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School of Art, Design and Architecture

BA (Hons) Music

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UCAS tariff 104 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code W300
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

Showcase and develop your musical talents with our links to local venues and performers, and benefit from our well-equipped practice rooms, recording studios, and award-winning theatre. Master your instrument with our specialist 1:1 tutors. Gain the practical, critical and technical skills you need to expand your understanding of music in all forms and make your mark in today’s rapidly changing landscape. Explore music from different cultures and get hands-on helping disabled performers compose.

Personalise your degree

At Plymouth, your degree really is what you make it. Choose to study optional modules from music and theatre subjects.

Year 2 icon
In your second year...

Choose to swap in up to two modules from across music and theatre.
School of Society and Culture stick or swap graphic
In your final year...

Dive deeper into your subject by sticking with our selection of options or swap in another module from across music and theatre.
Certificate icon dark
Achieve your final degree certificate

If you've studied three optional modules from the same second subject area, you can choose to add this to your degree certificate.

Careers with this subject
With a degree in music you can pursue a variety of careers. Many of our music graduates are employed in music-related roles, including: singing teacher, musician, performer, music teacher and music therapist. Others work in the publishing, media and performing arts sectors, as well as within the fields of education, health and information services.
The University of Plymouth Careers Service have also pulled together some general information around employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate with a music degree:

Key features
  • Explore your interests in performance, composition, musicology, sound recording and music therapy in modules which combine theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.
  • Professional development programme that provides invaluable work placement and performance opportunities.
  • Rehearsal and recording facilities, including individual practice rooms, a professional recording environment, digital audio workstations and instrumental facilities ranging from Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos to guitar amps, electronic keyboards and midi-guitar synthesisers.
  • Societies and groups, such as our gospel choir, concert band, ukelele society, musical theatre society, symphony orchestra and more.
  • Learn from teachers with world-class reputations for research expertise, many who have come from industry and are acclaimed in their field, and benefit from links with the University’s exciting Centre for Computer Music Research.
  • Explore your interests in performance, composition, musicology, sound recording and music therapy in modules which combine theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills
  • Collaborate with students on the BSc (Hons) Audio and Music Technology , MA Music , MA Music Production
  • Continue your studies at postgraduate level on the MA Music and MA Music Production

Course details

  • Year 1

  • In your first year, you'll lay the foundations for an intelligent engagement with creative practice and the world of music through studies in developing musicianship, Western music tradition, the music of diverse cultures, composition and music technology. You will also be involved in group musical activities designed to develop your performance skills.

    Core modules

    MUS4002
    Music Theory 20 credits

    This module solidifies students’ understanding of music theory concepts and explores its practical applications.

    75% Coursework

    25% Tests

    MUS4003
    Exploring Ethnomusicology 20 credits

    This module introduces students to ethnomusicology and the study of music in culture. They will explore key theoretical concepts and be introduced to research methods. The module includes lectures, seminars and workshops that explore the topic from a theoretical and practical perspective.

    100% Coursework

    MUS4004
    Illustrating Music History 20 credits

    This semester-long twenty-credit module allows students to gain an overview of the history of Western music. The module provides a narrative of Western music from medieval times to the 20th century, while also discussing genres, forms and idioms. This module introduces students to musical analysis and how it intertwines with the historical study of music.

    100% Coursework

    MUS4005
    Composition 20 credits

    This module generates an overview of a variety of compositional forms and starting points for creating music. Through a combination of taught sessions, workshop sessions and autonomous student creative activity, these ideas are explored in a hands-on fashion, laying a foundational facility with some compositional strategies, devices and practices.

    100% Coursework

    MUS4006
    Audio Engineering 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the fundamental skills and techniques they need to become an effective audio engineer. Students will learn how to relate subjective and objective measures of sound to inform their practice. Taught sessions will explore topics such as psychoacoustics, small room acoustics, digital and analogue recording consoles, signal flow, microphone concepts and positioning, and advanced use of professional software platforms. This module will include 2, 2 hour talks that introduce our School and programme level employability related opportunities and support, including details of the optional placement year.

    100% Coursework

    MUS4007
    Performance 1: Introduction to Performance 20 credits

    This module introduces learners to performance practices and the theory behind their instrumental and vocal practice. Students will develop musicianship skills and their practice as solo performers. The teaching will combine individual tuition with specialised tutors and a series of lectures and workshops.

    75% Practicals

    25% Coursework

  • Year 2

  • Year two broadens your musical horizons; this prepares you to engage wholeheartedly toward your final year and embrace a specialism you enjoy (e.g. music as therapy).
    For students entering Level 4 of their programme in academic year 2024/25 optional non-credit rated modules SSC500 and SSC600 will not be available in 25/26 and 26/27 respectively.

