BA Music with Philosophy
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
BA in Philosophy and Music. Core topics include research methods, historical research, fieldwork, ethics and professional practice, and design and creative practice. The degree is weighted 75% music and 25% philosophy, and final-year special studies include a 13,000–15,000-word dissertation and solo performance with a public recital.
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: ABB-BBB (Required subjects: A-level Music or Grade 7 Music Theory at pass plus Grade 7 Music Performance Applicants without A-level Music or pass in Grade 7 Music Theory may be eligible for the Intensive Theory entry. This requires Music GCSE grade A/7 or equivalent, plus performance at Grade 7 level. In term 1 you will be required to take Fundamentals of Music Theory, an intensive music literacy course. Students wishing to take Solo Performance options will need to be of Grade 8 level in performance at point of entry. We require English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade 4 (C) In some cases, a theory test may need to be completed and performance sample provided upon request in order to meet specific Music requirements) IB: 6,5,5 at Higher Level or 32 points overall including Music at Higher Level or Pass at Grade 7 Music Theory plus Grade 7 Music performance.
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What students say
Based on about 44 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 85 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 92%
- Left higher education: 8%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 38%
- South East: 27%
- South West: 7%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 70 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- Baccalaureate: 3%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Problems of Knowledge
- Theory and Analysis
- Fundamentals of Music Theory
- Creative Composition Techniques
- A Very Short History of Music
- Introduction to Historical Musicology
- Introduction to World Music
- Contemporary Debates in Music
- Solo Performance
- Creative Ensemble Performance
- Introduction to Composing with Music Technology
- Introduction to Logic
- Mind and Consciousness
- Introduction to Aesthetics and Morals
- Introduction to European Philosophy 1: Kant to Hegel
- Mind and World
- Studies in Music Analysis
- Studies in Composition
- Studies in Music History
- Studies in Ethnomusicology
- Studies in Music, Media and Technology
- Practical Performance I
- Ensemble Performance
- Composition Portfolio
- Practical and Creative Orchestration
- Practical Conducting (Choral and Orchestral)
- Composing with Technology 1
- Introduction to Jazz: Theory, Practice and Contexts
- Popular Music and Musicians in Post-War Britain and North America
- Korean Percussion Performance
- Practical Ethics
- Musical Aesthetics
- Mozart's Operas
- Issues in Sound, Music and the Moving Image
- Intercultural Performance: Theory and Practice
- Music and Society in Purcell's London
- Contemporary Music Performance
- Music, Power and Politics
- Ideas of German Music from Mozart to Henze
- Music and Gender
- Hearing the Orient: Critical and Practical Approaches to the Middle East
- Special Study: Dissertation
- Special Study: Theory and Analysis
- Special Study: Solo Performance
- Practical Performance 2
- Composing with Technology 2
- Philosophy Dissertation
- Modern European Philosophy 1: Husserl to Heidegger
- Modern European Philosophy 2: Critical Theory and Hermeneutics
- Philosophy and the Arts
- The Varieties of Scepticism
- The Philosophy of Religion
- Philosophy and Literature
- The Good Life in Ancient Philosophy
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Music with Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,000 and £34,500. The £28,000 median after five years is £4,500 less than the UK median for Philosophy.
What do graduates of BA Music with Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Music with Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Music with Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 148 UCAS points.
Does BA Music with Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London 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 with Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London?
92% of students continued into their second year, and 8% left higher education.