BA Music

Durham University offers a BA in Music, providing a comprehensive education in music theory, history, composition, and performance. Renowned for its academic rigor, this program fosters a deep understanding of music within historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts.

Curriculum: The BA in Music curriculum at Durham University is structured to cover a broad spectrum of musical disciplines. It includes modules on music theory, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, performance, and technology. Students explore diverse musical traditions, honing their skills and knowledge across various musical genres and eras.

Research Focus: The program emphasizes a research-oriented approach, encouraging students to engage in independent research projects. Through these projects, students delve into music analysis, historical inquiries, or composition, fostering critical thinking and contributing to scholarly discourse.

Industry Engagement: Durham University maintains strong links with the music industry, offering opportunities for internships, workshops, and collaborations. Students benefit from real-world experiences and connections in fields such as performance, recording, arts administration, and music education.

Global Perspective: The BA in Music program at Durham University embraces a global perspective by exploring diverse musical traditions worldwide. Students analyze music from various cultures, fostering an appreciation for global musical diversity and its interconnectedness across different societies and historical periods.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall  score of 85% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92, with at least 23 in Listening,  Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
• PTE: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Durham University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to both domestic and international students.

Durham University Scholarships and Bursaries: These are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as subject area or country of origin.

Durham International Scholarships: These are awarded to exceptional international students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the university. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable for the duration of the course.

Government Scholarships: Durham University participates in a number of government scholarship programs, including the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship.

College-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges at Durham University offer scholarships and bursaries to their students, such as the Van Mildert College Music Scholarship and the St. Mary's College Travel Grant.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Durham University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be discipline-specific or focused on supporting students from specific regions or countries. 

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded to exceptional international students across all academic disciplines. These scholarships cover the full tuition fees and provide a generous living allowance for the duration of the program. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic merit and leadership potential.

Graduating from Durham University's BA in Music program opens a multitude of career avenues within the diverse and vibrant field of music, leveraging a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and creative aptitude.

1. Performance and Composition: Graduates can pursue careers as performers or composers, showcasing their musical talent in various settings such as orchestras, bands, solo performances, or through composing music for films, television, and other media.

2. Music Education: Many graduates opt for careers in music education, becoming music teachers or instructors in schools, conservatories, or private tutoring. Their comprehensive understanding of music theory and history prepares them to impart knowledge and nurture musical skills in students.

3. Arts Administration and Management: The program equips graduates with organizational and managerial skills suitable for roles in arts administration. They can work in concert halls, music festivals, or arts organizations, managing events, marketing, fundraising, or artist relations.

4. Sound Engineering and Production: Graduates with a BA in Music can pursue careers in sound engineering and production. They work in recording studios, live sound settings, or media production houses, using their technical expertise to produce and refine musical recordings.

5. Music Therapy and Community Outreach: Some graduates explore careers in music therapy, using music as a therapeutic tool in healthcare settings. Others engage in community outreach programs, using music to connect with diverse communities, promoting social inclusion and wellbeing.