    Core modules

    MUS5001
    Twentieth Century Music 20 credits

    Students will develop an understanding of the key strands of twentieth century music history (Classical, electroacoustic, popular). The impact of contextual and historical factors on musical developments will be explored, and important styles, composers/artists, and musical features will be examined. Students will continue to develop their analytical skills.

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    MUS5002
    Songwriting 20 credits

    Students will explore songwriting from a contextual and practical perspective, equipping them with the skills to write songs in a variety of genres. Lectures and tutorials will encourage students’ understanding of songwriting through listening, writing and reflection.

    100% Coursework

    MUS5004
    Independent Study 20 credits

    This module allows students to further develop their musical understanding in an area of their own choice. Students will be encouraged to negotiate a programme of study and assessment mode related to a musical topic of interest. There is scope in this module for students to put an emphasis on practical and/or theoretical engagement with the chosen topic.

    100% Coursework

    MUS5005
    Performance 2: Ensemble Performance 20 credits

    This module continues to develop the students’ instrumental or vocal practice through specialised tuition. Students will gain an understanding for theoretical and practical issues pertaining to ensemble performance. They will explore the conventions and practices of ensemble performance in a variety of genres and contexts through lectures and workshops.

    75% Practicals

    25% Coursework

    Optional modules

    MUS5003MX
    Psychology of Music 20 credits

    This module introduces students to concepts in psychoacoustics, psychology and music therapy within a musical context. Students will critically engage with related topics through a series of lectures and workshops, which place theory within musical and creative practice.

    100% Coursework

    MUS5006MX
    Recording Sound and Music 20 credits

    Students will learn how to combine their technical recording abilities with their creative skills in music production. They will be introduced to a variety of recording contexts from a practical and theoretical perspective.

    100% Coursework

  • Optional placement year

  • Undertake an optional placement year where you can build a number of key employability skills. Put theory onto practice, get a taste for your chosen career and expand upon your professional network.
    For students entering Level 4 of their programme in academic year 2024/25 optional non-credit rated modules SSC500 and SSC600 will not be available in 25/26 and 26/27 respectively.

    Optional modules

    SSC601
    School of Society and Culture Placement Year

    Students have the opportunity to gain work experience that will set them apart in the job market when they graduate by undertaking an optional flexible placement year. The placement must be a minimum of 24-weeks (which can be split between a maximum of two different placement providers) and up to a maximum of 48-weeks over the course of the academic year. The placement is flexible and can be undertaken virtually, part or full time and either paid or voluntary. Students will have the option to undertake their placement year abroad. This year allows them to apply and hone the knowledge and skills acquired from the previous years of their programme in the real world.

  • Final year

  • In your final year, you'll gain independence in your creative musical practice as you explore performance, ethnomusicology, composition for screen, electroacoustic and electronic music, and community music. You will be able to specialise in a music-related area of your choosing in negotiation with your dissertation supervisor.

    Core modules

    MUS6001
    Negotiated Dissertation Project 40 credits

    This module provides a structured learning environment in which to build on personal subject specific specialisms, culminating in either a practice-based portfolio with a substantial critical underpinning or a written dissertation.

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    MUS6003MX
    Music in the Community

    This module will introduce students to practical applications of music to encourage and expand their understanding of the ‘real-life’ uses of musical skills. A series of lectures will cover the concepts and skills required to carry out music work, before students apply these in practical situations.

    MUS6004
    Electroacoustic and Electronic Music 20 credits

    This module will introduce students to the history and repertoire of electroacoustic and electronic music. They will acquire the compositional skills to create music in these genres through practical workshops. The module will encourage students to combine their critical and creative skills to produce pieces in their chosen genre.

    100% Coursework

    MUS6006
    Sound and Vision 20 credits

    This module explores the creation of sound and music for moving image. It investigates historical and contemporary theories and models of interaction between music, sound, action and image, drawing a range of media genres. Participants will explore their own responses to the challenges of creating music for images and live action through practical workshops and individual coursework.

    100% Coursework

    PER6004
    Festival Practices 20 credits

    This module will support students’ entry into the wide field of the creative industries through the planning and development of a professional quality performance product, commensurate to professional practice. Working solo or in small companies, students will engage with mentoring and feedback processes and locate their practice within the context of the contemporary performance practice and Festival platforms.

