Skip navigation

Music with Year Abroad

  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time with time abroad
  • 14 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
Apply

Course summary

Summary

Music is a way to express ideas, connect with others and explore creativity across times and cultures .

On this course you will perform, compose, produce and research music in a huge variety of genres including western classical, opera, jazz, music for media (film, video game), musical theatre, pop, rock, indie, neo soul, hip-hop, contemporary classical/experimental music, folk, EDM and metal, shaping an artistry that’s your own.

Through our distinctive offer in music history, cultural studies and music business, you will engage with urgent contemporary topics including social justice, education and sustainability, connecting music to the ideas and issues shaping today’s world.

You will take part in workshops, ensembles and performance projects, working with professional musicians and artists. With the flexibility to shape your studies, you can focus on the areas that matter most to you, whether performance, composition, production, music history and cultural studies, music education, music therapy, community music or the wider music industry.

As you progress you will build a broad set of creative, research and technical skills, preparing you for a range of careers in music and related fields. Whether you're focusing on educating the next generation of musicians, innovating in the music industry, working in performance or composition or exploring the therapeutic potential of music, your studies and training in music will provide a versatile platform from which to launch a fulfilling career. This is reflected in our Graduate Outcomes, where 91% of our Music graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, published 2025).

Key features of the course

Work in high-spec studios and rehearsal spaces and perform in on-campus and offsite venues such as Turner Sims and The Brook.

Access high level one-to-one tuition, coaching and workshops to develop your practical musical skills in performance, production and composition.

Gain real-world experience through community placements in hospitals, care homes, schools and early years settings.

Use our advanced digital humanities facilities, including technologies such as virtual reality and immersive audio-visual environments.

Take part in local, regional and national festivals, conferences, live events and projects, gaining valuable insights into how the music industry operates both on and beyond the stage.

Student support

Southampton is a collaborative and inclusive musical environment where you will be supported and challenged to become the musician, creator and thinker you want to be. You will be taught by industry professionals and world-leading researchers, bringing current practice and insight directly into your learning. You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring, careers support and dedicated spaces to support your studies.

Further information

BA Music is a three-year full-time course based at Highfield Campus. You can also add a Year Abroad or Year in Employment, extending your degree to four years. Our students have studied at partner institutions in countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Spain, Norway, Canada, USA, Ireland, France and Germany.

Visit our course page for details.

Modules

Over the three years of this Music course, you will explore a broad range of themes, topics and disciplines, ranging from performance, composition, production, and business and economics, to community music, education and musicology.

Year 1: Exploring the fundamentals of Music, covering topics such as performance, composition, musicology and production
Year 2: Strengthen your knowledge in the topics covered and choose the areas which best match your interests
Year 3: Year Abroad Year 4: Focus on a final project (research, performance or composition) alongside opportunities to further develop skills and knowledge in areas of your choice.

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through student-selected units and an elective placement.

For a sample list of modules available please visit the course page.

Assessment method

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as assessed performances, compositions, composition portfolios, creative projects, dissertations, individual and group projects, oral presentations, module journals, portfolios, teamwork and written and practical exams.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.

This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2026.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time with time abroad • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 14 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
W301
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W301
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
ABB - BBB

Typical Offer: ABB to BBB including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:

BBB including Music and grade A in the EPQ, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.

Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.

We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool.

We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

Specific offer is ascertained at interview.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.

We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool.

We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

Specific offer is ascertained at interview.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 to must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.

We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool.

We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

Specific offer is ascertained at interview.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma in Music plus B in an A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.

We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool.

We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

Specific offer is ascertained at interview.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate in Music plus AB to BB in two A levels and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB to BB to include A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.

We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool.

We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

Specific offer is ascertained at interview.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 points

Pass, with 32 to 30 points overall with 16 to 15 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.

We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool.

We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

Specific offer is ascertained at interview.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP):
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B

ABB to BBB from 3 A levels including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
or
AB to BB from two A levels including Music and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.

We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool.

We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

Specific offer is ascertained at interview.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3

H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 to H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.

We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool.

We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

Specific offer is ascertained at interview.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3, M2, M2 - M2, M2, M2

D3 M2 M2 to M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*

*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.

We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool.

We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

Specific offer is ascertained at interview.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an A level equivalent standard.

The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales). Some degree subjects stipulate specific additional GCSE minimum grades, which will be specified as part of the individual degree programme entry requirements.

For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.AH@southampton.ac.uk

Additional entry requirements

Interview

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirementshttps://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

A proportion of students who enrolled on this course in previous years exceeded their offer conditions securing their place on their chosen course with grades higher than our published entry criteria. We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Related courses

At University of Southampton

Like this page