22Jun
UndergraduateGoldsmiths, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
This degree reflects the diversity and excitement of music in the 21st century, taking in everything from classical music to contemporary jazz and electronic practices, and gives you the opportunity to mix performance, composition and research. Why study BMus Music at Goldsmiths
- In the first year you’ll explore different musical styles and approaches to study - through a range of compulsory practical and critical modules
- Later, you'll be able to choose from our wide range of jazz, sonic art, popular and fringe music modules as well as our practical, skills-based workshop and teaching modules
- You’ll have lots of opportunities to perform, including in professional and student-led ensembles and groups such as Gamelan Ensemble, Sinfonia and Creative Jazz Ensemble, and at our annual music festival PureGold, which celebrates the music created and performed at Goldsmiths.
- We're within easy reach of central London’s many venues, concert halls, opera houses and research libraries, providing a great international focus
- You’ll be very well set-up for the world of work. Employers look for initiative-driven graduates who think critically about their actions, work well with others and adapt quickly to new ideas. This degree will help you develop these skills.
- We attract instrumental and vocal teachers of the highest quality, with many of our staff also teaching at the major music conservatoires. Our performance modules are supplemented with ensemble classes and masterclasses given by top professional musicians. First-year BMus Music students are currently entitled to 12 hours of one-to-one tuition per year.
Modules
Year 1 (credit level 4) All BMus Music students take the following modules: Discovering Music Performance: Techniques and Repertoire Composition Materials, Signs and Symbols Critical Approaches to Contemporary Music Year 2 (credit level 5) In your second year, you'll take at least one and up to three of the following compulsory modules: Sounding the 19th Century Aesthetics, Meaning and Culture Music and Identity You'll then use your remaining credits (up to 105 credits or 7 modules, depending on your compulsory modules choices) to select from the below list of optional modules: Performance: Styles and Contexts Techniques of Contemporary Composition Composition: Creative Strategies Electroacoustic Composition Making Experimental Sound Techniques in Jazz and Popular Music Arranging and Composing for the Jazz Ensemble Contemporary Jazz Performance the UK Scene Media Composition Music/Modernities Soviet Music and Politics Music Practice and the Black Atlantic: Britain’s Celebrity Culture Music in Film What is Jazz? Sound as Art Musics of East Asia: Politics, Industry, Creativity Music of Africa and Asia Pitching Creative Businesses: Models, Markets and Meaning Goldsmiths’ Social Change Module The Goldsmiths Elective Year 3 (credit level 6) In your final year, you'll take at least one, and up to two of the following compulsory modules: Performance: Creative Practice Composition portfolio Research Project You'll then use your remaining credits (up to 90 credits or 6 modules, depending on your compulsory modules selection) to choose from the following optional modules: Contemporary Jazz Performance the UK Scene Acoustic Ecology and Field Recording Performing South-East Asian Music Improvisation Creative Orchestration and Arrangement Introduction to Audiovisual Composition Music/Modernities Soviet Music and Politics Music Practice and the Black Atlantic: Britain’s Celebrity Culture Music and Screen Media Advanced Popular Music Studies Fringe and Underground Musics Music in Educational, Community and Therapeutic Contexts Music Workshop Skills Music Teaching Skills DIY Practice and Alternative Sites for Music Live Electronics Work placement You as Your Future: Developing Creative Careers Psychological Approaches to Music Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work, solo recitals, improvisation and group performances.
How to apply
31Jan
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
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
120 credits at Level 4 and a 2:1 average in a comparable programme, and meet the standard qualification requirements for entry to Year 1 of the programme
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBBC
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 33 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2
T Level - M
You should have an A-level or BTEC in Music, experience of music performance (evidenced by graded examinations from any exam board or a video of yourself performing), and the ability to read and write musical notation equivalent to ABRSM grade 5 (this can be evidenced by an exam certificate or by your notated work in composition or music theory). Exceptions Other academic qualifications are accepted if you can demonstrate other strengths. For example, if you have no formal performance grades, but can nevertheless demonstrate substantial experience in music performance or composition, we will still be able to consider your application.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Candidates who have evidenced their academic, performance, and music theory qualifications in their UCAS applications may be made an offer at application stage. We may also invite you to submit further evidence of your musical skills and abilities via a portfolio of work. We may also invite you to a short interview with a member of the music department. We're looking for students who have the right blend of practical, creative and critical skills. All offer holders will also be invited to an applicant day. This allows us to meet potential students and find out more about their interests and abilities.
Portfolio
We may also invite you to submit further evidence of your musical skills and abilities via a portfolio of work.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | With a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 |
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
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
To find out more about fees and funding, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office https://www.gold.ac.uk/ug/fees-funding/
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW