BA (Hons) Music with Political Studies

The BA (Hons) Music with Political Studies program at Royal Holloway University of London, UK, offers students a distinctive interdisciplinary education that combines the study of music with political analysis and theory. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines, exploring the intersections between music, politics, and society.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Music with Political Studies program is designed to provide students with a broad and balanced education in music and political science. Students study core modules covering music theory, history, performance, as well as political theory, international relations, and comparative politics. They have the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary topics such as the role of music in political protest, the politics of cultural representation, or the influence of ideology on musical expression.

Research Focus: Royal Holloway University of London has a strong research focus in musicology, political science, and interdisciplinary studies. Faculty members engage in innovative research across a wide range of topics, including music and social movements, political symbolism in music, political communication, and governance. Students in the BA (Hons) Music with Political Studies program have the opportunity to engage with research-led teaching, participate in research projects, and collaborate with faculty members on interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Industry Engagement: The university maintains strong connections with political organizations, cultural institutions, and policy think tanks. Through internships, work placements, and guest lectures, students in the BA (Hons) Music with Political Studies program gain practical experience and insights into potential career paths in political journalism, advocacy, public policy analysis, or arts administration. They have the opportunity to apply their interdisciplinary skills and political insights to real-world challenges and opportunities in the public and cultural sectors.

Global Perspective: With its diverse student body and international faculty, Royal Holloway University of London provides students in the BA (Hons) Music with Political Studies program with a global perspective on music and politics. The program encourages students to explore music and political ideas from different cultural traditions, historical periods, and geographical regions, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity and global interconnectedness. Students have the opportunity to study world music, engage with political theories and movements from diverse contexts, and participate in cross-cultural dialogues and collaborations, enriching their understanding of music and politics as global phenomena.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80%  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 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 51.
• DET Requirement: A DET score of 115 is required.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

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.

Royal Holloway, University of London offers a range of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence and provide financial assistance to eligible students. 

Founder's Scholarship: This is the most prestigious scholarship at Royal Holloway, awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential. It covers full tuition fees and provides a generous annual stipend.

Royal Holloway Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students based on their academic achievement and potential. It offers a £2,500 tuition fee waiver for each year of study.

International Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for international undergraduate students. It provides a tuition fee reduction of £4,000 per year for the duration of the program.

Sports Scholarships: These scholarships are available to students who excel in sports and have the potential to represent the university at a high level. They provide support in the form of financial assistance and access to training facilities.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary. 

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Music with Political Studies program from Royal Holloway University of London, UK, possess a unique combination of skills in music, political analysis, and critical thinking, preparing them for diverse and intellectually stimulating career paths.

Political Analyst: Graduates can pursue careers as political analysts, conducting research and analysis on political trends, policies, and developments. They can work for government agencies, think tanks, research institutes, or consulting firms, providing insights and recommendations to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.

Policy Advisor: Those interested in influencing policy decisions can work as policy advisors, providing expertise and recommendations to policymakers, advocacy groups, or political organizations. They can specialize in areas such as cultural policy, arts funding, or international relations, shaping policies that impact the arts, culture, and society.

Political Journalist: Graduates can work as political journalists, reporting on political events, campaigns, and issues for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media. They can analyze political developments, interview key figures, and provide commentary and analysis on the intersection of politics and culture.

Arts Administrator: Those with organizational skills can work in arts administration, managing cultural organizations, music venues, or arts festivals. They can oversee program development, marketing and promotion, fundraising, and event management, ensuring the success and sustainability of cultural initiatives.

Public Relations Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers in public relations, representing political candidates, advocacy groups, or cultural organizations. They can develop communication strategies, manage media relations, and engage with the public to shape perceptions and promote cultural and political initiatives.

Cultural Diplomat: Those interested in international relations can work as cultural diplomats, promoting cultural exchange and understanding through music, arts, and cultural programs. They can work for embassies, cultural institutions, or international organizations, organizing events, exhibitions, or performances that showcase the cultural richness and diversity of their country.

Political Campaign Manager: Graduates can work in political campaigns, managing campaign operations, communications, and outreach efforts. They can mobilize supporters, coordinate events, and develop campaign strategies that leverage music, culture, and political messaging to engage voters and shape public opinion.

Researcher: Those with a passion for academic research can pursue careers as researchers, working for universities, research institutes, or policy think tanks. They can conduct research on topics such as political communication, cultural policy, or the role of music in social movements, contributing to academic knowledge and public discourse.

Community Organizer: Graduates can work as community organizers, mobilizing grassroots movements and advocacy campaigns around social, cultural, or political issues. They can engage with local communities, build coalitions, and organize events and initiatives that use music and culture to promote social justice and civic engagement.

Arts Educator: Those passionate about education can pursue careers as arts educators, teaching music, political science, or humanities subjects in schools, colleges, or community organizations. They can inspire and empower students to explore the connections between music, politics, and society, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement through interdisciplinary approaches to learning.