Music with Enterprise BA

Taught by the School of Music and Leeds University Business School, this course will develop your knowledge and understanding of both music and entrepreneurship.

You’ll explore different aspects of music and specialise in areas that interest you, such as composition, performance, analysis, music psychology, technology, aesthetics and music business. At the same time, you’ll study modules in planning, managing innovation in business, development, creativity and social enterprise with the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies at Leeds University Business School.

You’ll learn how theory relates to practice and apply your skills to a final-year dissertation as well as having the option to undertake project work in an area of expertise. It’s a great opportunity to develop a broad base of skills to succeed in a wide range of exciting careers – or even create your own business after you graduate.

Specialist facilities

At the heart of the School of Music is the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, a beautiful performance space which hosts a large and varied programme of concerts in term time. The entire concert programme is free for students.

The School of Music has its own purpose-built building complete with rehearsal, performance and practice spaces, a lab for studying the psychology of music and four lecture theatres. There are also studios for sound recording, software development and computer music composition – we have a wide range of professional recording equipment and up-to-date music software to help you with your studies. In addition, our instrument collection includes a specially commissioned gamelan, historic and modern keyboard instruments and a large selection of orchestral and world percussion.

Music at Leeds

Leeds offers a fantastic variety of opportunities to get involved with music and performance that go far beyond the School of Music ensembles. You can also be involved in extra-curricular activities through the students’ union, or by creating your own ensembles or bands.

Leeds University Union Music Society (LUUMS) is one of the Union's largest societies and boasts eight ensembles, including orchestras, choruses, brass and wind bands; each one gives regular concerts and some go on tour. The campus hosts a diverse range of other musical societies, including Gospel Choir, Clothworkers Consort of Leeds, Opera Society, Music Theatre, Band Soc, Big Band, Electronic Music and DJ Societies. Find out more about Leeds University Union clubs and societies.

You could also get involved in cultural activities in the Leeds area, and perform in the city’s many venues such as clubs, pubs, churches, or the Town Hall.

In your first year, you’ll study core modules that introduce you to theoretical, historical and social aspects of music alongside music research skills. You’ll also choose from core modules on different aspects of business and social enterprise, and decide whether to pursue composition, solo or ensemble performance, technology or the psychology of music.

You’ll build on this knowledge in the following year when core contextual study modules feature the research interests of your tutors. You’ll have the opportunity to study music from a variety of different perspectives, ranging from traditional musical studies of performance, composition, marketing, critical/analytical and historical studies to popular music, aesthetics, music psychology and music technology. Business modules will explore enterprise planning, innovation and entrepreneurship.

In your final year, you’ll demonstrate your knowledge and skills with an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice, which might straddle both disciplines. At the same time, you’ll study advanced entrepreneurship and have the option to develop a new enterprise idea in a final year project.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Music with Enterprise BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Academics in the School of Music are leading practitioners and researchers, carrying out research which directly informs their teaching.

To help you benefit from their expertise, a variety of learning and teaching methods are used. Depending on the modules you choose, these are likely to include lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as online learning tasks, solo and ensemble rehearsals, studio time for composition and technology, and lab work in music psychology.

Independent study is also vital to the degree, since it allows you to develop your analytical and research skills. Our experienced technicians and tutors are on hand to help if you need them, and you’ll have access to our expert instrumental and vocal teachers if you are studying performance.

You’ll have many opportunities to enrich your learning – for example, the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Studies offers the chance to hear entrepreneurs discussing their own experiences through the Enterprise Speaker Series.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment, depending on the modules you choose. You’ll complete examinations and written coursework, but you may also be assessed through performances, project work, composition portfolios, presentations, concert reviews and recordings.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

If these don't include A level Music, we would normally expect an essay/discursive subject and evidence of Musical Literacy.

GCSE: usually 5 at A-C, including English at Grade C/4 or above

Other course specific tests:

If you have taken Music, practical grades are not a requirement for this programme. However, if you want to study performance, you’ll need a minimum of ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall or Rockschool Grade 7 Distinction or Grade 8 Merit (or demonstrate that you are of equivalent standard by the time you arrive in Leeds).

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background. We consider alternative profiles and experience as long as you can demonstrate that you’re suitable for the course. We welcome applications from mature students and entry requirements can be flexible in these cases.

Students taking the EPQ may also be made an alternative offer.

We typically interview all eligible applicants.

• Access to HE Diploma

  In Music with 60 credits overall, with at least 45 credits at level 3 to include 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit.

• BTEC

  DDD in a music specialism, with evidence of musical literacy.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, M1, M2

• International Baccalaureate

  35 overall (6 at higher level in Music)

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  (Leaving Certificate): H2 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AABBB (including AB at advanced level) OR AAABB (including A at Advanced level). For applicants just undertaking the higher level, grades of AAAABB will be required.

• Other Qualifications

  Apolytirion of Geniko Lykeio with Pan Hellenic exams: 18.5 overall normally including Music (equivalent music qualifications will be considered); including 17 in the English from the Pan Hellenic exams

  Cypriot: pass in the Apolytirion with a minimum of 19 overall, including 19 in Music (other music qualifications will be considered) and 17 in English, plus at least one A level at grade B or above (or equivalent)

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Music Undergraduate Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Next steps

Suitable candidates will be invited for an online interview as part of the selection process. Interviews usually take place between November and March.

Admissions tutors will consider your experience, skills and knowledge in relation to the academic demands of the course. If you’re predicted grades lower than AAB, or don’t hold standard entry qualifications, the interview is particularly important for demonstrating your musical experience, skills and knowledge, and ability to discuss music, enterprise and/or entrepreneurship.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

A degree in Music with Enterprise will allow you to develop a wide range of subject knowledge and skills; you’ll also gain strong commercial awareness and transferable skills that are very attractive to employers.

You’ll be a good communicator who is able to collaborate and work well in a team, but you’ll also be confident working independently. You’ll also have the chance to develop analytical, research and organisational skills. Spending time developing a new enterprise will demonstrate that you have initiative and planning skills.

We run a series of careers events every year in collaboration with the University Careers Centre to help you explore your options.

Some of our graduates also continue to postgraduate study at Leeds.

Careers support

You can access student enterprise societies, the Social Innovation Zone, Spark business advice and mentoring services, a Business Plan Competition and Enterprise Scholarships, all of which are offered to help students make the most of their talents and put enterprising ideas into practice. You’ll benefit from opportunities to work with students engaged in enterprising activities from different disciplines, while accessing support and information from a range of related student services.

Professional and alumni links are available to all our students with a particular focus on the music industries; this degree will equip you with innovative ways of applying your musical abilities to commercial environments.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

During your second year you’ll be able to apply to transfer to our BA Music with Enterprise (International) programme. This allows you to extend your degree by a year and spend your third year studying at one of our many partner universities worldwide.

It’s a great opportunity to enhance your CV and gain a new perspective on your studies, as well as deepening your cultural awareness through more varied experience. In addition to being a highlight of your degree, it can give you real confidence in a competitive job market.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

If you transfer to our BA Music with Enterprise (Industry) degree in your second year, you can extend your programme by a year to spend your third year working in the music industry. It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and contacts – and some students go on to work for their placement companies after they graduate.

We have established internship opportunities with major music organisations such as Warner Music, English National Opera, and the Leeds International Concert Season, but you can also explore placements such as music therapy, education, orchestral or band management, in the UK or abroad.

Students have taken placements in organisations such as Faber Music, Grand Union Orchestra, and Scottish Opera. One graduate has opened the New York office of WildKat PR, following a placement with the company.

Read more about Year in Industry.