
- UCAS course code
- W302
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Music (MusB)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAB, including an A in Music.
Alternatively, we will accept AAB plus ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit or above if you are not taking A-level Music.
The joint course with RNCM requires AAA, including Music.
You should normally have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice - preferably at Distinction - upon entry to the course in September.
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
ABB, including A in Music.
Alternatively, we will accept ABB plus ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit or above, where a candidate is not taking A-level Music.
(Joint course with RNCM requires AAA including Music).
Students should normally have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice - preferably at Distinction - upon entry to the course in September.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- W302
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Study at the best Music department in the UK (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020) on a course that received a top score for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2020.
- Learn from first-class instrumental and vocal teachers from the city's three professional orchestras.
- Join a friendly and supportive department, with an ambitious, student-led Music Society and over 100 concerts and events per year.
Open days
- get a taste for campus life and the city more broadly;
- find out about our subject areas and courses from current students and academic staff;
- explore our facilities through self-guided and dedicated tours;
- gain insight into your subject area through talks and taster sessions;
- ask questions and gather all the additional information you need to help with your decision-making.
Find out more about our forthcoming open days , including how to register.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £20,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Contact name
- Jamie Clark
- Facsimile
- +44 (0)161 275 3098
- ug-music@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/music/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Related courses
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
AAB, inc A in Music.
Alternatively, we will accept AAB plus ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit or above, where a candidate is not taking A-level Music.
(Joint course with RNCM requires AAA inc Music).
Students should normally have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice - preferably at Distinction - upon entry to the course in September.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Two Advanced Highers at AB, plus one additional Higher at A in relevant subject (see A-level subject requirements).
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require: 80% with a minimum of 8.0 in Music.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.
For all other foundation programmes please see this list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
In all cases below, students should normally also have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice - preferably at Distinction - upon entry to the course in September.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma : we consider the National Extended Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Dist, Dist, Dist, plus one A-level at Grade A in Music.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma : we consider the National Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade A in Music.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma : we consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade A in Music, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate : we consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades AA; one of which must be in Music.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
In addition to any of the below, applica nts should normally have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice - preferably at Distinction - upon entry to the course in September.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in Music.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade A in Music, PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AB, one of which must be in Music.
The University of Manchester will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 39 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 6 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in the pre-requisite subject required for A-levels.
Applicants to Languages programmes are also required to have a minimum of GCSE grade B/6 in a modern language or in English Language.
Cambridge Pre-U
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, D3, M2 in the Pre-U and AAB at A level in three distinct subjects.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement (and at interview, if relevant). We may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account, should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
For this programme, you will be made the standard offer plus an alternative one, if you are studying for an EPQ. The alternative offer will be one grade below the standard offer but you will also be asked to achieve a Grade A in your EPQ.
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C, or;
- IELTS 7.0, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Applying for both the MusB and the Joint Course with the RNCM
If you have applied for both the MusB course and the Joint Course, the Joint Course interview at the University will be used to determine your suitability for both the MusB and Joint Course applications (to save students attending interview twice).
Offers are made to Joint Course candidates only after a meeting of the RNCM and University admissions staff following all Joint Couse auditions and interviews.
Due to the highly competitive nature of the Joint Course, and the limited number of places available each academic year, it is common for excellent applicants who have not been successful with the Joint Course to nonetheless be offered a place for the MusB.
If a Joint Course applicant has not made a separate application to the MusB (through UCAS), they may still apply after the Joint Course application process has been completed.
Applicants are advised to apply for the MusB through UCAS by 15 January.
How your application is considered
There is only so much that a UCAS statement and a list of qualifications can tell us about you. If your initial UCAS application has been successful, you will be invited to an applicant visit day.
Visit days
Visit days give you the chance to discover more about our course content, departmental life, and the student and professional music-making that takes place in the Martin Harris Centre (home of the Music department). It also gives you the opportunity to see our facilities, attend one of our weekly lunchtime concerts, and meet our academics and current students.
The day includes a short, 20-minute interview held with one of the department's academic staff. Your interview is an important part of our application process as it allows us a vital opportunity to see what motivates you as a student and musician (see the interview requirements section below for more details).
Please note, that we will not be able to offer you a place on your chosen course without your attendance at a visit day and interview.
A decision about an offer is made shortly after interview and we aim to inform applicants within one week of interview.
Offers
Unless you've already sat your A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) we make the standard conditional offer to most offer-holders.
Some exceptions do apply. For further details, please see entry requirements.
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice.
Interview requirements
Interview preparation
Your interview will be held with one of our academic staff and lasts for 20 minutes. The interview provides you with an opportunity to tell us more about your interests, ambitions and qualifications, and to ask our academics any questions you may have about the course, department and university life.
Experience tells us that applicants naturally get anxious about interviews. Please bear in mind, therefore, that this is a chance for you to find out more about Music at Manchester just as much as it is an opportunity for us to find out more about your interests and ambitions.
Interview materials
We ask you to bring evidence of written work where possible, including:
1) An essay. It is important that you provide an example of how you have engaged with music in written form and/or an example that illustrates your best writing if you feel that your studies in music have not enabled you to do this.
2) A piece of music analysis or a harmony exercise. An analysis of one of your set works or any piece of music which you have analysed will suffice. You may be asked to discuss what your analysis reveals about the music, but not all interviewers will ask this.
Please bring either an analysis or a harmony exercise rather than both; a typical harmony exercise would be an example of a 4-part chorale in the style of Bach.
3) An original composition (optional). This is required only if you have one and you are looking to direct your degree in composition.
Please note that there is no performance element to the interview, as we can ascertain your level from your ABRSM exam grades. You do not need to bring your instrument with you.
Joint Course with the RNCM: audition and interview
For those applying to the Joint Course with the RNCM, applications must be made via UCAS Conservatoires by 1 October for entry the following academic year. The application code is 399F.
If your submitted video or portfolio is shortlisted, you will be invited to an audition and interview during November. Please note that all correspondence takes place with the RNCM.
The audition takes place in the morning at the College. In the afternoon, you will be invited to the University to attend a lunchtime concert and take part in an interview with one of the University's Music academics.
In addition to the interview requirements set out above for the MusB course, Joint Course applicants are given unseen musical aptitude tests and asked to discuss their interests as appropriate.
Returning to education
We welcome applications from mature students and will consider them on an individual basis. We usually interview mature applicants with non-standard qualifications.
Deferrals
Deferrals are normally allowed; however, we do ask applicants to let us know as early as possible if they are intending to defer. This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in order to achieve the required number of students in a given year.
Re-applications
Transfers
Students wishing to transfer from other Universities will be considered on merit, providing we have enough places to accommodate them. Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details). We will require transcripts and a reference from your tutor.
Course details
Course description
Our MusB Music course is diverse and flexible, enabling you to choose the course units that interest you the most to build upon existing interests while allowing you the room to discover new forms and traditions of music and new ways of understanding, performing and creating music.
The course offers excellence in Performance , Composition and Musicology , incorporating specialisms in Music Theory and Analysis, and Ethnomusicology.
Course content is regularly updated based on our research to reflect the latest findings in music scholarships. You will also receive support in preparing for the workplace; our graduates go on to work in the music profession, the creative industries and beyond.
You will learn from internationally recognised academics and a roster of professional instrumental and vocal tutors drawn from Manchester and the wider north-west.
Our teaching and music-making takes place in the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama. You will rehearse, take masterclasses and perform in the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall and can get your hands on the latest digital audio technology in the award-winning NOVARS studios for electroacoustic music and interactive media.
You will also benefit musically, academically and socially from the extensive music-making and management opportunities provided by the Music Society , the Choral Programme and the department , with 100+ concerts and events taking place each year.
And this is to say nothing of the diversity of music to be experienced in cosmopolitan Manchester, a global city for the performing arts with a rich heritage of professional and amateur music-making.
Find out more on the Music website.
Aims
We aim to:
- enable you to engage in the advanced study of musical performance, musical composition, musicology, ethnomusicology and music analysis within a research-rich and musically lively environment;
- provide opportunities for you to develop specialised and high-level skills in the sub-disciplines of musical performance, musical composition, musicology, ethnomusicology and music analysis;
- stimulate your curiosity and enthusiasm to study music in its practical, creative and intellectual contexts, and to explore the inherent interconnections between these three facets of the discipline;
- enable you to investigate the innate interdisciplinarity of music by exploring the broader social, cultural, aesthetic and scientific contexts in which it is created, heard and received;
- enable you to both develop your strengths and specialisms, and explore new aspects of the discipline by allowing the maximum possible flexibility and choice of course units;
- help you develop your creative imagination and skills of critical self-awareness;
- enable you to develop skills in interpreting, synthesising and critically evaluating information;
- encourage the use of technology as applicable to the study of music as a creative art;
- prepare you for the successful development of careers - both within and outside the field of music - that involve critical judgement, creative problem-solving, teamwork and well-developed communication skills.
Special features

"The electro-acoustic and sound design courses have definitely been a highlight, as you learn new skills from scratch that have obvious real-world uses.
"The performance module has also stood out for me because the individual instrumental lessons have been outstanding."
Sarah Keirle / 2017 graduate
Performance-focused environment
You will benefit from a combination of academic excellence and conservatoire levels of performance at Manchester. You will receive 18 hrs of one-to-one practical tuition on your first-study instrument/voice with 20 hrs in Year 3 (when taken for credit).
There are six student conducting positions under the tutelage of Mark Heron (separate to Introduction to Conducting available as part of the ensemble performance unit).
The Music Society holds more than 50 performances each year, while the Martin Harris Centre - which includes the superb Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall - presents over 100 events annually. We have many practice rooms, with 13 having pianos, as well as specialist percussion and keyboard rooms.
We have six full-time composers with expertise in a range of styles across instrumental and vocal composition, and fixed and interactive media, including live recordings of all student work in Years 2 and 3.
Placement year option
Apply your subject-specific knowledge in a real-world context through a placement year in your third year of study, enabling you to enhance your employment prospects, clarify your career goals and build your external networks.
Musicological expertise
Manchester is home to world-leading musicological expertise in music theory and analysis, sketch study, reception studies, performance studies, aesthetics, critical theory, cultural studies and ethnomusicology.
Study abroad
You may apply to spend one semester studying abroad during Year 2.
Teaching and learning
Our research-based teaching places students at the heart of the learning process, enabling you to ask complex, original questions and to apply different methods for answering them.
We understand that making the step up to university study can be quite a challenge, especially if you have limited experience of independent study. We offer a range of support to help you make the transition:
- In Year 1, all Music students are assigned to a small tutorial group which meets most Mondays during term-time. The group is run by your academic tutor and provides you with an opportunity to try out new ideas and receive feedback on your progress.
- All academic staff run two weekly consultation hours, where the office door is open for any question relating to your studies, progress or university life.
- We also host an active peer support network, including weekly study sessions organised and run by Year 2 and 3 students.
You'll be encouraged to develop knowledge and skills beyond your course, including extra-curricular opportunities with the Music Society. These range from performance and rehearsal to concert management and marketing.
Coursework and assessment
Coursework is regularly assigned and assessed either continually or at the end of the semester, depending on the course units taken.
You will have opportunities to take classes in which presentations may count as an assessed element. Many of our students choose to present a formal recital for assessment on their instrument.
Methods of assessment are clearly published six months before each unit begins.
Course content for year 1
Gain a thorough grounding in all the fundamental areas of musical training: performance, composition, analysis and music theory, aural skills, musicology and ethnomusicology. In the second semester you can choose from a range of optional units in addition to core units.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Tonality: Form and Function | MUSC10011 | 20 | Mandatory |
Sonic Invention A | MUSC10311 | 10 | Mandatory |
Sonic Invention B | MUSC10312 | 10 | Mandatory |
Approaches to Musicology | MUSC10511 | 20 | Mandatory |
Music and Its Contexts | MUSC10512 | 20 | Mandatory |
Tonality: Motive and Meaning | MUSC10022 | 10 | Optional |
Techniques of Tonal Harmony | MUSC10112 | 10 | Optional |
Musical Notation | MUSC10212 | 10 | Optional |
Aural Skills | MUSC10221 | 10 | Optional |
Solo Performance 1 | MUSC10600 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 2
Use our breadth of optional units to build on your interests and explore new areas, including themes you may wish to develop into your third year. Topics in musicology and ethnomusicology range from Early Opera to Music and Consumption in the Digital Age, while composition encompasses instrumental, vocal and computer music, and performance includes solo and chamber ensemble performances.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Analysis | MUSC20012 | 20 | Optional |
Fixed and Interactive Media Composition | MUSC20060 | 20 | Optional |
Interactive Media Composition Environments | MUSC20072 | 20 | Optional |
Harmony and Counterpoint | MUSC20111 | 10 | Optional |
Music post 1900 | MUSC20221 | 20 | Optional |
Instrumental and Vocal Composition¿ | MUSC20320 | 20 | Optional |
Vocal Composition | MUSC20362 | 10 | Optional |
Music, Culture and Politics | MUSC20561 | 20 | Optional |
Solo Performance II | MUSC20600 | 20 | Optional |
Ensemble Performance (20 credits) | MUSC20610 | 20 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 17 course units for year 2 | |||
Display all course units for year 2 |
Course content for year 3
You'll specialise in the third year. There are no compulsory course units but you'll select at least one 40-credit course unit from Dissertation, Composition Portfolio or Recital, and may opt to take two. An additional range of advanced 20-credit course units are available in music theory and analysis, aesthetics, musicology and ethnomusicology.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Analysis | MUSC30012 | 20 | Optional |
Composition Portfolio | MUSC30300 | 40 | Optional |
Dissertation | MUSC30400 | 40 | Optional |
Aesthetics | MUSC30502 | 20 | Optional |
Advanced study in Musicology A | MUSC30510 | 20 | Optional |
Advanced Study in Musicology B (40) | MUSC30520 | 40 | Optional |
Composition for Film and Game Audio | MUSC30541 | 20 | Optional |
Music, Culture and Politics | MUSC30561 | 20 | Optional |
Recital | MUSC30600 | 40 | Optional |
Participatory Music Practitioner | MUSC30800 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 4
For Joint Course students only
Following graduation from the MusB, students on the Joint Course with RNCM complete the GRNCM at the college during Year 4.
