Music Performance BMus(Hons)

About the course

Our Music Performance BMus(Hons) degree is designed for performance specialists (including pop and classical singers and all types of instrumentalists) who are keen to benefit from expert individual tuition. You’ll also have the chance to play in groups and ensembles, with up to two thirds of your second and final years being assessed via performance activities.

If you have a passion for solo work, band and ensemble performance across a variety of styles and contexts, this course will suit you. You'll also study composition, songwriting, musicology, and technology modules that will enhance and support your development as a performer.

For pop, brass band, classical, or jazz musicians who want to develop their performance skills to an exceptional level, this course gives you the chance to play in specific bands and groups or focus on playing original music.

The course will prepare you for a career as a professional performer, teacher or a musician with a portfolio career.

Why Study Music Performance BMus(Hons)

Choose our Music Performance BMus(Hons) degree and you’ll study in state-of-the-art facilities, with access to a range of rehearsal spaces, industry-standard recording studios, two dedicated concert halls, and a large selection of equipment and instruments. 

You’ll be taught by leading academics, many of whom are also professional performers with active international careers as soloists and ensemble members. Up to 20 hours of individual tuition per year on your main study is provided by our team of expert instrumental and vocal tutors, supplemented by masterclasses and workshops by visiting professionals.  

The chance to learn from visiting artists is also a benefit of the course. Past artists include Matt Stiff, professional opera singer, former member of G4 and Huddersfield graduate and Nitin Sawhney, producer, songwriter, multi- instrumentalist, and orchestral composer.

The University of Huddersfield also:

• We’re ranked 27th in the world for Performing Arts QS World University Subject Rankings 2023.

• Received the Queen's Anniversary Prize for our ‘world-leading work to promote, produce and present contemporary music to an international audience.

Following this course, you might choose to pursue a career in performance, teaching, event production, freelance musician, arts administration and more. Other graduates go into songwriting, composition, or marketing and promotion within the music and creative industries.

Entry requirements

Offers will be subject to an audition, after which you will be invited to attend an Applicant Visit Day, at which you will have the opportunity to meet staff and current students. Read more about the audition process on our Interviews, auditions and portfolio pages.

You should have an advanced standard of technical achievement and excellent overall potential as a performer (roughly equivalent to the standard of grade 8 practical music making, where applicable).

Entry is also possible for applicants who don't hold standard UK qualifications.

International and mature applicants who don't hold standard UK qualifications can provide a portfolio to demonstrate skills relevant to the course. We audition all applicants for this course and ask you to send us video links performing two contrasting pieces. You should have advanced technical ability and excellent potential as a performer (roughly equivalent to the standard of grade 8 practical music making, where applicable).

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

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