About Music BA (hons) in University of Liverpool

This programme 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, although none of these are compulsory. Others focus on classical music history topics or music theory. There are also options in areas such as music psychology, audio-visual media (films and video games), and vocational options. The remaining modules involve writing about music from a historical, critical, sociological, or philosophical viewpoint. Our studio and performance modules cater for both classical and popular musical styles.

Programme in detail

The nature of this programme will vary according to your module choices. In Year One, core modules will develop theory skills that will be useful for composition and performance, while the study of music history will make a critical exploration, not only going through key musical milestones but interrogating 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 Years Two and Three 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 Year Three there is a particular emphasis on specialism and an extended or independent project (such as a dissertation, major composition portfolio or extended recital).

Career prospects

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.

According to the latest available data, 97.0% of our UK first-degree graduates were in work and/or study 6 months after graduating (DLHE 2016/17).

Recent employers

Companies employing our graduates in recent years include:

• Aldeburgh Music
• BBC Cardiff
• Celebrity Cruises
• The Globe Theatre
• Liverpool Biennial Festival of Contemporary Arts
• Manchester Orchestra
• Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
• Promotions companies – ‘Everisland’ and ‘Fiesta Bombarda’
• Republic Media
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
• Wirral Academy of Performing Arts.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Successful completion of examinations at standard X and XII (Higher Secondary School Certificate) with minimum marks of approximately 70 to 85%, according to the course and exam board.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: A  minimum of IELTS band 6.0–7.0, with no component below 5.5.
• TOEFL iBT: 78-88 overall with 19-Listening, Writing, Reading, 21-Speaking.
• PTE:  55-62 with minimum score of 51 in any component

University of Liverpool Highlights

University of Liverpool Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The estimated fee and cost of living per year for international students is tabulated below: