Key information

Start date
Duration
1 year
Attendance mode
Full-time or part-time
Location
On Campus
Fees

Home: £12,220
International: £25,320

Course code
W3U8
Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) in music or a related subject (including popular music, folk or world music, music education or music technology). We will also consider applicants without a music degree who have relevant professional qualifications (such as advanced study in a conservatoire which has not led to a degree) or relevant professional experience (such as working as a professional musician, performer or composer). In addition to degree classification, we consider other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

 

Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.0 

Albania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): First Level Diploma (Diploma e nivelit te para) (3 Years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Algeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence; Diplome de [subject area]; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; Diplome de Docteur end Pharmacie; or Diplome de Docteur en Medecine from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Antigua and Barbuda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Argentina: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo/ Grado de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or Bueno 

Information for prospective students from Argentina

Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 / Credit / 60%

Information for prospective students from Australia

Austria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 and overall Pass (Bestanden)

Azerbaijan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavr Diplomu) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.5

Bahamas: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Bahrain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 74% or 2.67

Information for prospective students from Bahrain

Bangladesh: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution OR 4 Year Bachelor's degree from SELECTED institutions

Equivalent to 2:ii: Masters: 55% or 2.7. Bachelor: 60% or 3.0

Information for prospective students from Bangladesh

Belgium: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licentiaat (Flanders) or Licencié (Wallonia). Post 2005 Bachelor/Bachelier 180 ECT degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 12/20 (Flanders); or 65% (Wallonia). Bachelor:  60% or 12/20 

Information for prospective students from Belgium

Bolivia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Título de [subject area] from a recognised institution. Minimum of 4 year

Equivalent to 2:ii: 67%

Botswana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (minimum 5 years) or Master Degree from the University of Botswana

Equivalent to 2:ii: C / 60% / 2:2

Brazil: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Bacharel / Título de [subject area] / Título de Licenciado/a (4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 or 65%

Information for prospective students from Brazil

Brunei: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Honours) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 50% / 3.5 out of 5.0

Information for prospective students from Brunei

Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.0/6.0

Information for prospective students from Bulgaria

Burkina Faso: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies. Diplome d'Etudes Superieures Specialisees

Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20

Burma / Myanmar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: B- or 55% or 3.0/5.0 or 2.5/4.0

Cambodia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0

Cameroon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme d'Études Supérieures de Commerce (5 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12 (assez bien) or 2.5. 70-74/ B+

Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7 or 67%

Information for prospective students from Canada

Chile: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] (min 4 years) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 5.0/7

China Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) 学士学位 from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75% or 2.5-2.9/4.0 (depending on university)

Information for prospective students from China

Colombia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Colombia

Croatia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0

Cuba: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/ Ingeniero from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Cyprus: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.7/4.0

Czech Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from the Czech Republic

Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 5/12 or 6/13 

Information for prospective students from the Denmark

Dominica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Dominican Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Licenciado/Título de [subject] upon completion of 4-year Licenciatura 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%  or 6.5/10

Ecuador: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% / 7 

Egypt: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from Egypt

Estonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised institution; University Specialist's Diploma; Professional Higher Education Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0 or C

Ethiopia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised public or HERQA-accredited private institution 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/5.0

Fiji: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) from the University of the South Pacific

Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0

Finland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor/Kandidaatti/Kandidat (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 1.4/3.0

France: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grade de Licence from a recognised institution OR three years of study from a grande école 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20

Information for prospective students from France

Gambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 2-year Master's degree from recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.3 or 60%

Georgia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavris Khariskhi) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 71%/C/ Good

Germany: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Befriedigend: 2.6-3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Germany

Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Information for prospective students from Ghana

Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 (University) or 6.8/10 (Tech Institutes)

Information for prospective students from Greece

Grenada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Haiti: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Hong Kong: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or Lower Second Class Honours

Information for prospective students from Hong Kong

Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 out of 10

India: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Top unis: 55%, or 5.5/10. All other: 60%, or 6.0/10; or 5.0/8.0

Information for prospective students from India

Indonesia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or Sarjana I (S1) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0

Iran: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/ Karshenasi (4-year Bachelor) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20

