You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Having trouble viewing in Internet Explorer 11? We're working on this. For the best user experience please try using a different web browser.

Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to menu
HomeStudyUndergraduate StudyMusic BA(Hons)
Search
Menu
  • Study
    • Back
    • Study with us
    • Undergraduate
    • Postgraduate
    • Online study
    • International students
    • Research degrees

    Undergraduate Study

    Connect with industry innovators, collaborate across disciplines and learn from practising professionals. Explore our courses. Clearing is...

    Student Funding

    We offer a range of financial support to try and ensure that all students can succeed and fulfil their potential during their studies.

  • Apply
    • Back
    • How to apply
    • Student funding
    • Accommodation

    Preparing for Your Interview

    What's an interview like and how can you prepare? Read our advice and tips and search for course information here.

    Application Toolkit

    Our Application Toolkit holds lots of advice and information about applying to Falmouth University.

  • Experience Falmouth
    • Back
    • Open Days & events
    • Student life
    • Student Voice
    • News & stories
    • About us

    Virtual Experience

    Live outside the UK? Can't visit in person? No problem. Experience Falmouth University on this Virtual Experience page.

    Ask a Student

    Our students are here to tell you all about life at Falmouth. From settling in and studying to making friends and making memories.

  • Research & Innovation
    • Back
    • Discover R & I
    • Our projects
    • Research with us

    How to Apply for a Research Degree

    Whether you’re applying for a MPhil or PhD research degree, find out about the key stages of the application process.

    Launchpad (with MSc Entrepreneurship)

    Drive the development of a high-growth tech start-up, supported by a stipend. Alongside this, you’ll benefit from business guidance, mentoring and...

  • Business collaboration
    • Back
    • Working with industry
    • Launchpad Outreach
    • Academic partnerships

    Launchpad Outreach

    Discover Launchpad Outreach, our fully funded business support programme.

    Working with Industry

    Business support, industry collaborations and impactful innovation. Find out more about how we work with businesses.

  • Support
    • Back
    • Student & staff portal
    • Student support
    • Find us
    • Contact us

    Term Dates

    Find out all the key dates and study blocks for undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees.

    Accommodation

    Explore all our on and off-campus accommodation options and discover modern, well-equipped spaces designed to fit a range of budgets.

Prospectus

Explore our future-focused undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses by viewing our prospectuses.

How to Apply

Get application information including personal statement advice, interview tips and what to include in your portfolio.

Coronavirus Information

Find out how we're keeping our community safe, and how you can help.

Music BA(Hons)

Prepare for a career as a professional musician with this industry-focused music degree. Based within our supportive and collaborative environment, you’ll develop your practice, pushing stylistic and technological boundaries while carving out your musical identity.

Music BA(Hons)

Key details

LocationPenryn Campus
Course Duration3 years
AttendanceFull-time
UCAS codeW300
Contact01326 254350

Apply now

Get a prospectus

Ask an advisor

Explore Open Days & events

Introduction

If you're stylistically eclectic and keen to experiment, this is the course for you. Whether you aspire to be a performer, composer, session musician, music educator, sound artist or to work in a mixture of these disciplines, we'll offer an insight into the modern music industries.

You will:

  • Learn to play in a range of musical styles and genres, in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Play regularly in ensembles, including session bands, vocal groups, contemporary music groups and laptop orchestras
  • Benefit from guest speaker artists and ensembles. Recent visitors include Adrian Utley (Portishead), Graham Fitkin (composer), Kenny Werner (pianist), Ed O'Brien (Radiohead) and Kevos (ensemble).
  • Have the chance to gain industry experience through a three-month placement or internship, from shadowing a professional composer or interning with a record label, to working with a professional orchestra.
  • Have the opportunity to take advantage of our prestigious international exchange partners, including CalArts (USA), Griffith University (Australia), LASALLE (Singapore) and Nagoya University (Japan).

