Music with Irish - BA (Hons)

2025/26 Full-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Arts with Honours

Faculty:

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

School:

School of Arts and Humanities

Campus:

Derry~Londonderry campus

UCAS code:

W3Q5
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20

Start date:

September 2025

Overview

A course for the modern musician.

Summary

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’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 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.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

Three years full-time. Two 12 week semesters per academic year.

Start dates

  • September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Attendance and Independent Study

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 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

    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%.

  • 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 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 from the academic year 2022-2023.

Academic profile

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 from the academic year 2022-2023.

Derry~Londonderry campus

Accommodation

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Sports Facilities

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

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Student Wellbeing

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

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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

Labhairt agus Scríobh na Gaeilge 1

Year: 1

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.

Labhairt agus Scríobh na Gaeilge 2

Year: 1

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.

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.

Year two

Inniúlacht i Labhairt agus i Scríobh na Gaeilge 1

Year: 2

This module seeks to build on the language skills gained in previous modules. The module's primary focus is to help students write and speak Irish with increased accuracy. Students will study the grammatical rules of Irish in a systematic manner while using spoken Irish in a range of speech acts. The module introduces the concepts of register and error analysis.

Inniúlacht i Labhairt agus i Scríobh na Gaeilge 2

Year: 2

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.

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.

Musicology 3

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.

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.

Musicology 4

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.

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 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.

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 Production 1

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.

Music and Sound Practices

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.

Year three

Léann agus Scileanna an Aistriúcháin

Year: 3

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.

Oilteacht i Labhairt agus i Scríobh na Gaeilge

Year: 3

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.

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 in the above grade profiles 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 or 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. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications.

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

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

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.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level).

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

Please refer to the University’s general entrance requirements.

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 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.

Exemptions and transferability

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

Careers & opportunities

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 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.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2025

Fees and funding

2025/26 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.

Additional mandatory costs

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.

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

Disclaimer

  1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate, but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
  2. Although the University at all times endeavours to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses, change the campus at which they are provided and introduce new courses if such action is considered necessary by the University (acting reasonably). Not all such circumstances are entirely foreseeable but changes may be required if matters such as the following arise: industrial action interferes with the University’s ability to teach the course as planned, lack of demand makes a course economically unviable for the University, departure of key staff renders the University unable to deliver the course, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding specifically provided for the course or other unforeseeable circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
  3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
  4. Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and take the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected. 5. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally.  Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17:  Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.