Music

Course details
BA Music combines the traditional and the modern in the study of music, exploring diverse genres from the past and present and developing exciting new approaches in musicology, composition (acoustic and electroacoustic), analysis, ethnomusicology, music and science, and performance.
We also have a variety of music-making taking place at Durham such as six orchestras, choral singing, theatrical productions, contemporary music and much more.
When you study with us you will be encouraged to engage actively with music, both familiar and unfamiliar, as we challenge you to think about the subject in new ways.

Why Durham University?
Durham is one of the leading university music departments in the UK, offering innovative courses that are informed by our internationally recognised research.
The department is located at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Durham City – an extraordinarily beautiful place. But it is the juxtaposition of ancient and cutting-edge that makes Durham so unusual and inspiring; within the old buildings we strive to forge fresh interpretations and create exciting new music, using state-of-the-art technology.
Our teaching is research-led and enhanced by distinctive staff specialisations that include nineteenth- and twentieth-century British music, Indian and Korean music, popular music, music technology, conducting, music psychology, opera, analysis, and contemporary composition.
Our curriculum strikes a distinctive balance between breadth and depth, covering perspectives from history, theory, ethnography, science as well as composition and performance.

Facilities
Our students have access to a beautiful concert room. Four fully equipped practice rooms are available for individual practice and group rehearsals, with additional practice spaces available across the University.
We also have three studios with music production equipment that ranges from early analogue to current digital technology. Our recording studio comprises a control room and up to three recording rooms, with state-of-the-art equipment.
We also have an audio-visual documentation and analysis laboratory, a music and science lab and a fully equipped music technology workshop.

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Careers Opportunities
We are one of the very best music departments in the UK, with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. Our students benefit from passionate guidance from our staff and alumni, as well as support from our Careers and Enterprise Centre.
Our students graduate with a range of skills which open up many opportunities for employment or further study. Graduates from the Department have gone on to work in diverse careers in the music industry and beyond, including education, music teaching, arts administration, broadcasting, music production, artist management and journalism.

Course Modules

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

Modules are assessed by a variety of means, including continuous assessment, examinations and recitals.

Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on the development of independent research skills. Teaching methods and coursework are designed to help you achieve this; for example, you will receive reading lists, assignments, presentation briefs and online materials to direct your research in preparation for seminars.

In your third year you will undertake a major project which can be a dissertation, composition portfolio or a solo recital.