Covid-19 update

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have reviewed and made changes to our courses to provide flexible, blended delivery that offers high-quality digital engagement and access to face-to-face teaching in our facilities. You can see how your course may be adjusted by viewing the changes for the current academic year by visiting our welcome letters & latest course updates pages

  • Students
  • Graduates
  • Course details
  • How to apply
  • Fees, costs & funding
  • Ask a student

    What our students do

    Article
    Article

    Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien delivers a Q&A session to Music students

    7 May 2020
    Radiohead's Ed O'Brien recently delivered a Q&A session to Falmouth University Music students with...
    Article
    Article

    Social Distancing Festival

    22 April 2020
    Jim Aitchison, Associate Lecturer for Music, is taking part in the Social Distancing Festival, an...
    Article
    Article

    VIP Industry Guests at AMATA

    31 January 2020
    Students and staff were captivated by industry guest masterclasses during Enhancement Week at AMATA...
    Article
    Article

    Students Set Up Music Society

    18 October 2018
    Students from AMATA have set up a music society called Fern Sessions, showcasing student artists...
    Grayscale image of student singing into microphone and playing keyboard.
    Student playing drums.
    Two guitarists on stage lit with yellow, green and red lights.
    Student in green bobble hat playing guitar into microphone in studio.
    Girl with headphones on playing flute in recording studio.
    Girl in black dress with back to camera playing double bass.
    Group of students playing brass instruments.
    Student looking at laptop and striking a drum.

    What our graduates do

    Our students have gone on to work with Elvis Costello, Madonna, Mark Ronson and the Philharmonic Orchestra.

    Article
    Article

    Music Graduate One to Watch

    21 January 2020
    Picked as 'one to watch' by the Guardian in late 2019, life has been a whirlwind for rising British...
    Article
    Article

    Meet AMATA’s Homegrown Music Industry Experts

    15 April 2019
    Musicians are the face of the music industry, but behind them stands an army of professionals that...
    Article
    Article

    Determined Music Graduate Lands Coveted Internship

    14 March 2019
    Florence Bird always knew that she wanted to work for a record label. She chose Falmouth University...
    Article
    Article

    A Creative Career with Cooking Vinyl

    12 March 2019
    Cooking Vinyl is one of Europe’s most innovative independent record labels and Marcus Knight, 2011...
    Article
    Article

    Graduate Composes Music for New BBC Drama

    14 February 2019
    Music graduate Joe Donohoe has composed additional music for Baptiste - the new BBC One drama...
    Article
    Article

    The Music Maker

    5 February 2019
    It's five years since Joe Donohoe graduated and since then life has been, in his words, 'flat out.'...
    Article
    Article

    Boardmasters and Bookings for Music Graduates

    6 August 2018
    Following the success of their debut single Apartment, recorded and engineered at Falmouth, new...
    Article
    Article

    Music Graduates Set Up Recording Studio

    1 August 2018
    Equipped with only his industry insight and entrepreneurial drive, just two years after graduation...

    Course details

    What you'll learn

    This BA(Hons) Music degree will provide you with a range of experiences and enable you to develop a unique musical identiy, a diverse set of musical and academic skills, strong critical awareness, and a good understanding of the contemporary musical world. By the end of the course, you’ll have a varied portfolio of work and a keen sense of enterprise. This will equip you well to identify, create and respond to the many musical opportunities that exist in the professional world. 

    • Year one
    • Year two
    • Year three
    Year one

    Analysing and exploring the basics of music-making, you’ll study performance, critical listening, composition, recording, theory and notation. 

    Modules

    Audio Cultures and Critical Theory

    In an age that’s seeing rapid technological changes and huge political, social and financial shifts across the globe, this module explores sound and music practices as they evolve within ever-changing audio cultures.  

    Composition Studies: The Elements of Music

    You’ll be looking at music across a range of styles, establishing theories and techniques that consolidate, challenge and develop an understanding of the main elements of music: melody, lyrics, harmony, rhythm, form and timbre.  

    Performance Studies: Self and Sound

    In this module, you’ll delve into a range of issues pertinent to the performer, from theories of embodiment and authenticity to creative processes of interpretation and critical listening, to skills in stage craft and dealing with anxiety.  

    Core Music Practice 

    This module considers a wide variety of approaches and roles within the vast and broadly termed ‘music industry’. The module covers fundamental key skills needed by professionals, such as communication, collaborative work, independently managed self-discipline and a strong work ethic.  

    Music Technologies

    Here, you’ll explore a range of music technologies relevant to the contemporary musician. Through lectures and workshops, you’ll learn and develop new skills, while seminars provide an opportunity to explore the role of technology in a range of musical styles. 

    Contemporary Techniques

    Focusing on a number of key twentieth-century principles, you’ll question what music can be. A series of miniature projects will explore important techniques/ideas/principles, along with their socio-historical context.

    Year two

    You’ll choose from specialist modules like Film Music, Music Education, Studio Composition, and the Music Business. Other modules will explore the latest trends in the music scene, and the right career opportunities for you. There’ll also be opportunities to study abroad with one of our partner institutions. 

