Five reasons to study Music at Surrey

What makes our BMus degree in Music different from the rest? Subject leaders and students reveal the secret behind our graduates' success and why you should put Surrey at the top of your UCAS form.

Surrey’s unique Music degree combines performance, composition, and musicology. A wide range of traditions are studied, including classical music, popular music, jazz, film music, opera, and musical theatre creates ample opportunities for collaboration both within the programme and with students on other courses.

Dr Chris Wiley, Head of Music and Media

1. Diverse curriculum

Our programme encompasses a wide range of musical styles, including classical music, opera, popular music, jazz, film music, and musical theatre. Our Topic Study and Music Project modules are based on staff research interests and specialisms, and rotate each semester so that we offer an education truly unique to Surrey and with plenty of choice available to students in the assessments.

Here at Surrey we have a vibrant creative community full of an enormous range of inspiring musical opportunities and activities for all our students. Music and Media runs a symphony orchestra, choir and chamber choir, which are supported by many more student ensembles. We hold weekly recitals and regular performances from students and visiting artists, including termly concerts held in Guildford Cathedral and local churches. Twice a year, we invite the general public to join staff, students and alumni on campus to rehearse and perform a symphony, at our University of Surrey Orchestra Days.

And, since you’ll be studying alongside students on the Creative Music Technology and Tonmeister degrees, you’ll have no shortage of people to collaborate with on performance, creative practice, and sound recording projects.

The tutors in Music and Media are friendly, approachable and at the top of their field. At Surrey – be prepared to be inspired, work hard and have fun.

Ben, Music BMus student

2. Teaching excellence

All our teaching is research-led, so you’ll be taught by experts who are leaders in their field. These include the musicologists and music historians Dr Christopher Wiley, Dr John McGrath and Dr Georgia Volioti, and the composers Dr Tom Armstrong and Dr Milton Mermikides. Surrey is also home to the International Guitar Research Centre, and the Institute of Austrian and German Music Research.

We host regular lectures from visiting industry professionals and artists, including conductor Russell Keable, the Primrose Piano Quartet, and jazz drummer Asaf Sirkis and composer Michael Price. Our programme of twice-yearly study days has included recent events on musical revision, composing using historical materials, and twentieth-century British song.

We’re recognised for our teaching excellence, too. Dr John McGrath, the Programme Leader, is a National Teaching Fellow who has also a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (the UK’s highest awards for higher education teaching). Several other programme team members are Senior Fellows and Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.

3. Outstanding facilities

You'll get to use industry-standard facilities housed in the Performing Arts and Technology Studios (PATS), purpose-built to acoustic specifications and fitted with professional studio equipment.

These include:

PATS Studio 1 – a recently refurbished concert space that hosts our student lunchtime recital series as well as our orchestra and choir rehearsals, and is equipped with state of the art recording facilities
Ten music practice rooms, each with their own piano, with 24/7 access for music students
Rooms for ensemble rehearsal
Two Steinway Concert D Grand Pianos and a Steinway Baby Grand
Bookable PA, guitar amps, stage pianos and drum kits
Five editing suites
Dedicated computer (Mac) lab
Instrument storage facilities
Musical instruments including: baritone sax, bass clarinet, bongos (with stand), four drum kits, chamber organ, Two conga drums (with stands), double bass, glockenspiel, marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, Roland keyboard, tubular bells, various tam-tams (gongs), two timpani drums/kettle drums, two percussion kits, two other grand pianos, six Yamaha upright pianos.

I would 100 per cent recommend a professional training placement to others! The opportunities and networking skills that you acquire during your time on placement really is second to none! I have grown so much on both a personal and professional level.

Teerna, Music BMus (Hons) student

4. Professional training year opportunities

The music programme here at Surrey is distinctive because, for many years, it has offered students the opportunity to undertake a year in industry as part of their degree. Organisations which have participated in the scheme include the following, many of whom have a long-standing relationship with Music and Media:

Eagle Radio
English National Opera
Faber Music Publishers
London Sinfonietta
London Symphony Orchestra
Manners McDade
Music Nation, Hong Kong
Signum Records
The Control Room Ltd.

We will support you with your placement applications and ensure you are gaining the experience you need in a supportive environment. Our award-winning Careers and Employability team also offer tailored guidance and workshops for our students.

5. Graduate employment

The University of Surrey has an outstanding record for graduate employability and setting up our students for successful career prospects. We offer careers information, advice, and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

Joining Music and Media at Surrey puts you on the same path as our community of highly successful graduates, who have gone on to thrive in the music and media sectors.

Our recent graduates have worked in roles including: