Frequently asked questions – Undergraduate studies
Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked by prospective undergraduate students. We hope you will find them useful. If you have other questions please don't hesitate to email is at music-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk.
Music courses
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I'm interested in studying pop music. Will the Nottingham course appeal to me?
We currently run two modules that examine pop music from a contextual and sociological angle: 'Approaches to Popular Music', and 'Rap'. We also have modules on jazz and film music.
Is it possible to study music with other subjects?
In addition to the BA in Music, we offer joint honours courses with German and Philosophy. Additionally, all students taking the BA in Music may take subsidiary modules in other departments, subject to availability.
What undergraduate courses does the Department offer?
At the University of Nottingham, music can be studied either alone (single honours) or in combination with other disciplines (joint honours), including philosophy and German. Find out more about our undergraduate courses.
What can I do with a music degree?
All music graduates leave University with a broad portfolio of transferable skills. Arts administration is increasingly popular, alongside vocational teaching qualifications. Our music graduates also find employment in the broadcasting and entertainment sectors.
Employers particularly value the interpretative, analytical and organisational skills that music graduates possess, as well as their creative imagination and achievement.
How much does it cost?
Applying for a course
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How do I apply?
All full-time applicants need to go through the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website and are considered on the basis of their UCAS form. Part-time students apply directly to the Department of Art History.
Equal consideration is given to every application reaching UCAS before their deadline. This commitment means, unfortunately, that we have to defer many decisions until the majority of the forms have arrived in the Department, so that we can apply consistent standards when making our selection. As a result, some candidates are bound to be left waiting until February before we can reach a decision.
Do you interview or audition applicants?
Offers to school leavers are normally made without an interview, but successful candidates will be invited to the UCAS visit days early in the new year. We do not hold auditions for any applicants, and there are no performance entry requirements.
What do you base your decision on?
The primary criterion is whether you have the ability to complete the course successfully. Your academic record and school (or other) reference play a crucial role in this, but we are not just looking for academic ability. Your motivation and commitment, your ability to organise your time and effort effectively and to work independently are all important.
Are Practical Music or Music Technology A2 levels considered as a substitute to Music?
No. However, we are pleased to accept applications from students studying Practical Music or Music Technology alongside Music. Such students may be asked to obtain AAB with A in Music and Practical Music/Music Technology.
What is your policy on AS levels?
In accordance with University policy, applicants will normally be expected to have studied four subjects at AS level and three subjects to A2 level, with music to full A level depth. Exceptions may be made in cases where students have not had the opportunity to pursue this breadth of curriculum.
Do you accept other qualifications as an alternative to A levels?
We welcome applications from students taking the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Music, Open University 60-credit modules in Music (A214, AA302, AA317), and accredited access courses in music. We may require instrumental and/or theory qualifications in addition to these academic qualifications. Promising applicants holding or studying for these qualifications will be invited for interview.
Do you accept two AS levels as an alternative to an A level?
Not normally. However, if there is a good reason why you have not been able to take A levels, we would consider your position sympathetically. Please contact the Department of Music for further details.
Performance and instrumental lessons
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Is performance a compulsory part of the course?
No. Some of our students are not primarily performers and choose not to take the performance modules. Additionally, keyboard skills are not required for applicants, although they are very useful!
May I receive tuition on any instrument?
The Department undertakes to provide tuition – and offer examined recitals – in any instrument or voice category covered by the published volume of
ABRSM diploma syllabus requirements. For instruments where no published syllabus is available or no diploma is offered by the ABRSM, it may be possible to offer tuition and a recital by reference to a recognised syllabus of equivalent standard from an alternative examination board or conservatoire (though this cannot be guaranteed). Students are strongly advised to enquire with the Convenor of Performance, in advance, if in doubt.
Are there any instrumental or vocal scholarships?
The Department awards ten Music Scholarships every year to recognise outstanding achievements in performance, dissertation projects and end of year/course marks. The Hallward Prize for Composition is awarded annually for outstanding achievement in composition. The Bernard Slee Music Award recognises outstanding work in the sphere of opera.
Are there any performing groups at the University?
Yes. The performing groups are organised by the Department and by the Students' Union music societies. For more details, see our Guide to Musical Life.
Deferred entry, part-time study and other circumstances
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Is it possible to change my application to a different course?
Yes, provided that any partner departments involved agree. You must ensure that you will be able to meet any specific requirements for entry to the course you wish to change to, and you must send a request to us or the Admissions Office. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever we can.
Is it possible to change course after I have received an offer?
Yes, provided that the Department or departments agree and you will be able to meet any specific entry requirements for the course you wish to change to. It is the policy of the Department of Music to agree to such changes whenever possible, but subjects in very heavy demand are likely to be reluctant to do so. If you wish to change course you should contact the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for entry in the next September, can I subsequently defer entry?
Yes, subject to the agreement of the department(s) concerned. The Department of Music is normally happy to agree to such changes. You should make your request to the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for deferred entry, will that count for or against me?
Neither; we try to treat each application on its merits, although it is sometimes necessary to restrict offers (or make them at a slightly higher level) if there is a risk that a disproportionate number of places for the following year will already be taken by candidates who have deferred entry.
If I have applied for deferred entry, can I subsequently bring entry forward to the next September?
This would require the agreement of the Admissions Office: much is likely to depend on how soon you make the request and what reasons you give.
Do you accept Access candidates?
Yes, we welcome applications from Access candidates and treat them purely on their merits.
Can I study part-time?
Do you welcome applications from mature students?
Yes,experience shows us that mature students make a great contribution to the life in the Department.
Can I get exemptions if I already have a degree?
Yes, you can be exempted for up to a quarter of the course. The exact arrangements vary according to individual circumstances. Please contact the Department of Music for further information and advice.
Can I transfer to Nottingham from another University?
This depends on what stage of your degree course you have reached, what you have studied, how well you have done in it, and why you want to move to Nottingham. Sometimes you have to withdraw from your current university and reapply through UCAS. Please contact the Department as early as possible and provide as much information as you can. We will then be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.