    Modules

    Creative Writing and Research in Virtual Music

    This module explores the interdependency of technology, language and culture. You’ll undertake a written project based on either self-promotion or the analysis and evaluation of a relevant case study. Either project will need to carefully consider context, module concepts, critical reflection, thorough research and appropriate language. 

    Music Innovations

    You’ll consider in detail new and innovative music that is being produced now. Weekly lectures will cover trends and today’s music of interest across a range of styles, detailing contexts, innovations, artist case studies and relevant techniques.  

    Professional Music Practice

    This module moves you towards the realities of working in the sound and music industries as a professionally-minded creative individual. You’ll continue the acquisition, development, deployment and evaluation of your specialist skillset. Strong emphasis will be placed on the ability to evaluate your practice with respect to professional contexts, as well as seeking out future development and career opportunities.  

    Applied Music

    In this module you’ll consider real-world applications of your music-making, and ways of adapting your practice to particular professional scenarios while preserving your individuality.  

    Optional modules

    Voice
    Timbre
    Supersonic
    The Working Musician: Reproduce; Arrange; Mutate
    The Hit Machine
    The Music Educator
    Music and Moving Image
    Creative Performance Technology 

    Year three

    You’ll begin by gaining professional experience with an independently organised specialist project – anything from overseas community projects to working in a UK record label. When you return, you’ll work on self-devised projects, like writing an album, putting on a major performance, or composing a film score. 

    Modules

    Specialist Practice in Context

    This module is designed to help you realise your professional aims and ambitions by developing an in-depth, specialist understanding of the relationship between your practice and context. 

    Dissertation

    The dissertation module provides an opportunity for you to carry out in-depth research and critical analysis of a topic relevant to the direction and development of your practice. It’s also a further opportunity for you to gain and develop skills in the structuring, protocols and conventions associated with effective academic and discursive writing. 

    Professional Portfolio

    This module will enable you, in consultation with your tutor(s), to develop and consolidate your creative, theoretical and contextual enquiries into your own independent practice. 

    Emphasis will be placed on integrating your practice and research with strategies for sustaining a collaborative, or individual, body of work that demonstrates levels of compositional, contextual and critical thinking and realisation consistent with relevant professional arts practice. 

    This module will also support you in devising a professionalisation strategy for bridging your practice from university to employment or an entrepreneurial future. 

    The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

    From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details

    We are making changes to our curriculum framework for courses starting in 2022. Modest amendments to our course module structure will provide you with new opportunities to collaborate and co-create with students from across disciplines during your studies.

    This course page will be updated when these changes have been finalised and applicants will be notified.

    How you'll learn

    You’ll study a range of ideas and techniques in lectures and seminars, collaborate with a variety of people, and find support in tutorials. Regular learning will also come through specialist instrumental lessons, or lessons in composition or studio production. 

    Industry insights and expertise will come from our regular guest speakers and artists, like composer Graham Fitkin, Portishead’s Adrian Utley, conductor Marta Gardolińska, producer and guitarist Dan Weller (SikTh), and Island Records’ Darcus Beese. 

    Previous third-year Practice in Context modules have included organising an international conference, working as a session musician, researching American folk music in New York, and working as a film composer in Sri Lanka. Local possibilities include placements in UK schools, orchestras and record labels.

    How you'll spend your time

    Year

    Timetabled teaching

    and learning activity

    Guided 

    independent 

    study

    Placements

    1

    31%

    69%

    0%

    2

    32%

    68%

    0%

    3

    14%

    72%

    14%

     

    How you'll be assessed

    Year

    Written exams

    Practical exams

    Coursework

    1

    0%

    33%

    67%

    2

    0%

    22%

    78%

    3

    0%

    25%

    75%

    The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.

    Assessment methods

    Assessment is a combination of practical exams and coursework.

    Staff

    You’ll learn from performers, composers, producers, sound artists and musicologists, working across a wide range of musical styles. Our associate staff members include instrumental tutors, composers and songwriters, industry contacts and technical support staff.

    Some members of staff only teach on certain modules, and your course might not feature everyone shown here.

