Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
On our music degree, you'll learn how music is created, study a wide range of styles, and unlock your own creativity. This degree will broaden and deepen your understanding of musical practices, encompassing western art music, jazz, popular music, and non-western musics. You'll develop the technical skills to analyse music in different styles, and the critical skills to discuss music in relation to its cultural contexts. You'll also acquire critical and reflective skills to develop your own musical practice. Add to that some expert guidance in the use of technology to create and record music, and you’ll not just gain a degree but a passionate pursuit. “Studying music could transform your life. Now, as an OU student, you can focus in depth on key aspects of music in an innovative, up-to-the-minute single-honours degree course.” John Rutter, Composer and Conductor Key features of the course
- Study a wide range of musical repertoires and practices, informed by world-leading research.
- Create, analyse, perform and study the social contexts of music.
- Develop practical music making and performance skills at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
- Open to musicians working in any tradition and at any stage of their musical development.
- Relevant to a wide variety of musical and non-musical careers including teaching, arts administration, community music, and sound recording.
Modules
This degree has three stages. You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities, followed by another from a choice of two modules. At Stage 2, you’ll study two compulsory modules, which will introduce you to the principles of music and using music technology. Finally, at Stage 3, you’ll complete your degree with two compulsory modules exploring the impact of music in social contexts and the practice of music making.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
Before starting Stage 2 of this degree it would be useful to have some knowledge of music theory equivalent to ABRSM Grade 3 level, as the modules begin at a basic level and quickly progress to more advanced musical concepts and techniques. If you have not yet learned music theory or notation, we recommend studying the OU’s free online course, Introduction to music theory. When studying the Stage 3 module The practice of music making (a module offered by our partner institution Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance) you are expected to be actively involved in some form of practical collaborative music making for the duration of that module. You will also be required to attend a residential learning week at Trinity Laban in Greenwich, London. Students at any level of practical musical skill are welcome to take the module.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
For fees and funding information about this course, please refer to the course description on The Open University website.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