Our BA Music and Drama joint honours course is one of only a handful of such courses available at any university in the UK, providing you with a rare opportunity to pursue your passions for all aspects of performance and creativity in a world-class university environment.
We attract a large number of singers and actors in particular, as well as students with passions in, for example, screen, film sound and digital media; the politics of avant-garde performance; performance, social policy and community arts; or the history of the voice and the body on a variety of theatrical...
Our BA Music and Drama joint honours course is one of only a handful of such courses available at any university in the UK, providing you with a rare opportunity to pursue your passions for all aspects of performance and creativity in a world-class university environment.<br/><br/>We attract a large number of singers and actors in particular, as well as students with passions in, for example, screen, film sound and digital media; the politics of avant-garde performance; performance, social policy and community arts; or the history of the voice and the body on a variety of theatrical and operatic stages.<br/><br/>With a huge range of course units to choose from, this course is diverse and flexible, enabling you to build upon existing interests while allowing you the room to discover new forms and traditions of performance, practice and media.<br/><br/>With a mix of academic and practical learning, you will be taught by internationally recognised academics, guest speakers and a roster of professional instrumental and vocal tutors drawn from Manchester and the north-west.<br/><br/>All our teaching and practice takes place in the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama where you will rehearse, workshop and perform in the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall and the John Thaw Studio Theatre, and where you can get your hands on the latest digital-audio technology in the award-winning NOVARS studios for electroacoustic music and interactive media.<br/><br/>The Martin Harris Centre itself is in the centre of the oldest part of the University, just 15 minutes on foot from the city centre and its many venues including The Bridgwater Hall, HOME, The Albert Hall, The Royal Exchange Theatre and plenty more besides. From there, it is a 20-minute tram ride to MediaCity in Salford, home to the BBC, ITV and The Lowry Theatre.<br/><br/>Many of the performances that youll be involved in are presented by one of our Music or Drama student societies, offering students opportunities in direction, production and management as well as performance, new writing, sound design and composition.<br/><br/>The course requires you to achieve the same musical entry requirements as those on our single-honours MusB Music, enabling you to pursue any area of study in the Music department. Your first-year tutor group, peer support and academic advising will normally be provided by the Music department.
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
22/09/2025
Campus
Main Site
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
WW34
Institution Code
M20
Points of Entry
Year 1
UCAS TariffNot Accepted Scottish HigherTwo 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. Access to HE DiplomaD:39,M:6 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. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme35 35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD 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. GCSE/National 4/National 5Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics (note that some degree programmes may require a higher grade than this - Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD In all cases below, s tudents 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 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. ASAS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester. OCR Cambridge Technical DiplomaDD 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 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. OCR Cambridge Technical Extended DiplomaNot Accepted Scottish Advanced HigherTwo 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. Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD3,D3,M2 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. Extended ProjectThe 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. Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)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. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D In all cases below, s tudents 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 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. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D In all cases below, s tudents 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 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. OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation DiplomaDD 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 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. OCR Cambridge Technical Extended CertificateD 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 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. A levelA,A,B AAB, including A in Music. Alternatively, we will accept AAB plus ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit or above, where a candidate is not taking A-level Music. Also required is Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) Grade VIII Practical, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice. Typical Contextual Offer: ABB, including A in Music. Alternatively, we will accept ABB plus ABRSM Grade 8. Also required is Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) Grade VIII Practical, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice. |
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