Course summary

Music surrounds us. It has a profound effect on us as individuals and shapes wider society. It's used for pleasure, intellectual stimulation, celebration, mourning, wellbeing and as a vehicle for identity and politics. At Nottingham, you’ll explore both the power that music has and how your creativity can produce music that people will remember.  Our programme aims to cultivate reflective, engaged citizens who deeply understand the role of music in today’s world. You will become a passionate advocate for the arts, confidently interpreting diverse musical languages and styles. Through rigorous research and interdisciplinary exploration, you will develop a critical awareness of music's historical, social and cultural significance, fostering innovation and creativity in the broad range of possible careers. Tailor your degree All students get an introduction to the basic building blocks of music across styles, genres, cultures and traditions. You'll then have the freedom to choose. You may want to specialise in musicology, performance, composition or technology. Alternatively, explore widely across our diverse mix of modules across broad themes including musicology, performance, composition, technology, and music education. You can build your degree to suit your interests. We encourage collaboration between students, joining up work across modules and getting involved in staff projects. Here are some recent examples of student projects. Facilities We have purpose-built spaces to compose, rehearse, perform, record and experiment. Performance opportunities The opportunities to perform are extensive:

• professionally conducted orchestra and choir

• on-course groups

• student ensembles

• as part of the city's dynamic music scene.

• Check out the full range of performance possibilities.

• Tuition and performance - receive expert guidance and masterclasses from professional musicians in performance modules while also enjoying the opportunity to play and perform in over 20 student-led ensembles, as well as the university orchestra and choirs

• Professional experience - collaborate with seasoned musicians, producers and technicians to gain valuable hands-on experience. Workshop student compositions with the Villiers Quartet

• Career development - benefit from tailored music-specific work placements that extend your professional horizons beyond your degree. Mentoring and career insights from speakers, previously including Symphonia Viva, Able Orchestra, Streetwise Opera, the Musicians’ Union, and Orchestras Live

• Lakeside Arts - immerse yourself in a vibrant arts scene at our on-campus venue, featuring concerts, plays and a variety of performances

• Exclusive opportunities - seize unique opportunities through our partnership with the BBC Concert Orchestra

• Explore real-world challenges - study across interdisciplinary themes with our ‘Engaged Arts’ optional modules

• Gain practical skills - work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities.

• Support - 100% of students from the Department of Music said teaching staff supported their learning well (National Student Survey 2024)

• You may also progress to this course from our Arts and Humanities Foundation Year, subject to eligibility