Music and Philosophy BA (Hons)

The University of Sheffield

Develop your skills in performance and composition, and your academic knowledge of music, while learning about philosophical issues that have challenged thinkers for centuries.

Our music 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 receive a thorough grounding in the skills and knowledge required to become a successful musician or music researcher, and have the freedom to follow your own interests. 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 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.

In philosophy, you'll study the cornerstones of the subject (including philosophy of language, ethics, metaphysics and logic) alongside distinctive specialist modules on topics such as philosophy of education, philosophy of law, philosophy of medicine, film and philosophy, and feminism. You'll also study the history of the subject from Plato to the French existentialists.

As a dual honours student, you'll divide your studies between the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Music. 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 philosophy and music or choose to weight your degree in favour of one subject or the other.

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.

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.