Music and Modern Languages & Cultures BA (Hons)

The University of Sheffield

Perform, compose and write about music while developing high-level language skills and an understanding of different cultures.

Our curriculum and expertise span seven different areas: performance, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, music psychology, musical industries, and music technology. We offer an impressive array of modules, with academic and practical study in most music genres, including classical, pop, jazz, folk and world music. You'll develop your skills as a musician and music researcher, and have the freedom to follow your own interests.

In your modern languages and cultures modules, you'll focus on one or two languages, choosing from French, German, Russian, Spanish, Dutch, Czech, Italian (available as a second language only), Catalan, Luxembourgish (available to study from the second year) or Portuguese.

You can take any language from beginner's level, and you can take French, German, Russian or Spanish post-A Level (or equivalent). As well as taking modules that focus on practical language skills, you'll also explore topics such as linguistics, literature, society, politics, history, philosophy and film studies.

You’ll receive a thorough grounding in the skills and knowledge required to become a successful musician. You’ll learn to listen, perform, think and write critically about music of multiple genres, delve into the histories and cultural contexts of both Western classical and world music, and have the chance to receive compositional training in both instrumental and music technology software.

You'll be required to take a minimum number of credits within both departments each year, but how you choose to divide your modules after this is up to you: split your modules evenly between music and modern languages and cultures, or choose to weight your degree in favour of one subject or the other.

You'll spend the third year of your course abroad. We have a wide range of destinations on offer, both within Europe and beyond: choose to study at a leading university, carry out an approved work placement, or in some cases take part in exciting volunteering opportunities. Please be aware that we do not offer a year abroad option in Italy.

Throughout your degree, you'll be studying in an environment dedicated to high-quality teaching, world-leading research, and innovative public engagement. We have cutting-edge facilities, including purpose-built music practice rooms, recording studios and music psychology labs.

You'll graduate having a thorough understanding of the music industry in all its diverse contemporary forms, allowing you to forge an international and rewarding career that interests you.

Outside of your degree, there are many ways to develop your interests, insights and critical faculties. Opportunities include student-led reading groups, multiple ensembles, active student societies, and our University Concerts series, which hosts over 100 musical events and performances every year.

The University of Sheffield is an All-Steinway School. This accreditation enables students to access pianos of the highest quality and places the University among a select group of international education institutions.