Music and Philosophy BA (Hons)
The University of Nottingham

Key Course Facts
Course Description
If you're a keen musician who wants to explore the exciting world philosophy offers then this is the course for you.
Contemporary composers Philip Glass and Steve Reich both have philosophy degrees. And renowned philosopher Schopenhauer considered music the highest art, playing the flute his whole life.
You'll study each subject separately but equally. The first year gives you a good grounding in both subjects. In your second and third years, you have free choice in both. This allows you to follow your interests and construct your own degree.
Music Our music department has particular specialities in musicology, performance, composition and technology and the purpose-built facilities support your choices. There are spaces to compose, rehearse, perform, record and experiment!
You are spoilt for choice if you want to carry on playing an instrument. There are opportunities across all genres - both on-campus and as part of the city's dynamic music scene.
Philosophy The philosophy department offers an unusually diverse range of modules. Explore traditional topics along with emerging areas such as environmental and social philosophy.
You'll also get to explore across Western, Indian and Chinese traditions.
Uniquely, you will also work with professionals such as lawyers and journalists. They'll help you apply your new philosophical skills to a range of careers.
You do not need any previous academic experience in philosophy to do this course.
Combine with other subjects You may also combine Music and Philosophy with other subjects in our Liberal Arts BA.
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews for 76 graduates of Music and Philosophy BA (Hons) at The University of Nottingham for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Music.
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All Music courses of The University of Nottingham
Salary
Salary of Graduates of Music and Philosophy BA (Hons) at The University of Nottingham
Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Music and Philosophy BA (Hons) at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £24000 | £26500 | £31000 |
25-75 percentile range | £21000 - £27000 | £20000 - £33000 | £25500 - £45000 |
All Music courses of The University of Nottingham
Salary of all UK Graduates of Music
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £20891 | £19912 | £24179 |
25-75 percentile range | £17190 - £25465 | £14810 - £25184 | £18133 - £31298 |
All Music courses of UK
What You Will Learn
Programme content: As a student of Music and Philosophy, BA (Hons) you will study the following course modules.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Jobs & Career Perspectives
15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.
All Music courses of The University of Nottingham
Current jobs
Job in line with future plans
Utilise skills from studies
Work is meaningful
Required skill level of job after 15 months
% Skilled jobs
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Music and Philosophy BA (Hons) at The University of Nottingham
23% | Business and public service associate professionals |
19% | Administrative occupations |
9% | Teaching Professionals |
9% | Media Professionals |
8% | Elementary occupations |
5% | Artistic, literary and media occupations |
3% | Managers, directors and senior officials |
3% | Protective service occupations |
3% | Information Technology Professionals |
3% | Legal professionals |
Grading & Study Time
Assessment Methods
Study Time Distribution
Grading Distribution
Students of the course received the following grades
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Minimum Required UCAS Tariff
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course
All Music courses of The University of Nottingham
Qualification requirements
Including Music. If no A Level Music then must have Grade 5 Theory (ABRSM).
This qualification is only acceptable alongside Scottish Advanced Higher grades AB. If no Music then must have ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5 Theory.
Pass with 60 credits; 45 at level 3. Of the level 3 credits, 30 must be passed with Distinction,12 level 3 credits at Distinction. If no Music then must have ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5.
This qualification is only acceptable alongside Scottish Higher grades ABBBB. Music preferred but if no Music then must have Grade 5 Theory (ABRSM).
This qualification is accepted alongside other UoN accepted qualifications such as A Levels. If no A Level Music and syllabus is heavily practice based or technology weighted, we may also ask for a pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5.
Preferably to include Music Higher Level 5 points but if no Music or then must have Grade 5 Theory (ABRSM).
BTEC Music courses. If syllabus is heavily practice based or technology weighted, we may also ask for a pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5.
This qualification is accepted alongside other UoN accepted qualifications such as A Levels. If no A Level Music and syllabus is heavily practice based or technology weighted, we may also ask for a pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5.
This qualification is accepted alongside other UoN accepted qualifications such as A Levels. If no A Level Music and syllabus is heavily practice based or technology weighted, we may also ask for a pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5.
This qualification is accepted alongside other UoN accepted qualifications such as A Levels, preferably to include Music but if no Music then must have Grade 5 Theory (ABRSM).
Preferably to include Music but if no Music then must have Grade 5 Theory (ABRSM).
European Baccalaureate - 80% overall preferably to include Music.If no Music then must have Grade 5 Theory (ABRSM). 80% in Music. GCSE requirements - English grade C (numeric grade 4).
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Music and Philosophy, BA (Hons).
Costs
Tuition Fees Music and Philosophy BA (Hons)
Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
---|---|---|
EU | £24500 | year 1 |
England UK | £9250 | year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | year 1 |
International | £24500 | year 1 |
Average student cost of living in the UK
Rent | £518 |
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
Supermarket shopping | £81 |
Clothing | £35 |
Eating out | £33 |
Alcohol | £27 |
Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
Transport within city | £17 |
Self-care / sports | £20 |
Stationary / books | £13 |
Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
Insurance | £51 |
Other | £95 |
Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
How to apply
Application deadline:
January 1, 2024
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.
Possible Entry Points:
- year 1 (Default entry point)
University Rankings
Positions of The University of Nottingham in top UK and global rankings.
Rankings of The University of Nottingham in related subject specific rankings.
Arts Visual & Performing
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-
- #13
- #17
-
- Music
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 13 June, 2022]
-
-
- #25
- #30
-
- Music
-
The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 24 September, 2022]
See all university rankings of The University of Nottingham
What students say about studying Music in the UK?
About The University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a government funded research university based in Nottingham, England. Their aim is to become global leaders in education and research, cultivating a culture of curiosity and ambition. The university’s main campus is located approximately half an hour’s bus ride away from Nottingham city centre, which gives students the peace and quiet they need to study while not removing them completely from metropolitan comforts.
Where is this programme taught



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Ranking publishers
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 13 June, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject:
- Entry Standards 26%
Student Satisfaction 26%
Research Quality 22%
Graduate Prospects 26%
The Guardian News and Media Limited
- Published:
- 24 September, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -The Guardian University League Tables by Subject:
- Student to Staff Ratio 15%
Entry Standards 15%
Expenditure per Student 5%
Continuation 15% (non-medical subjects) OR 5% (medical subjects)
NSS - Teaching 8%
NSS - Assessment & Feedback 8%
NSS - Overall Satisfaction 4%
Career Prospects 15%
Value added 15%