What our students say
The best thing about studying Music is that you're not anonymous. The tutors all know who you are, and are always willing to help you out in any way they can.
Laura Kirker, MusB
The nature of the Music department at the University of Manchester is such that any person involved with it feels like part of a family, and, as such, many of those people have a positive university experience that is unique, differing significantly from many students studying different degrees at different universities. I felt privileged to be part of that.
Alex Plim, MusB
The Music Department felt like a very supportive environment in which you would be encouraged to follow whatever path most interested you.
Helen Tonge, MusB
The work ethic, high standards and wonderful enthusiasm and love for music I picked up during five years studying music at Manchester has been a constant source of inspiration.
Rob Stewardson, MusB, MusM graduate
The University of Manchester was a brilliant preparation for life as a freelance musician....I loved my time at the University and was surrounded by supportive people, both staff and fellow students, who helped me to get the most out of myself.
Sophie Mather, Joint Course graduate
The facilities for electroacoustic music at Manchester were key to my success during my degree. I had access to an unrivalled studio space that cultivated my craft and facilitated my creativity.
In addition to these fantastic resources I also benefited from the strong composer community that provided a sounding board for many of my ideas, music and aspirations. The standard of the music and research from this community was incredibly high and instilled within me a meticulous desire for quality.
Manuella Blackburn, MusB, MusM, PhD
Facilities

"The element of the course that I have found most valuable is the number of opportunities for student conductors.
"I have learned a huge amount from being able to conduct a great variety of ensembles, including the symphony orchestra, chamber choir and brass band."
James Heathcote / Year 4 student (joint course with RNCM)
Home to Music and Drama at Manchester, this purpose-built creative facility includes:
- The Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall - an acoustically designed auditorium seating up to 350 people
- The Lenagan Library - our dedicated performing arts library
- The John Thaw Studio Theatre - a flexible, fully equipped performance space with seating for 150 people
- Specialist rehearsal and practice spaces
NOVARS boasts state-of-the-art facilities for composition and performance, including award-winning electroacoustic composition studios. Studios are equipped with digital recording equipment, Yamaha, Emagic, Akai, Alesis, Max/MSP and GRM technology, as well as Apple Mac work stations.
We own many specialist percussion and keyboard instruments, including a chamber organ, harpsichord, Gamelan Degung and a five-octave marimba. We also own a full suite of replica Baroque instruments, and we offer tuition and performance opportunities on these instruments as part of the Baroque Orchestra concerts which we present every year.
You'll also have access to:
- Manchester Central Library's Henry Watson Library - known for its Handel and Vivaldi manuscripts
- The nearby Royal Northern College of Music Library
- The Delia Derbyshire Collection of digitised reel-to-reel tapes, electronic scores and manuscripts
Find out more about our Music facilities and learning facilities across the wider University .
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants from the Disability Support Office: disability@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
Career opportunities

"The course offers the chance to work with other students and staff in organisational roles.
"Time management, working independently, coordinating large groups of people, meeting deadlines, writing reports and programming concerts are all things I will take on to further work."
Abigail Kitching / 2017 graduate
Our course provides excellent training for a host of careers, both within and outside of Music.
Employers will recognise that you are dedicated, creative, versatile, an excellent team player, highly organised, can work independently and have exceptional powers of concentration.
Graduate career destinations include:
- Digital Content Producer, BBC;
- VoiceLab Manager, Southbank Centre;
- NHS Graduate Management Scheme;
- Accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers;
- Music Supervisor, PlayNetwork;
- Account Manager, Saatchi & Saatchi;
- Composer, Faber Music;
- Marketing Officer, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Many of our alumni and recent graduates have established successful careers as freelance performers and composers.
Manchester has a proud history of producing graduates who have gone on to careers as professional musicians. With our strengths in this area, many students choose the MusB as a platform for postgraduate training at one of the leading conservatoires.
See our graduate profiles and find out more on our careers and employability page.
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .