MusB Music

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Bachelor of Music (MusB)
Duration
3 years
Typical A-level offer

AAB, including A in Music.

If you are not taking A-level Music, we require AAB plus ABRSM Grade 7 Theory.

Students wishing to pursue performance units should have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice (preferably at Distinction).

Typical contextual A-level offer

ABB, including A in Music.       

if you are not taking A level Music, we require ABB plus ABRSM Grade 7 Theory.    

Students wishing to pursue performance units should have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice (preferably at Distinction).

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply through UCAS

Course overview

  • The UK's Number 1 Department for Music (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
  • Study solo performance with our outstanding roster of professional instrumental and vocal teachers.
  • The MusB is the UK's longest-running taught music degree (established in 1891), set in a 21st-century cosmopolitan city bursting with music and creativity.
  • Find your own voice in composition and make use of the latest technology in the stunning NOVARS studios.
  • Tailor the course to your own strengths and interests, and discover something entirely new in ensemble performance, conducting, film composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory.
  • Make music and gain vital employability skills in our ambitious and inclusive student-led music societies.
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Discover Music at The University of Manchester

Open days

We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.

Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.

If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester. 

Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events. 

You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £28,000 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).

Scholarships/sponsorships

The University is committed to supporting eligible UK students from low-income households through our financial support packages ( bursaries and scholarships ).

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
Contact name
Jamie Clark
Telephone
+44 (0)161 275 4987
Facsimile
+44 (0)161 275 3098
Email
Website
http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/music/
School/Faculty overview

See: About us

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, normally including A in Music.

If you are not taking A-level Music, we normally require AAB plus ABRSM Grade 7 Theory.

Students wishing to pursue performance units should have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice (preferably at Distinction), to be achieved by the start of the course.

We will consider applications from candidates who do not meet one or more of the requirements for A Level Music, graded theory or performance exams, and will assess each one on its individual merits, taking into account experience and circumstances. If this applies to you, please contact us to discuss your application before submitting

Contextual offer

ABB, including A in Music for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria.  For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.

If you are not taking A-level Music, we require ABB plus ABRSM Grade 7 Theory.

Students wishing to pursue performance units should have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice (preferably at Distinction).  

AS-level

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

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

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

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 University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

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

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require: 80% with a minimum of 8.0 in Music.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

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

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

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 A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

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

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

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.

T Level

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.

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

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

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 C/4 or;
  • IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, 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

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

How your application is considered

In your UCAS application, we are looking to see evidence of why you wish to study Music at degree level and evidence of the skills and experiences that will help you to do this.

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.

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

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

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

Loading
What does Music mean to me? [Freya]

MusB Music was the first taught course of its kind in the UK, and it was a co-educational course from the start. But it certainly isn't stuck in the past!

The MusB today is diverse in content and flexible in structure, enabling you to choose the course units that interest you the most.

It allows you to build upon existing interests while discovering 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, Culture and History, Music Theory and Analysis, Applied Music, and Ethnomusicology.

Our course content is regularly updated based on our research to reflect the latest findings in music scholarship.

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 and highly connected city for the performing arts with a rich heritage of professional and amateur music-making.

Find out more on the Music website.

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 lessons each year in one-to-one practical tuition on your first study (when taken for credit).

On our Conducting programme there are 6-7 student positions in the Music Society and 4 in University Chorus, all mentored by Rob Guy, Head of Conducting.

The Music Society and the Martin Harris Centre (including the superb Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall) presents many events annually.

We have many practice rooms, 13 with pianos, and specialist percussion and keyboard rooms.

Composition training

We have six full-time composers with expertise in a range of styles, encompassing instrumental and vocal, interactive media, electroacoustic and film music composition with teaching focused on originality and professional training.

Your work will be performed by fellow students in composition courses throughout the degree. You can also benefit from our dedicated studio, with ProTools suite for electroacoustic composition, film composition and interactive media.

Musicological expertise

From early music to jazz, string quartets to African pop, we have expertise in a vast array of areas, including music theory and analysis, sketch study, reception studies, performance studies, aesthetics, critical theory, cultural studies, community music and ethnomusicology.

Placement year option

Apply your knowledge in a real-world context through a placement year in Year 3, enhancing your employment prospects, career goals and building networks.

Study abroad

You may apply to study abroad for one semester during Year 2.

Teaching and learning

With a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and one-to-one performance coaching, our learning environment is open, friendly and designed to inspire.

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.

Instrumental tuition is provided by the University for your first instrument or voice. 

Prominent players  from outside the University provide this tuition, and include visitors from the Halle Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic and the Royal Northern College of Music. 

Eighteen hours of one-to-one tuition is provided per year, with 20 hours in the third year. 

Expert performers provide coaching on our ensemble performance units.  

You'll be encouraged to attend our weekly programme of Thursday research forums, including performance and composition masterclasses. 

You'll also 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, musicology and ethnomusicology, and most importantly make connections through synergies between studies in these areas. 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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Tonality: Form and Harmony 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
Solo Performance 1 MUSC10600 20 Mandatory
Tonality: Theory and Analysis MUSC10022 10 Optional
Techniques of Tonal Harmony MUSC10112 10 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 courses in both instrumental / vocal and electroacoustic composition build on techniques and understanding developed in the first year. Performance courses includes solo and varied range of ensemble performance options.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Analysis MUSC20011 20 Optional
Fixed and Electroacoustic Composition MUSC20061 10 Optional
Interactive Media Composition Environments MUSC20072 20 Optional
Harmony and Counterpoint MUSC20111 10 Optional
Music post 1900 MUSC20222 20 Optional
Instrumental Composition MUSC20321 20 Optional
Vocal Composition MUSC20362 10 Optional
Solo Performance II MUSC20600 20 Optional
Ensemble Performance A (10 credits) MUSC20611 10 Optional
Ensemble Performance A (20 credits) MUSC20621 20 Optional
Ensemble Performance B (10 credits) MUSC20650 10 Optional
Ensemble Performance B 20 Credit MUSC20660 20 Optional
Conducting MUSC20670 10 Optional
Music Cultures of the World MUSC20721 20 Optional
Introduction to Participatory Music MUSC20802 20 Optional
Early Opera MUSC20932 20 Optional
Jazz Improvisation, Theory, and Analysis MUSC21500 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 17 course units for year 2

Course content for year 3

You'll specialise more in the third year, and develop further your independent study skills. 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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Advanced Analysis MUSC30011 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 or Game Audio MUSC30540 20 Optional
Recital MUSC30600 40 Optional
Music Performance Studies MUSC30711 20 Optional
Early Opera MUSC30932 20 Optional
Modern Spanish Music: A Cultural History SPLA31081 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 11 course units for year 3

Scholarships and bursaries

New for 2024/25 - Exceptional Performer Music Bursary

The Department of Music will provide first-year bursaries to support undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional levels of achievement in their instrumental and/or vocal studies. These £1000 bursaries will be awarded in the first year of study (2024/25 academic year), paid direct to students in two instalments.

More information, including eligibility criteria, can be found here

What our students say

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International student Iris talks about her MusB course experience

'My experience at The University of Manchester gave me a well-rounded musical education and provided me with the skillset needed to continue on my chosen path towards a career in performance.

'The fantastic instrumental tuition won me a place with a scholarship at the institution of my choice.

'The endless performance opportunities outside of the degree gave me not only ample experience, but they also allowed me to get involved with the organisation of concerts and events, furthering my understanding of our industry.'

Zahid Siddiqui, MusB graduate

'I left university with the skills and a very large amount of experience needed to forge a career in orchestral management.

'Manchester is excellent at giving students responsibility and experience, which is often highlighted to me by how many different Manchester graduates I bump into in my career - The University of Manchester is an astonishingly successful furnace for arts leaders.'

Seb Huckle, MusB graduate

Facilities

The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

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 newly renovated (2021) practice spaces, including Steinway and Boston pianos, early keyboard, percussion, drum kits, amplifiers and ensemble space.

NOVARS Research Centre

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 workstations and the latest ProTools software in the Undergraduate Studio.

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.

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 the Music industry and beyond. 

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;
  • Executive Director, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) .

Manchester has a proud history of producing graduates who have gone on to careers as professional musicians; many of our alumni and recent graduates have established successful careers as freelance performers, composers and artistic directors.

With our strengths in this area, many students choose the MusB as a platform for postgraduate training at one of the leading conservatoires.  

Read the testimonials below, search 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 .