MusicBMus

Study composition, musicology and performance, with opportunities to specialise in each of these areas.

• Choose from diverse modules like Film Music Techniques and History, Music and Emotion, and The Symphony: Prestige and Politics.
• Enhance your professional development with our industry focused modules, including Arts Management and Music Education.
• Benefit from additional one-to-one instrumental and/or vocal tuition in each year and refine your musical craft.
• Join University Music ensembles to participate in performance of your favourite repertory.
• Explore the city of Birmingham’s music venues, from the grand Birmingham Symphony Hall to the more intimate Jam House.   

Outstanding facilities

Our Bramall Music Building boasts the Elgar Concert Hall with pipe organ, a harp room, percussion room and electroacoustic music studios. Our University Music Hub features a number of high-quality rehearsal rooms, many of which include small grand pianos, a drum kit room and a recording studio. Access a huge range of exceptional choirs, ensembles, music and musical theatre groups and orchestras, such as the Birmingham University Singers, New Music Ensemble, Folk Band and Jazz Orchestra.  

• Lectures: These give you an insightful, expert introduction to key topics; they also provide guidance to support your reading and assessments.
• Seminars: These are small group discussions where you share and test ideas with your academic tutor and your peers. Seminars help you understand topics better and build confidence in sharing your thoughts.

Support during your studies

At Birmingham, you’ll have plenty of support to help you adjust to university life:

• Personal Academic Tutors: You'll have a tutor assigned to you who will guide and support you throughout your studies.
• Wellbeing Officers: The Wellbeing team help with extensions, disabilities, extenuating circumstances, or any personal challenges. They’ll also connect you with further support on campus or elsewhere.
• Academic Writing Advisory Service: Tutorials, workshops and support in  structuring an argument and developing your own academic voice.
• Student Experience Team: They offer research opportunities, and cultural, intellectual and social activities to enhance your university experience.

Contact hours

Your degree is designed to help you achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments.

Assessment methods

You’ll be assessed in different ways to suit each module. At the start of a module, you’ll be told how and when you’ll be assessed. Methods will vary but may include coursework (e.g., essays), group or individual presentations and projects, exams, reports or computer-based assignments.

Feedback: You will receive timely feedback on each assessment, so you can learn from it and improve your performance in future assessments.

Performance lessons

• Year 1 (compulsory): 18 hours of tuition on one or two instruments/voice
• Year 2 (optional): 20 hours of tuition on one or two instruments/voice – plus additional professional piano accompaniment for relevant instruments/voices
• Year 3 (optional): 20 hours Special Subject on a single instrument/voice or 10 hours Independent Study on a single instrument/voice – plus additional professional piano accompaniment for relevant instruments/voices

You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year, you will be eligible to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A levels required: 3

A levels

Required subjects and grades - ABB with A level Music grade A.

Where applicants are not taking Music at A level then ABRSM Grade 6 Theory or Grade 8 Performance is acceptable, in addition to the three A levels at ABB.

Applicants with equivalent Trinity or LCM music theory qualifications are still considered.

Music Technology A Level or any Music BTEC qualifications will not be accepted as a substitute for Music A level (however, they will be accepted as part of your wider offer providing all other requirements are met).

We will also consider applications from candidates who do not meet the standard requirements for A Level Music, graded Theory or Performance exams on a case-by-case basis. Following your application you may be invited to an interview/audition.

IB Diploma

6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall including HL 6 in Music. Where applicants are not taking HL Music, similar alternatives as in A level option will be accepted (ABRSM/equivalent grades or an interview).

BTEC qualifications

• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus an A at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
• BTEC Diploma: DD, plus an A at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level, including an A in the required A-level subject/s mentioned above.

Where applicants are not taking A level Music, similar alternatives as an A level option will be accepted (ABRSM/equivalent grades or an interview).

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
• Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students.  If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay.  If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

• Communication
• Lateral thinking
• Creativity
• Event management
• Entrepreneurship to succeed in a competitive field
• Analytical skills
• Researching, analysing and interpreting information

Our graduates become professional musicians, pursue postgraduate study, or progress to highly successful careers. Employers include:

• City of London Sinfonia
• Faber & Faber
• City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO)
• BBC
• Purcell School of Music
• Island Records UK
• Cartwright Communications
• Royal Opera House
• Royal Academy of Music
• Education institutions
• Kings College London
• Bulkhead (game company)
• Muse Group (music notation software company)

Many take management jobs in orchestras, music venues and other arts and performance organisations. Job titles include:

• Freelance Performer and Educator
• Lecturer/Music Teacher
• Strategic Marketing Manager
• Alumni Engagement Manager
• Orchestral Librarian
• Piano Technician
• Film Composer
• Learning Programme Manager
• Marketing & Campaigns Coordinator
• Marketing and Communications Manager
• Audio Lead (Games Production)
• Software Developer (Muse Group)

Famous alumni include:

• Natasha Marsh, Operatic Soprano
• Gabriel Prokofiev,  Composer and DJ with works performed at the Proms (Sergei was his grandfather)
• David Murray, Director of the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales
• Richard King, Managing Director of Faber Music
• Sir Edward Downes, Conductor

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.