Music
Pursue your passion at a new level in a supportive and inspiring community of musicians.
Student satisfaction
94.4% of students on BA Music found their course to be intellectually stimulating and that teaching staff make the subject engaging (NSS 2023).
Global expertise
Learn from award-winning, internationally acclaimed musicologists and composers at one of the UK�s top music departments.
Cutting-edge facilities
Including a 530-seater auditorium, recital room, suite of music studios with state-of-the-art software, and teaching and dedicated practice spaces, all under one roof.
Music at Bristol
You will be taught by internationally recognised musicologists and composers and by a team of professional instrumental and vocal tutors.
We bring the latest research and expertise of our staff directly into the classroom. We offer a vast range of performance opportunities and host regular lunchtime and evening concerts, a programme of research seminars delivered by visiting guest speakers, and international conferences and festivals.
You will benefit from the partnerships we have with people, organisations, schools, churches, festivals and venues in Bristol and beyond, and from the exceptionally friendly and supportive environment.
I am very glad to have chosen music at Bristol, as I have been able to study so many aspects of music in such detail. I really appreciate all the resources the University has - the music department has a whole collection of software, sophisticated recording studios and equipment.
Career prospects
95% of BA Music graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months of graduating (Discover Uni 2024).
Our music graduates thrive in a wide variety of careers including performing, conducting, composing, broadcasting, teaching, research, arts administration, publishing, events management, finance and librarianship. Many also undertake postgraduate study or training.
Employers are attracted by the wide variety of practical, creative, intellectual and transferable skills that a music degree fosters, such as self-organisation, creativity, teamwork and motivation.
Course structure
The first year provides a broad foundation, with units in music theory, performance, studio and acoustic composition, and music history, as well as an open unit which you will choose in a different subject.
During your second and third years, you can focus on your areas of interest and choose from a range of options covering different aspects of performance, composition, theory, history, analysis and aesthetics.
You may choose to spend a semester studying abroad or combine music with a modern language and spend a year working or studying abroad. Find out about all our go abroad options.
If you choose to study Music with Innovation, you will combine music with interdisciplinary breath, creative teamwork and entrepreneurial skills.
Facilities
We are based in the magnificent 19th-century Victoria Rooms, which is home to:
- a 530-seat auditorium, where professional and student concerts and rehearsals take place
- an elegant recital room for chamber music performances
- a complex of teaching, study and practice spaces, including nine with state-of-the-art equipment, and a suite of practice rooms, all with pianos (upright or grand), for exclusive use by Music students
- a large common room for Music students.