Music BMus (Hons) – 2024 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2024
| Award | UCAS code | Course duration |
|---|---|---|
| BMus (Hons) | UCAS: W300 | 3 years View KIS data set |
| BMus (Hons) | UCAS: W301 | 4 years with professional training View KIS data set |
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
| Course | UCAS code | Institution code |
|---|---|---|
| BMus (Hons) | W300 | S85 |
| BMus (Hons) with professional training | W301 | S85 |
Why choose this course
5th
In the UK for music by the Guardian University Guide 2023
95.2%
In the National Student Survey 2022
Our music course offers training in a huge range of styles from classical and popular, to musical theatre, jazz and contemporary music. You’ll be able to make music on your own and with others, perform in orchestras, choirs and bands, and work with improvisation.
As a performer, you’ll receive free instrumental/vocal lessons, enjoy 24/7 practice room access and the opportunity to take part in regular concerts. As a composer you’ll have access to excellent recording facilities, state of the art Mac labs and many opportunities to showcase your work. All music students benefit from visits by industry professionals, including: performers, composers, promoters, publishers and educators.
Whether you’re interested in performance, composition, music history, analysis or the music industry itself, our experienced staff and vibrant musical community can help unlock your musical potential.
Our award-winning Professional Training placements prepare students for roles in industry.
We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
What you will study
On our course you can take performance and composition in each year. Alongside these, you’ll study music across history and within culture. You’ll develop advanced knowledge of music theory and analysis.
You’ll graduate from our course with a BMus qualification, which denotes a practical emphasis - we use performing and/or composing as the key ways to increase your knowledge of music and develop your musicianship. You’ll learn about music of the past and the present, in both classical and popular styles.
In your final year, you’ll develop a large-scale individual project; this is a good example of the flexible approach you can take to your learning - it can be a substantial written investigation, or a performance or composition project, with complementary writing.
On our four-year course, you’ll also be able to take a year-long Professional Training placement and gain experience in the music and wider arts industries.
Facilities
Excellent facilities are available for students to use, including edit studios, performance spaces, a self-access computer room, practice rooms and a multichannel synth studio. This space houses the Moog Sound Lab (UK), containing the unique Moog System 55 modular synthesiser as well as premier synthesisers from other major manufacturers.
You will also have access to specialist microphones and mobile recording devices for location recording. Synthesisers and related equipment is also available for loan. The Department houses two Steinway concert grand pianos and a collection of instruments, some of which may be loaned to students.
You’ll have access to a well-stocked audio-visual room, with digital and online listening resources, plus an extensive archive collection of scores, LPs and CDs located in the nearby University Library.
Careers and graduate 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.
Our graduates over the last few years have entered employment in roles such as:
- Assistant Producer, Perfect Pitch
- Activities and Development Officer, Haringey Music Service
- Marketing Officer, English Folk Dance and Song Society
- Studio Manager, Spitfire Audio
- Concerts and Projects Manager, London Sinfonietta
- Commercial Rights Administrator, Faber Music
- Assistant Studio Runner, The Crypt Studio
- Music Supervisor, PH Media
- Digital Marketing Manager, Philharmonia Orchestra
- Freelance Composer for TV and Film
- Creative Sync and Licensing Manager, Warner Music UK.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Department of Music and Media.
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Music topics
At the core of this course are modules you’ll take in each year that we call the ‘Music Project’ and the ‘Topic Study’. To maximise your choice and experience, these change from year to year depending on the member of staff leading them and their individual research strengths and interests.
Previous themes of Music Project modules have included the following:
- Re-working Music
- Experimental Music
- The Music of Data
- Film Music
- Terry Riley’s ‘In C’
- The Musical
- John Zorn’s ‘Cobra’
- Medieval Music
- Purcell’s ‘Dido and Aeneas’.
- Women in Music
- Mahler and Musical Meaning
- Folk and Nostalgia.
And Topic Study modules (which are usually either presented annually or every two years), include the following:
- Jazz Studies
- Musical Theatre
- Opera Studies
- Historical Performance Practice
- English Music from Elgar to Britten
- Studying Music as Performance
- Popular Music and Culture
- Popular Music and New Media.
