BA Music
About this course
BA (Hons) in Music is an undergraduate degree examining music through historical, analytical, compositional, performative and ethnomusicological approaches. Core topics include Research Methods. The final year is structured around a capstone project of independent work, and first-year performance study is undertaken either with an essay or with a recital. The first year introduces the discipline through What is the History of Western Music?, Composition 1, Analysis 1 and Performance 1 (with essay) OR Performance 1 (with recital), covering Western music history, historical compositional styles, twentieth-century composition, music analysis, ethnomusicology and practical performance. Second-year optional modules have recently included Composition 2, Orchestration, Analysis 2 and Studies in the History of Opera. The compulsory final-year capstone module is titled "Dissertation, or Portfolio of Compositions, or a Techniques Portfolio (pastiche compositions), or a Performance Project", whose title names the four forms the independent project can take. Third-year optional modules have recently included Advanced Ethnomusicology, Contemporary Music Performance, Music Theology and Studies in Symphonic Analysis. The optional modules across the later years span composition, performance, analysis, music technology and world music traditions, complementing the compulsory study of music history, theory and composition.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB including a B in Music. ABRSM Grade 6 Theory is acceptable in lieu of A level Music alongside 3 A levels. Applicants who have not followed the ABRSM route are invited to contact the Music Department to ask about alternative arrangements for assessing theoretical understanding. IB: 35 with 665 in higher level subjects, including Music requirements as above.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 56%: 205 offers from 365 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 23 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 99%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 55 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 2%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 15%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 35%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- What is the History of Western Music?
- Historical Composition Techniques
- Introduction to Ethnomusicology
- Composition 1
- Analysis 1
- Performance 1 (with essay) OR Performance 1 (with recital)
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation, or Portfolio of Compositions, or a Techniques Portfolio (pastiche compositions), or a Performance Project
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Music at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £39,000. The £31,000 median after five years is £6,500 more than the UK median for Music.
What do graduates of BA Music at Durham University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Music at Durham University?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Music at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 190 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Music at Durham University?
56% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 205 offers from 365 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Music at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Music at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 2% left higher education.