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Samuel Murray

    Course Coordinator/Senior Lecturer, Music

    Samuel Murray is a guitarist, researcher and lecturer whose current projects include playing guitar...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Simon Poole

    Course Coordinator & Senior Lecturer: Music, Theatre & Entertainment Management

    Simon has been making, selling, collecting, managing and writing about music for 30 years. During...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr D Ferrett

    Course Coordinator/Senior Lecturer, Popular Music

    Dr D Ferrett is Course Leader for BA(Hons) Popular Music and a Senior Lecturer in Music. Since...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Antti Saario

    Head of Music

    Dr Antti Sakari Saario is an award-winning post-acousmatic composer, educator and an audio ...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Andrea Rushton

    Lecturer in Music

    Andrea Rushton is a lecturer in Music focusing particularly on voice studies and performance.  Her...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Danielle Meunier

    Head of Theatre & Dance

    Danielle Meunier's origins lie in classical singing and voice & speech with a BMus (Canada) and MA...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Chris Best

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Christopher Best has been senior lecturer and principal tutor in music composition at Falmouth...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Chris Morgan

    Lecturer in Formal & Non Formal Music Education

    Chris is lecturer in formal and non-formal music education, co-ordinator of the Making Music...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Professor David Prior

    Director of Research

    David joined Falmouth as associate professor in Music and Sound Art in 2010. Now as Director of...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Johny Lamb

    Senior Lecturer, Music

    Johny is a lecturer specialising in the study of popular music. He is a songwriter, composer,...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Jim Aitchison

    Instrumental Tutor, Music

    Jim Aitchison is a composer and artist, working both in the realm of responding to visual artworks...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Will Parker

    Lecturer in Popular Music

    Will Parker is a lecturer, researcher and composer specialising in technology and aesthetics - with...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Simon Waite

    Course Co-ordinator & Senior Lecturer

    Si Waite is a songwriter, producer and educator. He has written, recorded and performed as a solo...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Helen Worthington

    Senior Lecturer, Experience Design, School of Entrepreneurship

    Helen Worthington is a Senior Lecturer at Falmouth University, having joined the Cultural...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Frankie Stevens

    Lecturer in Music

    Frankie Stevens is an operatic soprano, metal musician and academic. 

    She has a diverse range of...

    Facilities

    • High-spec studios for acoustic and amplified music.
    • Recording studios and practice rooms for bands and solos.
    • Some of the best studio hardware, software and collection of microphones in any UK higher education institution.
    • Professional theatre venue hosting visiting companies and artistes.

    Take a virtual tour

    How to apply

    Apply via UCAS

    Ready to join us? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below. 

    • University code: F33
    • Course code: W300

     

    Apply now

    Applying as an international student? 

    International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.

     

    International applications

    Application advice & interview information

    Go to Toolkit
    • Entry requirements
    • Language requirements
    • Deadlines
    Entry requirements

    We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.  

    As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

    Check how many points your qualifications are worth

    Language requirements

    For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

    If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

    If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you'll need to take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

    Deadlines

    UK applications: 29 January 2021 (for equal consideration) 

    Late applications will be considered if there are places available. 

    International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

    What we're looking for

    We want someone who:

    • Has musical ability, experience and contextual knowledge.
    • Shows creativity and imagination.
    • Can write and speak clearly.
    • Engages with interview questions and discussion.
    • Can critically discuss their portfolio or other musical examples.
    • Shows ongoing engagement, motivation and creative potential.

    Fees, costs & funding

    Tuition fees

    • Tuition fees 2020-21
    • Tuition fees 2021-22
    Tuition fees 2020-21

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK/EU

    £16,000 per year - full-time international

    Tuition fees 2021-22

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK

    £16,950 - full-time EU

    £16,950 - full-time international

    Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. 

    Typical course costs

    • £150 - Recurring annual costs
    • £550 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration

    If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

    The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

    Funding

    For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page

    Ask a student

    What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students? 

    From course details, our facilities and the local area to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

     

    Virtual Open Days & online events

    See how we turn real industry experience into real careers.

    Experience Falmouth

    • AMATA
    • @Fal_AMATA
    EmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInMessenger
    • Courses
    • Departments
    • Staff
    • Academic partnerships
    • Jobs
    • Corporate information
    • News
    • Alumni
    • Contact
    • Find us
    • Events
    • Staff & Student Portal
    • Falmouth Campus
      Woodlane, Falmouth
      Cornwall TR11 4RH
      01326 211077
    • Penryn Campus
      Treliever Road, Penryn
      Cornwall TR10 9FE
      01326 370400
    © Falmouth University 2021
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Data Privacy
    • Copyright
    • Terms of Use
    • Cookie Policy
    • Student Regulations

    TEF Gold Logo