Music at University of Sussex - UCAS

University of Sussex

Degree level: Undergraduate

Music

University of Sussex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

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Course summary

About the course Performing, composing, writing, debating – this course is geared towards the needs of the contemporary musician. There’s an emphasis on being able to thrive in different professional and industry contexts. At Sussex, Music focuses on performance, composition and critical thinking. Designed to be expansive, this BA cuts across genres such as popular, classical, film, global and avant-garde. You’ll:

engage in various modes of creative practice, with an emphasis on diversity and international perspectives

have one-to-one instrumental lessons in your first year

attend masterclasses and concerts

enjoy 24/7 access to industry-standard facilities, including three studios, practice rooms, as well as the 350-seat auditorium and gigs stage with LX and live PA at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

take electives from other subjects – from film to sustainability and arts production practices – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests

have the opportunity to apply to study abroad or go on a placement to broaden your horizons.

You’ll learn from composers, performers and musicologists. There’s an emphasis on creativity and challenging assumptions. Our faculty combine practical musicianship skills with performing and writing music, arranging and music history. You’ll also benefit from our connections with local music organisations. These include Glyndebourne, the world-class opera venue in the Sussex Downs near Lewes, and The Rose Hill, an independent music venue and creative hub run by artists and musicians in Brighton. Some of our recent graduates have been signed to labels, made the BBC Radio 6 Music A-list, toured professionally, played at SXSW, released albums or composed music for advertising. Others have gone on to record labels, to Nordoff Robbins music therapy, or to jobs in film and game composition. About Sussex Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution. Location Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

Modules

See the modules you will study by year by going to the 'view course details' link.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: W300

Institution code:: S90

Campus name:: Main Site

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1
Year 2

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBB

You must have evidence of strong music ability. You might have A-level Music or Music Technology (with at least grade B in either) or have other evidence of music ability from outside your A-level studies. This could be a formal qualification (such as grade 7 theory or grade 7 instrument or voice from a certified exam board, like Rockschool or ABRSM) or you may have other evidence of strong performance, composition or professional experience from outside your academic studies. If you are applying without a formal music qualification, but otherwise have a strong UCAS application, we will probably ask you to submit evidence of your music ability as part of our selection process. You might, for example, be asked to provide a portfolio of compositions or songs/tracks or recordings of public performances, or a combination of several of these. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

You must have evidence of strong music ability. You might have a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) in Music or Music Technology (with at least Distinction, Distinction, Merit) or you could have a formal qualification (such as grade 7 theory or grade 7 instrument or voice from a certified exam board, like Rockschool or ABRSM). You may also have other evidence of strong performance or composition or professional experience from outside your academic studies. If you are applying without a formal music qualification, but otherwise have a strong UCAS application, we will probably ask you to submit evidence of your music ability as part of our selection process. You might, for example, be asked to provide a portfolio of compositions or songs/tracks or recordings of public performances, or a combination of several of these. You should have a broad range of GCSEs grades 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 21 credits at Distinction. The Access should be in Humanities or Social Sciences or computing/music technology creative and digital media. You must also have evidence of strong music ability. You might have A-level Music or Music Technology (with at least grade B in either) or have other evidence of music ability from another qualification. This could be a formal qualification (such as grade 7 theory or grade 7 instrument or voice from a certified exam board, like Rockschool or ABRSM) or you may have other evidence of strong performance, composition or professional experience from outside your academic studies. If you are applying without a formal music qualification, but otherwise have a strong UCAS application, we will probably ask you to submit evidence of your music ability as part of our selection process. You might, for example, be asked to provide a portfolio of compositions or songs/tracks or recordings of public performances, or a combination of several of these.

Scottish Higher - ABBBB

You must have evidence of strong music ability. You might have Highers which include Music with at least grade B or an Advanced Higher in Music (grade B) or have other evidence of music ability from outside your current studies. This could be a formal qualification (such as grade 7 theory or grade 7 instrument or voice from a certified exam board, like Rockschool or ABRSM). You may also have other evidence of strong performance, composition or professional experience from outside your academic studies. If you are applying without a formal music qualification, but otherwise have a strong UCAS application, we will probably ask you to submit evidence of your music ability as part of our selection process. You might, for example, be asked to provide a portfolio of compositions or songs/tracks or recordings of public performances, or a combination of several of these.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points

This score should be from the full IB Diploma. You must have evidence of strong music ability. You might have Higher level Music within your International Baccalaureate (with at least grade 5) or have other evidence of music ability from outside your International Baccalaureate studies. This could be a formal qualification (such as grade 7 theory or grade 7 instrument or voice from a certified exam board, like Rockschool or ABRSM) or you may have other evidence of strong performance or composition or professional experience from outside your academic studies. If you are applying without a formal music qualification, but otherwise have a strong UCAS application, we will probably ask you to submit evidence of your music ability as part of our selection process. You might, for example, be asked to provide a portfolio of compositions or songs/tracks or recordings of public performances, or a combination of several of these.

Extended Project

We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact Admissions at [email protected]

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6	Including at least 5.5 in each component. We accept IELTS One Skills Retake. We do not accept IELTS Online.
PTE Academic	59	Including at least 59 in all four skills. We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)	80	TOEFL (iBT), including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing. We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

Please see our English language requirements.

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/international-qualifications/english-language-requirements

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
EU	£26250	Year 1
International	£26250	Year 1

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

Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.

Provider information

Visit our website

University of Sussex
Sussex House
Brighton
BN1 9RH

Course contact details

Visit our course page

Undergraduate Enquiries

[email protected]

01273 876787

View address on Google Maps

Location	Qualification	Study mode	Duration	Start date	Apply
Main Site	BA (Hons) - Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)	Full-time	3 years	22 September 2025	Available to Apply	Course option de464453-e022-4435-b01e-619f614125cb