BA (Hons)
Music

Key Information


Duration

3 years

Part-time

6 years

Typical Offer

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Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Subject to Revalidation

UCAS Code

W300

Academic Year

Course Overview

Music at Lincoln is a contemporary, industry-focused degree for musicians looking to develop their skills as performers, composers, and collaborators within a flexible curriculum that encompasses classical, rock, pop, and non-Western music.

This course connects practice with theory, tradition with innovation, and personal creativity with collaborative projects. As well as working with other musicians, students have the opportunity to work with dancers, actors, film­makers, animators, and computer game designers.

Practical skills are underpinned and enriched with an approach to studying music that positions practice alongside an understanding of musical histories, cultures, and genres, as well as developing the critical and reflective skills needed to articulate these connections.

The teaching team is made up of professional musicians and experienced researchers with expertise that encompasses numerous professions, disciplines, and media, such as musical theatre, composition, performance, orchestration, musical direction, and sound production.

Why Choose Lincoln

Opportunities to perform in a range of ensembles

Optional study abroad module

Gain industry experience with optional placements

Learn from staff who are professional musicians and researchers

Creative and collaborative arts community

YouTube video for Why Choose Lincoln

How You Study

In the first year, topics include the development of key musical skills, the use of audio production technology, working with a score, the role of music in society, and the contemporary music industry. Individual instrumental and vocal tuition is also available to all students.

In the second and third years, students can tailor the degree to suit their individual interests. There are degree pathways that focus on performance or composition, as well as scope for students to explore a wide range of practical and academic skills. In their third year, students can complete either a written dissertation on a subject of their choosing or undertake a practical project, such as writing and recording an album or arranging and performing in a tour. Students can also curate an entire music festival in their final year, giving them the opportunity to present live work and develop key professional skills.

Students on this programme learn from academic staff who are often engaged in world-leading or internationally excellent research or professional practice. Contact time can be in workshops, ensemble rehearsals, discursive seminars or lectures and may vary from module to module and from academic year to year. Tutorial sessions and project supervision can take the form of one-to-one engagement or small group sessions. Practical work can take place in recording studios, performance spaces, rehearsal rooms and Mac workstations. Some courses offer the opportunity to take part in external visits and fieldwork.

It is still the case that students read for a degree and this means that in addition to scheduled contact hours, students are required to engage in independent study. This allows you to read around a subject and to prepare for lectures and seminars through wider reading, or to complete follow up tasks such as assignments or revision. As a general guide, the amount of independent study required by students at the University of Lincoln is that for every hour in class you are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study. Students studying music should also schedule additional time to practise on their instrument.

The teaching team is made up of professional musicians and researchers with expertise that encompass numerous professions, disciplines and mediums, including performance, composition, musicology, and teaching music. Teaching is enhanced by visiting practitioners, masterclasses, careers events, and alumni talks.

Modules


† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Audio Recording Techniques 2024-25MUS1016Level 42024-25CoreCreating Music 2024-25MUS1017Level 42024-25CoreEnsemble Performance 2024-25MUS1014Level 42024-25CoreExploring 1: The Creative Arts 2024-25CAR1001Level 42024-25In this module, students will explore creative arts disciplines through the lens of cultural themes, ideas and principles. This will encompass Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Fine Art, Music, Musical Theatre and Technical Theatre and highlight the commonalties which connect these disciplines, as well as the nuances and differences that make them distinct.CoreKnowing the Score 2024-25MUS1003MLevel 42024-25This module introduces key concepts in the theory of music and applies them practically in a range of notation, orchestration and transcription exercises. Students may come to the module with a range of prior knowledge of music theory: whatever their level, the flexible curriculum allows students to develop the areas that are important to them. The module covers musics from a range of genres and traditions, offering a wide range of approaches to the theory of music in practice.CoreMusicology 2024-25MUS1015Level 42024-25CoreSolo Performance 2024-25MUS1018Level 42024-25OptionalThe Physical Performer 2024-25DRA1052Level 42024-25In this module students explore a range of approaches to the constantly evolving field of Physical Theatre. Through a series of workshops, they investigate different techniques, styles, methodologies ranging from classical traditions to contemporary performance, and are offered the opportunity to gain a practical and analytical insight into the countless possibilities of the body in performance - in relation to other bodies, to the space, to the audience. Students will work to develop skills that will equip them to use the body expressively, imaginatively, communicatively, collaboratively. They will engage with and draw inspiration from a variety of stimuli - words, images, sounds, scents, objects, culture and society - in order to devise original performances, using the body as the primary vehicle to generate, express and communicate meaning.OptionalExploring 2: Place and Space 2025-26CAR2001Level 52025-26In this module students will practically interrogate interdisciplinary arts practices and investigate creative arts practitioners that utilise ‘site’ in innovative ways. In multidisciplinary groups they will conduct their own experiments to explore the challenges and possibilities of working in unconventional spaces. This will culminate in a final presentation of their work.CoreMusic Management and Curation 2025-26MUS2017Level 52025-26CoreMusical Context / Listening Culture 2025-26MUS2016Level 52025-26CoreSpecialist Elective 2025-26CAR2002Level 52025-26CoreComposition 2025-26MUS2001MLevel 52025-26The module will enable students to develop skills in composing and arranging for a range of instruments and voices in solo and small ensemble settings. In seminar sessions, students will explore the work of a range of composers from across cultures, styles and periods, examining music from technical, stylistic, aesthetic and critical perspectives. They will develop their own techniques and approaches through analysis, practice and reflection. In Mac Lab sessions students will have the opportunity to work with industry-standard software and work closely with composition staff on their work, whilst in workshops students will explore practical activities, including opportunities to hear their pieces live.OptionalCreative Audio Technologies 2025-26MUS2018Level 52025-26OptionalIndustry Placement 2025-26CAR2005Level 52025-26This module is part of the University's commitment to academic programmes that encourage a high level of vocational relevance. This module encourages students to think beyond their University life, reaching into the wider community to hone their skills and target future employment possibilities. The module aims to enable students to examine how arts-based organisations, educational and non-traditional arts-based establishments function and provide students with valuable workplace experience.OptionalPerformance 2025-26MUS2003MLevel 52025-26This module begins students' focus on the Performance programme pathway. The module aims to enable students to develop skills in collaborating within a small ensemble and working effectively within a rehearsal environment. In seminar sessions, students can explore the role of a performer and musician director from a range of perspectives (technical, stylistic, aesthetic and critical). Students will be introduced to existing work from practitioners in the area, and can develop their own techniques and approaches through analysis, practice and reflection.OptionalTeaching Practices 2025-26CAR2004Level 52025-26Throughout this module you will develop and deepen your knowledge and practice of teaching and delivery in a your chosen discipline. you will practice, analyse and discuss various possible strategies for working in a variety of environments, including more challenging environments, such as integrated settings and with hard-to-reach groups. In addition to the practical exploration of teaching and delivery, you will investigate the key policies and legislation surrounding the teaching profession. This module has a strong industry-facing element, and will provide key knowledge and tools for students wanting to move toward teaching and delivery as part of their career.OptionalCreative Entrepreneurship 2026-27MUS3014Level 62026-27CoreExploring 3: Investigating Creative Practice 2026-27CAR3001Level 62026-27This module will provide students with an opportunity to develop their independent practice and explore a project of their own creation. This will allow students to extend their knowledge of practice, scholarship, and praxis as they curate their own project, identifying a topic of interest for further exploration and dissemination.CoreYour Career 2026-27MUS3011MLevel 62026-27CoreArtist in Residence 2026-27MUS3012MLevel 62026-27OptionalPsychology of Music 2026-27PSY3180MLevel 62026-27This is a module designed to help students to develop their knowledge of human interactions and responses to music. Students will consider the ways in which we engage with, listen to, perform, and learn about music. It will aim to provide a better understanding the role music plays in attachment, emotion regulation, social affiliation, the neurological overlap between music and language processing, and the development of humans as a species who enjoy music. Through explaining the research underlying the Psychology of Music we also aim to provide an understanding of how this field builds on and connects with other areas in psychology.Optional