Topic Study modules differ from Music Projects in that the former are more oriented towards the development of academic skills (though some also enable practical activities) and the latter enable students to respond to the topic of the project drawing on a broad range of academic and musical skills, including collaborations on performances or compositions across years and programmes.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Music modules are characterised by the breadth and variety of their content as well as their assessment. For example, in the ‘Music Project’ modules (as well as others) some students may be assessed via an essay, others by performance and still others by composition, or by a combination of these.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits.
Please note: We offer a three-year programme without a Professional Training Placement, and a four-year programme with a Professional Training Placement. The programme structures for these two programmes are slightly different, as set out below. View the full module listing for the Professional Training Placement below.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Music BMus (Hons) – Three-year programme without Professional Training Placement or four-year programme including Professional Training Placement.
The below table lists the modules that are currently delivered on the Music BMus programme. Please note in particular that the Music Project modules and some of the Topic Study modules change from year to year as indicated above.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Students must choose two optional modules in Semester 2.
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Students must choose two optional modules in Semester 1 and two optional modules in Semester 2.
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose three optional modules from semester 1 and one module from semester 2 OR two optional modules from semester 1 and two from semester 2
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Students must choose two optional modules in Semester 2.
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students must choose two optional modules in Semester 1 and two optional modules in Semester 2.
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) | Optional | Year-long |
Optional modules for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
Students must choose one of the two modules.
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose three optional modules from semester 1 and two from semester 2
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Teaching
On this course, you’ll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. You will regularly work in groups with other students on practical assignments and presentations.
We’ll provide you with access to a range of specialised online music archives and materials.
You’ll be encouraged to participate in the many performance opportunities on offer. These include:
- Choirs
- Orchestras
- Student-run ensembles
- Weekly lunchtime recitals
- Concerts of student compositions
- Masterclasses and recording sessions.
Many of our students start their own chamber ensembles and rock/pop groups.
You will have the opportunity to work with leading performers and composers visiting as part of our artists in residence scheme. Previous visitors to the Department include: Harry Gregson Williams, Mark Anthony Turnage, Asaf Sirkis, Primrose Piano Quartet, Trifarious and Plus-Minus.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
International entry requirements by country
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of required grades. If applicants do not have ABRSM Grade 5 theory or equivalent at the point of application, this may be included as a condition of the offer.
Applicants may be invited to participate in an interview either on campus or via Teams or Zoom. Offers are normally made in terms of grades following a successful interview.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event after you receive your offer. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2024
BMus (Hons)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
BMus (Hons) (with professional training year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
- Professional training
- To be confirmed
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.
Additional costs
It may sometimes be necessary for students taking instrumental or vocal lessons with tutors in the Department (as part of their performance modules) to incur some small travelling expenses to tutors’ homes. This is only the case with tutors for whom it is advantageous for their students and themselves to teach at home, for example in the case of drum kit and bass guitar tutors.
These additional costs are accurate as of September 2022 and apply to the 2023 year of entry. Costs for 2024 entry will be published in September 2023.
Placements
Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement.
Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Music placements
The third year of our four-year music course is spent away from the University, working in a professional role for major arts and music organisations. Your designated senior Professional Training placement tutor will prepare you for the placement period and help you choose and organise an appropriate placement and host organisation.
Types of placement are varied and can take place anywhere in the country, although many are London-based. Recent students have worked in areas such as:
- Music management and administration
- Concert management
- Music education
- Marketing
- Social media and communications
- Music publishing
- Venue management
- Online and offline record labels
- Music retail.
Organisations and companies that have participated in the scheme include:
- English National Opera
- London Sinfonietta
- London Symphony Orchestra
- The Control Room Ltd
- Faber Music Publishers
- Signum Records
- Eagle Radio
- Manners McDade
- Music Nation, Hong Kong.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Take a look into the lives of two students from the University of Surrey on their placements at BMW and EA Games.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surry opens up a world of opportunity. We want you to take advantage of our international partnerships, explore the world and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
View our study and work abroad information to find out more and see where you can go.
Partner institutions
If you choose to study our three-year BMus Music course, you could spend one or two semesters abroad on study placements at institutions such as:
- Monash University, Australia
- Universidade da Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
- North Carolina State University, US
- University of Central Florida, US
- University of Cincinnati, US
- University of Maryland, US
- University of North Texas, US.
Through your experience overseas, you’ll gain a new cultural appreciation which will contribute to your success in your studies and your professional career.
Students share their experiences of going on an international exchange to Hong Kong.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH