Music and Philosophy, BA (Hons)

Course summary

Gain key music and philosophy skills, with the freedom to pursue your own interests. In music, modules include performance, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, music psychology, musical industries, and music technology. In philosophy - ethics, philosophy of mind, theory of knowledge, political philosophy, metaphysics or logic.Become an independent musician and researcher, whilst interrogating the big philosophical questions that underpin the way we think and act.The study of philosophy will offer a critical framework for you to listen, perform, think and write about music of multiple genres.Studying thinkers from many branches - analytic, continental, pragmatist, and Chinese philosophy - you’ll learn about a wide variety of philosophical areas, identify links between different disciplines and forge your own ideas. Whilst studying everything from performance, composition and musicology, to ethnomusicology, music psychology, musical industries and technology - as well as delving into the histories and cultural contexts of music both at home and from around the world.Studying in cutting edge facilities, including purpose-built music practice rooms, recording studios and music psychology labs, you’ll have the chance to receive compositional training in both instrumental and music technology software.Why study this course?

• Explore human experience through music - underpin your study of music with philosophical analysis to understand the influence music has on society and produce music with impact.

• Top five for music in the UK - 5th in the UK for music, in the Complete University Guide 2024.

• Top 100 in the world for philosophy QS World Rankings 2023 - learn from world-leading staff teaching an exceptionally diverse range of modules.

• Work in music - gain practical industry experience while you learn with our 'Work in Music' module, and build a network of professionals who can advise you on your career.