    100% Practicals

    MUS6005
    Performance 3: Performance Identity 20 credits

    This module aims to develop students into professional performers with a defined musical identity. Students will continue to receive specialised tuition. Lectures with invited speakers and workshops will encourage them to think holistically about their identity as a performer, and design their performance accordingly.

    100% Practicals

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Personalise your degree
Many of our degrees have a wide range of optional modules that allow you to follow your interests and play to your strengths.
You could graduate with one of the following personalised course title combinations:
Music with Acting

Modules

    ACT5002MX
    Acting for Audio: Radio, Podcast, Voiceover 20 credits

    This module trains students to work professionally in mediatised/recorded settings. Students learn techniques appropriate to the preparation and performance of non-theatrical formats (such as audio drama) through text-based analysis, narrative and dramatic theory and genre-specific acting techniques.

    100% Coursework

    PER5003MX
    Site Specific Performance

    Outdoor, off-campus, real-world performance-making informed by research-led seminar-based explorations of an exciting and diverse range of performative case studies and influential theories. This module gives students the opportunity to study independently and work together to open up for themselves a whole new way of seeing the world as a site for theatre.

    ACT6002MX
    Auditions and Showreels 20 credits

    Focused on employment in the theatre industry after graduation, this module is all about auditioning practices and techniques, self-taping, casting calls, character break-downs, working with your ‘pages’ and pulling together your showreel.

    100% Coursework

Music with Drama

Modules

    PER5008MX
    Play and Games for Performance 20 credits

    This module will introduce students to practical methods for designing games and play structures for participatory performances that invite audiences to become actively involved in the work. In addition to learning new tools for designing and facilitating play, students will be prompted to consider playfulness from a theoretical perspective, recognising the connection between the play of mimesis and theatrical performance.

    100% Coursework

    PER5003MX
    Site Specific Performance

    Outdoor, off-campus, real-world performance-making informed by research-led seminar-based explorations of an exciting and diverse range of performative case studies and influential theories. This module gives students the opportunity to study independently and work together to open up for themselves a whole new way of seeing the world as a site for theatre.

    PER6002MX
    Applied Drama

    This module offers students access to community-based professionals and work-based experiences with a meaningful employability focus. Through seminars and independent practice students learn the skills to work with and for community groups, using performance-making as a means to address real-world problems and social issues.

Music with Computing

Modules

    AMT5006MX
    Physical Computing: Creative and Interactive Systems 20 credits

    Physical computing is all about designing and creating objects that use a range of sensors, actuators, and software to interact with the world around them. Students will learn to develop their own systems using programming environments, electronic components, and microcontroller boards. Most of the module will be organised around practical, hands-on design-and-build exercises.

    100% Coursework

    AMT6004MX
    Data Science Ethics 20 credits

    This module introduces allows student a hands-on experience in data science and the ethical considerations associated with our digital footprint. Learners will gain experience in writing code to clean, analyse and interrogate large dataset, understanding what meanings can be revealed from these datasets. Students will also investigate the ethical implications, assumptions and biases that are present in these techniques.

    100% Coursework

Music with Musical Theatre

Modules

    DAN5001MX
    Dance Technique

    Students will develop their technical dance skills and ability to apply a range of dynamic qualities and spatial properties in performance. The module will develop students’ understanding of dance as a cultural discourse and foster awareness and appreciation of other cultural dance forms. Students will engage with workshop participation and leading skills, as well as learning how to give, receive and use critical feedback.

    MTH6004MX
    Choreography Repertory

    Students learn, rehearse and perform dance repertory to a high standard. To support students’ ability to execute the choreography effectively a continued engagement with dance technique and its relationship to creative and performance skills is incorporated. Students will gain an understanding of their role as a contributing interpreter of this repertory and how to make this work their own.

Music with Dance

Modules

    DAN6001MX
    Applied Dance

    This module offers students access to community-based professionals and work-based experiences with a meaningful employability focus. Through co-taught seminars and independent practice students learn the skills to work with and for community groups, applying community dance practice and performance-making as a means to address real-world problems and social issues.

