Winchester School of Art - Open Day
6 Jun 2026, 09:00
Winchester
You are viewing our beta course page.
Music
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 14/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
About this course
Study BA Music and make the music you're passionate about in a vibrant, cultural city with a great music scene. From the middle ages to global hip hop, our music degree provides a broad musical education across all forms and styles. Our students sing opera and music theatre, play funk guitar and classical oboe. And our Turner Sims concert hall supports the most extensive series of professional concerts and workshops of any UK university. You can tailor the course to your areas of interest with a wide range of modules to choose from and access to dedicated musical facilities. No matter what your musical background, you'll get involved in performance and composition workshops, ensemble and conducting, and performance projects with world-renowned performers and recording artists. You'll learn different approaches to musical topics and experience advanced studio techniques, jazz theory and orchestration.
Whether you're focusing on performance, composition, educating the next generation of musicians, innovating in the music industry, or exploring the therapeutic potentials of sound, your studies and training in music provides 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)
Key features of the course:
-
Take your music to the local community with school placements, therapy sessions and workshops, or perform across the city in a range of different venues.
-
Perform and record in Turner Sims Concert Hall, venues across the city and our world-class studios.
-
Access to individual tuition, masterclasses and workshops with leading musicians to hone your performance and composition skills.
-
Benefit from the range of state-of-the-art facilities available to our music students including the digital humanities facilities will allow you to study and research through cutting-edge technology, such as virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audio-visual centre.
Student support
You’ll be taught by supportive experts who know you as an individual. Beyond academics, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources, a departmental quiet room, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community.
Further information
The BA Music is a three-year, full-time course at our Highfield Campus. You can also apply to add a year abroad or placement year, extending your degree to four years. For details, visit our course page.
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: 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.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 14/09/2026
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:
- W300
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
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:
- W300
- 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
Qualification 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
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with 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 requirements https://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.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.
- Data from:
- This course
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*A*A
- Highest grades
- BCC
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| EU | £25500 | Year 1 |
| International | £25500 | Year 1 |
* 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
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Email:AdmissionsUG.AH@soton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
Like this page