BA Music and English Literature

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 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

International Foundation Programme Scholarships: For international students who need to complete a foundation year before beginning an undergraduate degree, Cardiff University offers scholarships to cover part of the foundation year tuition fees. This scholarship supports students in their transition to full-time degree programs at the university.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Cardiff University's BA in Music and English Literature offers a wealth of career options, combining analytical, creative, and cultural skills to prepare graduates for a variety of roles in the arts, media, education, and beyond. The interdisciplinary approach of the program fosters versatility, enabling graduates to thrive in creative and intellectual fields.

Music and Arts Administrator: Graduates can work in arts organizations, managing events, coordinating performances, or supporting community arts programs. Roles may include working with orchestras, theatres, and cultural organizations, where they can leverage their dual expertise in music and literature.

Journalist/Critic: The combined knowledge of music and literature makes graduates well-suited for careers in journalism, where they can review concerts, albums, literary works, and cultural events. They may write for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms, specializing as music critics, literary reviewers, or arts journalists.

Publishing Editor/Assistant: With a strong foundation in English literature, graduates are well-prepared for roles in publishing, such as editors, proofreaders, or literary agents. Their literary background equips them to work with authors and manuscripts, especially in publishing houses focused on music and arts literature.

Teacher (Music/English): Graduates can pursue careers in education, teaching music, literature, or English in schools, colleges, or private institutions. This degree provides a broad knowledge base, making them versatile educators in either or both subjects, with options to teach music theory, literature, or language arts.

Media and Communications Specialist: The program equips students with strong communication skills, preparing them for roles in media and public relations. Graduates can work in PR firms, arts organizations, or non-profits, handling communication strategies, social media, or promotional content with a focus on music and arts-related projects.

Library or Archive Specialist: The literary and historical focus of the program makes graduates well-suited for roles in libraries, archives, or museums, where they may work with historical music scores, literary manuscripts, or digital archives. This career path often appeals to those interested in cultural preservation and research.

Event Planner/Arts Coordinator: Graduates may work as event planners or coordinators, especially within the arts and cultural sectors. Their background in both music and literature allows them to design and manage events, such as literary festivals, music concerts, and cultural exhibitions.

Music Therapist: With additional certification, graduates can pursue a career in music therapy, using music as a therapeutic tool to improve clients’ mental health and emotional well-being. The program’s focus on music performance and cultural contexts provides a strong foundation for this field.

Content Creator/Writer: Graduates with a talent for storytelling and analysis can become content creators or writers for digital platforms, blogs, or marketing teams. They may produce content that covers music, literature, culture, or arts education, with skills in both creative and analytical writing.

Arts Fundraiser/Grant Writer: The program prepares graduates to work in development roles for arts and cultural organizations. As fundraisers or grant writers, they can use their communication skills and passion for the arts to secure funding for music, literature, or community arts projects.

Museum or Gallery Assistant: Graduates can work in museums or galleries, supporting exhibitions or educational programs that feature music and literary themes. This role often involves curating content, engaging with visitors, and providing historical context for displays related to music and literature.

Freelance Musician or Writer: The program equips graduates with practical and creative skills, making freelance work a viable option. They can work independently as musicians, composers, or writers, creating content for various clients or publishing work in magazines, journals, or digital platforms.

Academic Researcher/Professor: For those interested in further study, the program provides a foundation for pursuing postgraduate degrees in music, literature, or cultural studies. This path can lead to academic research positions or teaching roles in higher education.

Film and Theatre Critic: With a solid grounding in both literature and the arts, graduates are well-prepared for careers as film or theatre critics. They can work with media outlets, reviewing films, plays, and performances that incorporate literary themes or musical elements.

Community Arts Worker: Graduates can engage in community outreach roles, using their skills to organize arts programs and educational workshops. These roles often involve working with diverse populations, promoting arts accessibility, and leading initiatives that involve both music and literature.