Music Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Music Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
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 unfami...
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 Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-28
Campus
Main Campus
Application Details
13 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A07-H42
Institution Code
D86
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
General information on subjects/grades required for entry: To include Music A Level. ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory will be accepted as an alternative to Music A Level alongside 3 other A Levels. Specific subjects excluded for entry: General Studies and Critical Thinking.
T Level
At Durham we welcome applications from students of outstanding achievement and potential from all educational backgrounds. We will consider applicants studying T level qualifications for entry to many of our courses. Where a course requires subject specific knowledge and this is not covered within the T level being studied, you may need to supplement your T level studies with a suitable qualification to meet this requirement, for example at A level. Where this is needed this will be clearly stated in our entry requirements. Detailed entry requirements can be found on individual course entries on our courses database.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
Departments will normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. In the absence of 3 Advanced Highers, where these are not offered by the applicant’s school, offers comprising of Advanced Highers and Highers or a number of Highers may be made on a case by case basis. If Music Theory cannot be taken to a high enough level, ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory will be accepted as an alternative.
Access to HE Diploma
offer-distinction: 30.0, offer-merit: 15.0
We require 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 (or equivalent). Applicants may be required to meet additional subject-specific requirements for particular courses at Durham. If Music Theory cannot be taken to a high enough level, ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory will be accepted as an alternative.
Scottish Advanced Higher
If Music Theory cannot be taken to a high enough level, ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory will be accepted as an alternative.
Extended Project
Not accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
665 at higher level including Music
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
If Music A Level is not taken then ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory will be accepted as an alternative.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
If Music Theory cannot be taken to a high enough level, ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory will be accepted as an alternative.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
If Music Theory cannot be taken to a high enough level, ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory will be accepted as an alternative.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Not accepted
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU, International, Northern Ireland, Wales, England, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Scotland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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