(Full time) 2019 start
Music with Enterprise BA
Overview
Taught by the School of Music and Leeds University Business School, this innovative programme 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, with a focus on composition, performance, analysis, music psychology or technology, or aesthetics. 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 Enterprise Development Project, when you’ll have the chance to model a new enterprise which can be related to music. It’s a great opportunity to develop the 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 to 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 student 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.
Read more about city life in Leeds.
Course content
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 Music in Context 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, 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 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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Understanding Music 20 credits
- Music in History and Culture 20 credits
- Music Research Skills 20 credits
- Studying in a Digital Age (Music) 5 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Innovation and Creativity in Business 10 credits
- Understanding Enterprise Potential 10 credits
- Understanding Social Enterprises 10 credits
- Enterprise in Action 10 credits
- Composition 20 credits
- Performance 20 credits
- Ensemble Performance 20 credits
- Sound, Technology, and Music 20 credits
- Introduction to the Music Business 10 credits
- Introduction to the Psychology of Music 20 credits
Discovery modules
- Discovery modules 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice 10 credits
- Managing Innovation in Business 10 credits
- New Enterprise Planning 20 credits
- Music in Context 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Interpreting Music 20 credits
- Composition 20 credits
- Performance 20 credits
- Ensemble Performance 20 credits
- Notation and Editing 20 credits
- Aesthetics and Criticism 20 credits
- Music Technology Skills and Techniques 20 credits
- Music in Practice 20 credits
- The Psychology of Listening and Performance 20 credits
- Music Students into Schools 20 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Enterprise Development Project 20 credits
- Advanced Entrepreneurship 20 credits
- Dissertation 40 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Analysing Music 40 credits
- Composition 40 credits
- Ensemble Performance 20 credits
- Applied Project 20 credits
- Performance 40 credits
- Editing and Source Studies 40 credits
- Contemporary Aesthetics 40 credits
- Music Technology 40 credits
- Music Psychology 40 credits
- Special Studies in Musicology 20 credits
Discovery modules
- Discovery modules 20 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the 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.
Assessment
We also use different types of assessment, depending on the modules you choose. You will complete exams and essays, but you may also be assessed through performances, project work, composition portfolios, presentations, concert reviews and recordings.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
Normally students will have taken Music, but if you have not (especially if it isn’t taught at your school or college), you should have at least one essay-based subject, as well as a minimum ABRSM Grade 8 practical qualifications and evidence of musical literacy (e.g. Grade 5 music theory or equivalent).
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.
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Access to HE Diploma
In Music: 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at level 3 with an overall Distinction and no credits below Merit
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BTEC
DDD in a music specialism, with evidence of musical literacy.
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Cambridge Pre-U
typically D3, M1, M1.
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International Baccalaureate
35 overall (6 at higher level in Music)
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
(Leaving Certificate): H2 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3.
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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.
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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.
Access to Leeds participants will receive a lower offer.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Music Undergraduate Admissions Team.
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.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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 interview as part of the selection process. Interviews usually take place between November and March during one of the post-application open days, meaning you’ll also have the chance to look around the School of Music and meet some staff and students.
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
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2019
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £21,000 (per year)
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250.
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
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.
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.
Career opportunities
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.
Read our Graduate profiles
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 and work placements
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 WilKatPR, following a placement with the company.
Read more about Year in Industry
Year in Enterprise
If you have a workable business plan, you can also apply to spend a year developing your business. The year in enterprise works just like the year in industry – you extend your degree by a year and spend the third year benefiting from the Leeds Enterprise Centre’s support to get it off the ground.
Read more about Year in Enterprise