attend an Applicant Interview and Music Experience Day, where you will either have an interview or a short audition with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to demonstrate your passion for the subject and allow us to make a decision on your application. (There is an option for phone or Skype interviews).
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
ABB including A level grade B in Music or ABRSM Grade 8 in Music Theory at Pass. If an applicant is taking Grade 8 in any instrument (or singing) a dual offer can be made: ABB or BBB with Grade 8 Distinction. Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. |
| T levels |
T levels are not currently accepted. |
| GCSE |
4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | BTEC applications are encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits and may make offers at DDM. |
| International Baccalaureate | 33 including Higher Level 6 in Music, with no score less than 4 |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including H2 in Music |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | Scottish Highers at AABBB plus Scottish Advanced Highers grade B in Music, combinations are also welcome. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | Accepted including 2 A levels at BB (including Music) |
| Access | Not acceptable without an A level in Music or ABRSM Theory Grade 8 |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| TOEFL Paper | Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
| Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 176 overall, with no paper below 162 |
| LanguageCert | Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 9 December 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions