A course for the modern musician.
The undergraduate Music degree programme at Ulster University is based around four core elements: Performance, Composition, Musicology and Music Technology.
Year 1 is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of musical styles, genres and disciplines enabling them to develop existing skills and interests as well as acquire a range of new ones. As a Major student, you'll take modules in Musicology and Performance Studies.
Year 2 allows students the opportunity to begin specialising by introducing a number of optional modules. As a Major student, you'll take modules in Musicology and Performance Studies.
Year 3 enables students to focus their degree programme in one or more related areas of specialist interest with a broad range of advanced level modules. Placement presents students the opportunity to take part in an internship with a local music or arts organisation while the Project options allow students to pursue an independent course of research or practical work in a chosen field of musical study.
Irish is available as a minor combination at Magee campus to supplement your major subject. This option enables you to advance your knowledge of the modern language and to learn about a range of aspects of the Irish literary tradition both historical and contemporary.
The University offers a comprehensive range of programmes in Irish in both part-time and full-time mode at a number of centres which serve a diverse constituency of students. The breadth of Irish language provision at Ulster and the practice amongst staff and students of the School of Irish Language and Literature of using Irish as a primary medium of communication reflects the University’s strong commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity within Northern Ireland. The University’s Irish programmes play a vital role in preserving, sustaining and celebrating Ireland’s Gaelic literary and linguistic heritage as well as serving the demands of the Irish language sector within the local and international job market.
Taking Irish as a minor will allow you to develop core language skills in our Irish Language and Culture modules while affording you the opportunity to sample a range of genres from the Irish literary tradition in our Irish literature offerings. You will not only acquire communicative skills but you will learn important analytical techniques and the capacity to form coherent arguments in both spoken and written form. A minor in Irish comprises of two from the total of six modules you complete per year (students take three modules in total each semester). These draw on extensive staff expertise and internationally-recognised research.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The undergraduate Music degree programme is based around four core elements: Performance, Composition, Musicology and Music Technology. Classes take place for 12 weeks over two semesters each year. Students choose modules to the value of 60 credits in each semester. The last three weeks of each semester are devoted to performance projects and assessments.
Year 1 is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of musical styles, genres and disciplines enabling them to develop existing skills and interests as well as acquire a range of new ones. As someone following the Major strand, you take modules Musicology and Performance Studies.
Year 2 allows students the opportunity to begin specialising by introducing a number of optional modules as well as level 2 modules in the four core disciplines. Musicology 3 and 4 – the only compulsory modules - both include strands in advanced harmony. As someone following the Major strand, you take modules Musicology and Performance Studies.
Year 3 enables students to focus their degree programme in one or more related areas of specialist interest with a broad range of advanced level modules. Placement presents students the opportunity to take part in an internship with a local music or arts organisation while the Project options allow students to pursue an independent course of research or practical work in a chosen field of musical study.
BA students taking music as a major have a choice of all available modules with the exception of modules requiring prerequisites (Composition and Music Technology).
Taking Irish as a minor will allow you to develop core language skills in our Irish Language and Culture modules while affording you the opportunity to sample a range of genres from the Irish literary tradition in our Irish literature offerings. You will not only acquire communicative skills but you will learn important analytical techniques and the capacity to form coherent arguments in both spoken and written form. A minor in Irish comprises of two from the total of six modules you complete per year (students take three modules in total each semester). These draw on extensive staff expertise and internationally-recognised research.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Three years full-time. Two 12 week semesters per academic year.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module covers the acquisition of written communicative skills, enabling the student to express themselves correctly in writing with confidence in a variety of everyday and academic contexts.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module takes students on the course from B2 (Vantage or upper intermediate):
- Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization.
- Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
- Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
to C1 (Effective operational proficiency or advanced level):
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning.
- Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Year: 1
Status: C
Musicology 1 introduces students to the nature of musicological enquiry. Its purpose is to develop students' familiarity with important areas of musical activity, trends and genres, and to address some of the major issues in relation to the study and performance of Western Art and Popular Music. The module also enables students to develop fundamental skills in the study of tonal harmony.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the student to a variety of approaches relating to the study of musical performance, promotes self-awareness and provides a broad context for further development. It is designed to develop current levels of aural awareness and serve as an introduction to improvisation as a means by which musicians may generate and develop musical ideas spontaneously, without reliance on a score
Year: 1
Status: C
This module builds on the skills acquired in MUS102, develops self-awareness, and encourages students to advance their understanding and appreciation of artistic qualities that characterise musical performances. Students are encouraged to make relevant connections between the skills developed here and within other areas of the programme
Year: 1
Status: C
In this module students will be introduced to the study of Irish traditional music and the evolution of early jazz.The study of fundamental harmony introduced in Musicology 1 will be continued with emphasis on early jazz.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module should consolidate the students' C1 level (Effective operational proficiency or advanced level) (CEFRL):
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning.
- Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module provides an elucidation of important aspects of Irish folklore, oral tradition and literary heritage.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module builds on an Ghaeilge Scríofa 1 and covers the acquisition of written communicative skills, enabling the student to express themselves correctly in writing with confidence in a variety of everyday and academic contexts.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module is designed for students who wish to develop their practice in interactive systems for live digital music or visual performance, application prototype and/or installation work.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module engages with a cross-section of musicological and performance-practice issues in the study of nineteenth-century Western Art Music and Contemporary Classical Music.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module introduces students to the key theoretical principles, creative practices and tools for electronic/electroacoustic music production, in addition to other sonic arts and sound design activities.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module builds on the perspectives established in Musicology 3, and provides students with both a broad appraisal of Irish traditional music, song and dance and specific explorations of music in a variety of styles as well as advanced harmony skills and an insight into popular music aesthetics/experimental pop.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
In this module students increase their knowledge of repertoire and performance styles and develop a range of performance and performance-related skills.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
In this module students develop their individual strengths in performance, their critical faculties and their awareness of the visual dimensions of performance
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module develops students' composing and orchestration skills, providing opportunities for them to engage with a range of contemporary scores and recordings while facilitating their composition of original musical works. Particularly focuses of the module include the application of rhythmic techniques, expanding the students' working knowledge of harmonic writing and developing their technique in arranging for acoustic instruments.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module is geared towards consolidating and developing composing and orchestrating skills as acquired in Composition and Orchestration 3, and channelling them towards the production of a large-scale original composition and orchestration.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides an overview of the studio environment and of the techniques involved in the different stages of modern music production.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will give students an understanding of key working practices, skills and national and international organisations relevant to the music business. It will provide students with a set of practical skills to equip them as professional practitioners within the music industry
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will introduce the role of the musician in community arts, exploring skills which will equip students to participate in all aspects of community-based arts projects
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides students with a historical, theoretical, stylistic and aesthetic study of music and moving image and the opportunity to compose for the screen. The module focuses primarily on film music and its genres but also covers other screen media, in particular music video and music for television. The module is divided between theoretical and analytical work, including the discussion of selected case studies, and practical work composing and editing in the lab.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will introduce students to the key historical, practical, theoretical, and aesthetic themes associated with experimental music composition and performance.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will introduce students to the key creative, practical, theoretical, and aesthetic strategies associated with contemporary composition and performance which utilises timbre as the central tool for compositional exploration.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides students with the opportunity to experience life as a professional in the creative industries as a paid employee of a company. They will be expected to conduct themselves professionally being an employee of a company and an ambassador for the University during this period. They will be supported by an academic coordinator.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
The module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline of Celtic Studies whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module examines various synchronic and diachronic aspects of the Irish language.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module seeks to build on the language skills gained in all previous modules. Students will be given the chance to further develop their written and oral proficiency by completing a range of tasks. Detailed comprehension exercises in Irish will enable students to perfect their knowledge of Irish grammar. Extended debates and presentations will help students speak Irish with confidence and complete accuracy.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study in interactive media systems for installation and/or performance applications.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module develops the learner's understanding of the key role the `forgotten' medium of sound has in contemporary media and in our everyday lived experience. Learning will be grounded in an historical overview of the development of sound study, sound technology and the principal sound art projects of the last 150 years. This grounding will be used to encourage students to develop their own analyses of the ways in which sound frames and permeates our everyday lives and to create their own sound productions informed by these perspectives.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will introduce students to the study of grammar, syntax and phonology in Irish translation. Students will also study of the discourse of contemporary Irish translation and engage critically with key concepts in translation.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will allow students to develop the skills necessary to undertake and complete a research project, allowing them to pursue in depth a particular topic, agreed with a supervisor, in which they have a particular interest.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will allow students to develop the skills necessary to undertake and complete a research project, allowing them to pursue in depth a particular topic, agreed with a supervisor, in which they have a particular interest.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This modules explores the development of Jazz in the United States in the twentieth century using a range of critical and analytical techniques.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will allow students to develop the skills necessary to undertake and complete a research project, allowing them to pursue in depth a particular topic, agreed with a supervisor, in which they have a particular interest.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides students with a historical, theoretical, stylistic and aesthetic study of music and moving image and the opportunity to compose for the screen. The module focuses primarily on film music and its genres but also covers other screen media, in particular music video and music for television. The module is divided between theoretical and analytical work, including the discussion of selected case studies, and practical work composing and editing in the lab.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
