Music Foundation Year

    Music Foundation Year

    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 19,350 / year(s)
    Music Foundation Year

    About

    Do you have a passion for music? Would you like to develop your performance skills alongside an understanding of music history and knowledge of music theory?

    The Music Foundation Year is a fully integrated programme with the BA (Hons) Music course, and will allow you to develop key musical skills in piano playing, theory and harmony.

    During your studies, you will develop your performance skills in 20 one-to-one instrumental/vocal lessons with the same specialists who teach on our degree programme. The course will equip you with essential skills for a performer such as interpretation, effective practising and handling performance anxiety. You will build your knowledge of music theory, and the study of harmony will be delivered in a fresh, creative way using the piano and/or guitar. Your creativity will develop through improvisation, taking inspiration from the music you perform.

    Our Foundation Year introduces you to music history by examining music in the everyday environment of the home, asking how music is made and consumed, and its function in society.

    Whether you are a complete beginner or a highly accomplished pianist, you will develop piano playing skills needed for a career in music.

    Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you can automatically continue your studies on the BA (Hons) Music degree where you will build upon the knowledge gained in this initial year. The Foundation Year gives you the space to focus on the one subject, music, developing the skills and knowledge you need within a Humanities environment.

    Find out more about the Music Scholarships we offer: Instrument Scholarship and Choral Scholarship.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Entry Requirements 2025/26

    Standard Entry

    80 UCAS Tariff points

    From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

    Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

    Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

    Subject Requirements:

    As part of the application process all applicants are required to submit a video recording demonstrating their performance ability, and have a discussion with academics about their application. We do not require evidence of formal Graded Music examinations to join this programme but would typically expect applicants to be performing at around grade 6 level and have the ability to read music.

    There are no subject requirements

    GCSE Requirements:

    Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

    Additional Requirements:

    There are no additional requirements.

    International Qualifications:

    We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

    If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

    English Language Requirements:

    International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

    *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

    English Program Requirements

    International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

    *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

    Career

    How will this foundation year prepare me for further study?

    Successful completion of this course guarantees you a place on our BA honours Music degree. The Foundation Year and the Music degree are fully integrated, and have been developed together to allow a seamless transition from one to the other.

    The year-long module 'Music in the Home' will furnish you with the intellectual skills you need for degree-level study, fostering critical enquiry and encouraging your curiosity. The dedicated performance strand prepares you for high-level study in the degree, where your individual lessons will be supported by seminars relating to the act of performance. The Foundation Year introduces the skills required to manage a freelance, portfolio career and work in arts administration, which are later developed upon in the BA (Hons) Music degree.

    Fee Information

    Music Foundation Year
    Northumbria University
    Northumbria University
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Newcastle upon Tyne

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