Music

BMus (Hons)

2023/24 Full-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Music with Honours

Faculty:

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

School:

School of Arts and Humanities

Campus:

Magee campus

UCAS code:

W302
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20

Start date:

September 2023

This course is now closed for International applications for September 2023

Overview

A course for the modern musician.

Summary

The undergraduate music degree programme at the School of Arts and Humanities at Ulster University is based around four core elements: Performance, Composition, Musicology and Music Technology.

We’d love to hear from you!

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:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

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.

About this course

About

The undergraduate music degree programme is based around four core elements: Performance, Composition, Musicology and Music Technology. Classes take place over two 12-week semesters each year. Students choose modules to the value of 60 credits in each semester.

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. Note: All year 1 modules are compulsory for BMus students.

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.

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.

Three years full-time.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

Three years full-time. Four-six years part-time.

Attendance
Two 12-week semesters annually for full-time students.

Start dates

  • September 2023

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:

Attendance and Independent Study

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 near the start date and may be subject to 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 of attendance will often 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- or 20-credit modules and postgraduate course 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. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Masters 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

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

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 and the assessment timetable. 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 four learning outcomes, and no more than two 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.

Calculation of the Final Award

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 Masters 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 2019-2020.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

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 staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced 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 2021-2022.

Magee campus

Accommodation

Enjoy student life in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.

Find out more - information about accommodation  


Sports Facilities

Our facilities in Magee cater for many sports ranging from archery to volleyball, and are open to students and members of the public all year round.

Find out more - information about sport  


Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

Find out more - information about student wellbeing  


Derry~Londonderry Campus Location

Derry ~ Londonderry campus offers an intimate learning environment.

Find out more about our Derry~Londonderry Campus.

Campus Address

Ulster University,
Northland Rd,
Londonderry
BT48 7JL

T: 02870 123 456

Modules

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.

Year one

Musicology 1

Year: 1

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.

Performance Studies 1

Year: 1

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

Performance Studies 2

Year: 1

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

Musicology 2

Year: 1

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.

Introduction to Music Technology

Year: 1

The module introduces students to the techniques and underpinning principles of contemporary electronic music production, including sequencing and quantisation, sound synthesis and sampling, and audio effects. It will also introduce associated audio file management and workflow-related issues.

Composition & Orchestration

Year: 1

This module essentially provides students with the necessary capabilities for composing in a free contemporary style and to arranging for small ensemble

Year two

Musicology 3

Year: 2

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.

Musicology 4

Year: 2

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.

Creative Computing

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.

Electronic/Electroacoustic Composition

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.

Performance studies 3

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.

Performance studies 4

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

Composition and Orchestration 3

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module develops students' composing and orchestrating skills, provides opportunity for them to engage with, focus their study on, a range of 20th century and contemporary scores, and facilitates their composition of original musical works

Composition and Orchestration 4

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.

Sound Recording and Studio Techniques

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.

Introduction to Music Business

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

Introduction to Music in the Community

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

Music and Moving Image

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.

Experimental Music

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.

Year three

Industrial Placement

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.

Year four

Interactive Music Systems

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.

Sound Theory/Sound Practice

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.

Project 1

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.

Project 2

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.

Jazz in the United States

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.

Double Project

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.

Music and Moving Image

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.

Performance Studies 5

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.

Performance Studies 6

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.

Conversations in Irish Traditional Music

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.

Composition Portfolio 1

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.

Composition Portfolio 2

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.

Advanced Audio Production

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study in audio production.

Placement 1

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.

Placement 2

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.

Teaching Music in the Community

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.

Standard entry conditions

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.

A level

Grades CCC

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for the final A level grade (C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Applied General Qualifications

*** To note that only qualifications defined as “Applied General” will be accepted for entry onto any undergraduate course at Ulster University.***

BTEC Awards

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of DMM

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of MMM

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(2012 Suite)

Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of MM plus A Level Grade C

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades CC

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades CC

Grade profiles (equating to the final A level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) may be substituted by a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Irish Leaving Certificate

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.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is grades

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.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades

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 C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 24 points to include 12 at higher level. Applicants must fulfill the subject requirements for Music via other qualifications (IB Performance at Higher may be considered).

Access to Higher Education (HE)

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)

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above English Language.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

English Language 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.

Additional Entry Requirements

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:

  • Music
  • Performing Arts (requires completion of Music strand).

HNC – Overall Merit with distinctions in 45 Level 4 credits for entry to Year 1.

Music subject requirements are:

  • Music
  • Performing Arts (requires completion of Music strand).

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 B 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.

If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Music, 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.

Exemptions and transferability

Applicants from other institutions should apply via UCAS. Applications will be considered on their individual merits.

Careers & opportunities

In this section

Career options

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 University of Ulster and other domestic and international institutions. Meanwhile, the interdisciplinary opportunities afforded to music students across the subject areas at the School of Creative Arts and Technologies 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.

For information on postgraduate research opportunities see: www.arts.ulster.ac.uk/rgs

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2023

Fees and funding

Fees (per year)

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£4,710.00

England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees

£9,250.00

International Fees

£15,840.00

Additional mandatory costs

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.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

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:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

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.


For more information visit

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