In this module students may focus on repertoire/styles in which they have demonstrated particular strengths. They enhance their performance profile through involvement in a range of performance-related activities.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is designed for students who have displayed the potential to pursue performance to a level of artistic excellence.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module will provide students with an overview of the sounds, conversation, communities and contexts of traditional musics in Ireland with a view to developing critical thinking and commentary skills in relation to issues raised.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This Module is intended to encourage and empower the student to compose medium scale (6-10 minute) works demonstrating a variety of creative approaches and skills.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is geared towards developing compositional skills the student has acquired in MUS517 Composition Portfolio 1, and channelling them towards the production of two large scale pieces of music.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study in audio production.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module allows students to spend a period of time working outside the university in a suitable music or arts organisation.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module allows students to spend a period of time working outside the university in a suitable music or arts organisation.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces students to the practice of teaching music outside the formal school environment. It considers practical supports to help build skills in the planning, delivery and monitoring of teaching, and to encourage future teachers to become reflective in their practice. It also introduces students to the entrepreneurial context in which such teaching in the community is often situated.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades CCC
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for the final A level grade in the above grade profiles by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of MMM
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/stud-y/entrance-requirements/equivalence
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/undergraduate-entry-requirements
96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
CCCCC
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
DDD
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade D) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications.
Overall International Baccalaureate profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level).
Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)
Overall profile of 45 credits at Merit (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)
Please refer to the University’s general entrance requirements.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
HND - Overall Merit with distinctions in 15 Level 5 credits entry to Year 1. Those applicants holding a subject-related HND with an overall Merit may be considered for entry to Year 2.
Music subject requirements are:
HNC – Overall Merit with distinctions in 45 Level 4 credits for entry to Year 1.
Music subject requirements are:
Candidates offering non-subject related HNC/HNDs will be considered if they achieve the Music subject requirements via other qualifications i.e. A level grade C or equivalent.
Foundation Degree - an overall mark of 40% in Level 5 modules for Year 1 entry. Those applicants holding a subject-related Foundation Degree may be considered for entry to Year 2.
Please see the other qualifications sections for alternative acceptable qualifications to satisfy the Music subject requirements for this course. Please note that all applicants for the degree course may be interviewed and auditioned as part of our entry criteria.
Candidates must fulfill the subject requirements for Irish via other qualifications (IB Performance in Music at Higher will be considered). If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Music and/or Irish, please contact us and we can discuss how we might recognise your prior experience in the area in assessing your application.
Advanced Entry
Those applicants seeking entry with advanced standing, (eg. Transfer from a cognate course at another institution or year 2 entry via cognate HND* or Foundation Degree*) will be considered on an individual basis but should note that this process can be more difficult in subject combination programmes as both subjects must be satisfied.
* normally Year 2 entry requires applicants to hold a course-related award plus a minimum of grade 5 Music Theory or demonstrate equivalent proficiency (equivalency to be determined via interview audition).
APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)
The University will consider applications on the basis of experiential learning for those who do not hold the normal entry qualifications.
Transfers - on an individual basis.
Applicants from other institutions should apply via UCAS. Applications will be considered on their individual merits.
In this section
Studying music at Ulster prepares graduates for a range of careers both inside and outside of the music industry. Our students have been successful in establishing careers as composers and performers, studio engineers, teachers, community music leaders and many progress to postgraduate study at the Ulster University and other domestic and international institutions. Meanwhile, the interdisciplinary opportunities afforded to music students across the subject areas at the School of Creative Arts equips our graduates with a unique range of skills and experiences vital to any career in the creative industries that few other institutions can provide.
Students completing a course with Irish as a minor are well equipped to undertake postgraduate work in relevant areas of study. A degree containing a significant element of Irish equips you for the wide variety of careers that require advanced communicative skills, both written and oral, including teaching, broadcasting, translation, publishing, journalism, community development and civil service.
£4,750.00
£9,250.00
£16,320.00
Students visit the Gaeltacht for a week in the Autumn and in the Spring each year. The cost of each course is circa £125 to cover travel, accommodation, food, activities, excursions and classes.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