    DAN5001MX
    Dance Technique

    Students will develop their technical dance skills and ability to apply a range of dynamic qualities and spatial properties in performance. The module will develop students’ understanding of dance as a cultural discourse and foster awareness and appreciation of other cultural dance forms. Students will engage with workshop participation and leading skills, as well as learning how to give, receive and use critical feedback.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

104

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A levels
Typical offer will be 104 points. General studies accepted. Applicants are required to show a strong interest/experience in music and have an instrument (which can be voice). Any queries please do contact the admissions team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone on +44 1752 585858.
BTEC National Extended Diploma
DMM.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
International Baccalaureate
26 points overall. English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent.
Access to HE Diploma
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma, with at least 33 credits at Merit and/or Distinction.
T levels
Merit in any subject, music experience required alongside qualification.
Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
Non-standard qualifications
We welcome mature students, those with music industry experience and high level instrumental skills. If you fall into this category and are not sure whether you qualify for the course, please submit an application so we can advise you.
RSL's qualifications
UCAS points can be obtained from theory/practical grades. See the table for the UCAS points awarded for a given music theory or practical grade and mark.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
If you are interested in applying for an intercalated degree with the University of Plymouth, please contact our Admissions Team in the first instance applications@plymouth.ac.uk.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Encouraging your individuality

Tevi House single Stronger Than Ever
Music: a tool for change

Use music as a tool for positive change in our community music module with a focus on performance and creative practice.
BA (Hons) Music: Our professional development programme
Gain crucial music-relevant work experience

We provide professional opportunities, advice and contacts within the music industry or in music education.

Insight: Music in the Community module

Students will learn the skills necessary to facilitate music in community settings through placements, where they will work alongside music professionals. By working with groups such as children, disabled people, refugees and dementia patients, students gain real-life experience in music.
Music of the mind

“The course made me realise that there is a lot more to music than performance, theory and composition.”

Kate Keyworth, music student

Think about your future

Stay ahead with a course designed in consultation with working musicians to ensure you leave ready for the rapidly changing music environment

BA (Hons) Music graduate Anandi Sala Casanova released her debut single: Swipe

Develop as a well-rounded musician
" ... it gives a lot of room for individual expression, it also introduces you to many new, diverse ideas" Anandi Sala Casanova

Jessica Clarke

Becoming a music therapist
"I was given the opportunity to visit places where music therapy takes place and ask practising therapists many, many questions about the profession"

Hand with sound recording studio mixer - stock photo

Pursue a variety of careers
Let your creativity flourish and develop the skills that will help you forge an interesting, fulfilling career path

 

Building confidence with an internship

BA (Hons) Music student Natalie gained valuable insight into a real, working recording studio, making her more confident that the music industry has a place for her.
“My internship has been eye opening and just a brilliant experience. Even if you don’t have a full interest in doing studio work, I just feel like as musicians the people who work there have so much knowledge about the music industry. I don't think I would have learned as much as I did choosing any other internship, because they all have their own skills that they bring to the table and they're so ready to share it all with you."
Drumkit at Shearwater Studios

As part of the professional development programme, I have been teaching singing and piano lessons at Tor Bridge Secondary School. These lessons are one to one and have helped me to gain confidence in my teaching ability, by seeing the progress made in the students and the enjoyment they get from the lessons.

I have been a part of the Evolve Music Project - this was such an interesting and rewarding experience which gave me an insight into music therapy and the benefits music had on younger children. 
I have also worked at Plymouth Music Zone (PMZ) which has also been an amazing experience. It is very rewarding to see how much music can benefit people in everyday life and how much the participants enjoy the sessions. 
University has also given me the opportunity to meet many other musicians and from that have formed a band which has been great fun. We have had many gigs and performed in the SU. Being part of the band has pushed me as a musician and allowed me to extend my repertoire, whilst getting the opportunity to perform around Plymouth.
Molly Brown, BA (Hons) Music student

I taught drums at Sir John Hunt Community Sports College for three months and in this time, I saw exceptional progress in the students. Seeing a concept 'click' for the first time with a student provided a me with sense of satisfaction that made me appreciate drumming to a greater level.

I found that the teaching of beginner and intermediate concepts to the students not only enhanced the student’s knowledge, but my own as well. It was very enjoyable being able to spend a few hours each week completely engrossing myself in something that I am very passionate about, while imparting this passion to budding musicians. Overall, the experience was very fulfilling and I found that the experience provided me with a wealth of skills for my career as a musician.  
Sam Oakes, BA (Hons) Music student
 

Meet our experts

Other ways you can get involved in music at Plymouth

Music facilities

Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR)

Cutting-edge research in topics including the interface between music, computers, and the brain within a vibrant contemporary music community.
Access our well-equipped studios, open plan lab and annual research seminar series.

The University of Plymouth BA (Hons) Music Junior Academy

The Junior Academy provides instrumental music lessons and theory tuition from the most experienced teachers in the South West of England.
Membership is free and we welcome young musicians within the South West region who have aspirations to study music at degree level.
Cello silhouette. Credit: BrianAJackson, courtesy of Getty Images

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International students and opportunities

International student on fieldwork trip

International students: study with us

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English Language Centre

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Exchange and free mover opportunities