Iraq: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or Good

Ireland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution 

Equivalent to 2:ii: Second Class Honours Grade II

Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%

Information for prospective students from Israel

Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Laurea (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 94/110

Information for prospective students from Italy

Jamaica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Japan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 学士 (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75%  / Good/ B   or  2.7/ 4.0

Information for prospective students from Japan

Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Jordan

Kazakhstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Bakalavr Diplomi) or Specialist Diploma from recognised institution 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.67/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Kazakhstan

Kenya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 50-59% or 2.4/4.0 

Information for prospective students from Kenya

Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.67/4.0

Information for prospective students from Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma (min 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.67/4.0

Latvia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaura Diploms (Bachelor's) or Profesionālā Bakalaura Diploms (Professional Bachelor's) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10

Lebanon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree / Licence from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C or 2.7/4.0 or 12/20 

Information for prospective students from Lebanon

Liberia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or 2.8/4.0

Libya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from selected institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.8/4.0 

Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bakalauro (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Lithuania

Luxembourg: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Macedonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10 or 2:2

Malawi: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.4/4.0

Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0 or B- (Class 2 Division 2)

Information for prospective students from Malaysia

Maldives: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the Maldives National University (MNU)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 50%

Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class / 60% / Category IIB

Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.5/10

Information for prospective students from Mexico

Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales/Licence Professionnelle from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20

Information for prospective students from Morocco

Namibia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.5/4.0

Nepal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree / Bachelor's (4-year) from select institutions 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2.4/4.0

Information for prospective students from Nepal

Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from the Netherlands

New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Information for prospective students from Nigeria

Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus/a magisterii from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall C

Information for prospective students from Norway

Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from Oman

Pakistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from HEC recognised institution or 2 year BA + 2 year MA from HEC recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA 2.7 or 55%

Information for prospective students from Pakistan

Palestine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or or 2.7/4.0

Papua New Guinea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Honours) degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Class II Division B

Peru: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Professional Title from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Philippines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master’s from recognised institution or Centre of Excellence; or Bachelor's from prestigious institution or Centre of Excellence.

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 80% or 2.5/5.0 or Cum Laude

Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licencjat or Inżynier from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.8/5.0

Information for prospective students from Poland

Portugal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado  (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Qatar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0 or 3.3/5.0

Information for prospective students from Qatar

Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplomă de Licenţă/Diplomă de Inginer/Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat from a recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Romania

Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Russia

Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 60%; or 13/20

Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.7/4.0 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Saudi Arabia

Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 / Good 

Sierra Leone: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Honours degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 55%; 3.4/5.0; 2.75/4.0

Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.3/5.0 or 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Singapore

Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalár) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%; or 2.0 overall; or C

Slovenia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) or Diploma o pridobljeni visoki strokovni izobrazbi / Diplomirani (Diploma of Professional Higher Education) or Diplomant or Univerzitetni diplomant (first degree)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 10

Solomon Islands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from the University of the South Pacific

Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0

Somalia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Do not accept national qualifications for direct entry

Equivalent to 2:ii: N/A 

South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%

Information for prospective students from South Africa

South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.5/4.0; or 2.8/4.3; or 3.0/4.5

Information for prospective students from South Korea

Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 1.5/4.0

Information for prospective students from Spain

Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2:2 or 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Sri Lanka

St Kitts and Nevis: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

St Vincent and the Grenadines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (5-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or B

Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree/Kandidatexamen/Yrkesexamen from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Pass OR Godkänd (with a minimum of 90 credits at Good - C)

Information for prospective students from Sweden

Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom/Diplôme;Lizentiat;Staatsdiplom/Diplôme d’Etat from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4/6; or 6/10: or 3/5 

Information for prospective students from Switzerland

Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Licence/ al-ijaza-fi) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%+ or 'Good' from a public university

Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65-70% or GPA 2.6/4.0 - 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Taiwan

Tanzania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2; or Lower Second; or GPA 2.7/5.0

Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0

Information for prospective students from Thailand

Trinidad and Tobago: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree from UWI

Equivalent to 2:ii: B-, 60% or 2.5; or Lower Second Class Hons

Tunisia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme National d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme National d'Architecture/ Docteur en Médecine / Vétérinaire/ Licence/ Maîtrise from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11 out of 20

Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Lisans Diplomasi from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Top Unis: 2.5/4.0.  All others: 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Turkey

Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Lower Second) or 3.0/5.0 or B

Information for prospective students from Uganda

Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 12; or 3.5 out of 5

United Arab Emirates: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.6/4.0 or 75% or C+

Information for prospective students from the United Arab Emirates

United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from the USA

Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.5/4.0

Information for prospective students from Vietnam

Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.7/4.0

Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%; B; Credit; 1.7/2.5; or 2.7/4.0; or 3.3/5.0

Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (60%)

Information for prospective students from Zimbabwe

See international entry requirements and English language requirements

Course overview

The MA Music programme provides theoretical and practical grounding in the discipline of ethnomusicology, as well as the opportunity to develop performance and ethnographic skills.

On this programme students gain a practical understanding of how music can work in the sphere of social development and an in-depth study of global musical styles. You will study with a world-leading group of ethnomusicologists who are all experts in the musical traditions of Africa and Asia. You will be part of a thriving culture of performance, research and active engagement with music around the globe.

This MA Music programme will suit those looking for a springboard into further research or employment in a range of music-related fields including journalism, industry, NGOs and education, and often serves as a conversion route for those trained predominantly in western music traditions.

Why study Music at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 15th in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • The Department of Music has been ranked best in the UK for research impact and 5th overall in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
  • We sustain a thriving culture of musical performance from traditional ensembles to contemporary collaborations
  • We run an acclaimed public concert series that attracts London-wide audiences and performers from across the globe

Structure

Students must complete 120 credits of taught modules in addition to the compulsory dissertation of 60 credits . In addition to these formal elements, students are expected to attend regular postgraduate and public seminars and may also participate in performance ensemble classes and other activities.

Part-time

Students may be allowed to study for the MA on a part-time basis.

  • The part-time MA may be taken over two years, in which case the student takes two 30 credits modules (or equivalent 15 credits modules) in the first year, and two 30 credits modules (or equivalent 15 credits modules) and the dissertation in the second year.
  • Alternatively, it can be taken over three years, in which case the student can distribute the 120 credits modules evenly in each of the three years. The dissertation can be written in year two or three, but it is strongly recommended that this be undertaken in the final year of the programme. It must be submitted in September of the year in which the student registers for it.

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes.

However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. 

Core

Compulsory - Dissertation

Guided options

Guided options List A

Up to 60 credits from List A

Guided options List B

Up to 60 credits from List B

Teaching and learning

The Department of Music has been highly rated for teaching and research in all recent assessment exercises, and is regularly ranked amongst the top Music departments in the UK in Good University Guides.

Music students have access to the large Main Library of the School which holds numerous books, journals and recordings relevant to the study of ethnomusicology and world music, as well as the nearby British Library Sound Archive and other London libraries and museums.

The SOAS Library holds copies of standard reference works on music, such as the current edition of the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. The Grove dictionary and the RILM database can also be accessed on line from computer terminals in the Library or elsewhere on the SOAS network. Listening facilities are provided in the Library, and most CDs are available on short loan. Among special items in the Department’s collections are:

  • field recordings, films and slides
  • a large working collection of musical instruments from Asia and Africa
  • extensive staff collections relating to specific research interests

Contact hours

All Masters programmes consist of 180 credits , made up of taught modules of 30 or 15 credits, taught over 10 or 20 weeks, and a dissertation of 60 credits . The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework, revising for examinations and so on. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. 

Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others. At SOAS, most postgraduate modules have a one hour lecture and a one hour seminar every week, but this does vary.

Scholarships

Title Deadline date
Tibawi Trust Award
SOAS Master's Scholarships
Felix Non-Indian Scholarship
Felix Scholarships
Sasakawa Studentships

Employment

Students in the School of Arts develop a ​​critical and theoretically informed approach to global arts and culture. In addition to an intercultural awareness and practical expertise, graduates gain a wide portfolio of transferable skills which are especially sought after in the creative and cultural industries.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • British Library Sound Archive 
  • Songlines Magazine 
  • Music in Detention 
  • Tangram Music Collective 
  • Roundhouse Trust 
  • Alliance for Global Education 
  • Suzhou University 

Find out about our Careers Service.

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