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

How you are assessed

Much of the assessment on this course will be practical and will reflect the demands and expectations of the music industries. Depending on the chosen pathway, students may be asked to perform or to create and submit their music using various technologies. Students may be required to submit their practical work as a portfolio documenting their creative process and development.

Written assessments come in various forms and are designed to develop writing skills for academic work, but also to allow students to develop industry-specific writing skills. Students may therefore produce sleevenotes, funding applications, project reports, reflective journals, professional portfolios, websites, and writing in other relevant formats.

The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.

Live Music and Events

As well as performing as part of your degree, it's vital to experience a range of music as a listener. The degree introduces you to a wide range of music in the classroom, but also provides opportunities to see live music and experience live events such as talks and conferences. In recent years students have experienced performances at Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, Lincoln Arts Centre, and many others.

In addition, music students organise, contribute to, and attend our Music Conference, with third-year students presenting practical or written dissertation projects. This event gives students the opportunity to be involved in the planning and delivery of an academic event where they can share their work in performance, composition, and music production, as well as through academic presentations.

Performance Opportunities

There are opportunities to perform in staff-led ensembles including choirs, orchestras, and bands in a variety of styles. You can join as many of these ensembles as you like at no extra cost. We organise regular performances on and off campus, with students having previously performed at the Lincoln Arts Centre, the Platform Stage in The Engine Shed, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Drill Hall, and for Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival.

A music student playing a violin

Placements

Our optional placements module in the second year allows students the opportunity to gain work experience in the industry, focusing on a role suited to their career aspirations and specialist expertise developed on the programme. The module encourages students to reach into the wider community to hone their skills for future employment. Students are responsible for travel, accommodation, and general living costs while on placement.

Study Abroad

In second year, students can choose to study abroad. This optional module enables students to spend a term studying abroad at one of the University’s approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their first year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the study abroad scheme. Students are responsible for travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking a period of study abroad.

I am able to look back and see the huge impact this course has had on me as both an academic and a musician. From developing my musical knowledge, to giving me the tools and life skills to excel in any future career path I choose, this course has played a huge role in my development as an individual.

What Can I Do with a Music Degree?

Through enterprise and career-focused teaching, you'll have the opportunity to engage with various parts of the music industries. Previous students have benefited from connections with Frequency Festival, Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival, the International Guitar Foundation, Lincoln Arts Centre, Lincoln Drill Hall, and range of local venues and organisations.

We aim to provide our graduates with the necessary skills and experience to pursue careers as freelance songwriters, musical directors, arrangers, orchestrators, composers, studio technicians, teachers, vocal coaches, producers, agents, event managers, and arts managers among many other roles.

Entry Requirements 2024-25

United Kingdom

104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels.

International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma from a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Arts Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/afyafyub/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

Interviews

We invite applicants to an Audition Day, during which you'll be asked to perform a 3–5 minute piece that shows you at your best, talk about your musical interests and experiences, and share with us your reasons for wanting to study at Lincoln. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, meet staff and students, and see our facilities.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course -Specific Additional Costs

There are no mandatory additional costs related to this course. However, we would however generally expect students to own and maintain the instrument they are studying. Though we do have pianos, guitars and drums that can be used or borrowed, other instruments may not be available.

Additional costs may apply for those participating in productions with the Lincoln Company.

Find out More by Visiting Us

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

Book Your Place
Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine
The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.