Music and Philosophy, BA (Hons)

This course is ideal for passionate musicians eager to delve into philosophy's rich insights. A longstanding connection exists between the disciplines, as evidenced by contemporary composers Philip Glass and Steve Reich, both philosophy graduates, and philosopher Schopenhauer, who revered music as the supreme art form and played the flute throughout his life. The program's flexibility allows students to integrate music and philosophy or pursue them independently.The music department excels in musicology, performance, composition, and technology, with state-of-the-art facilities for composing, rehearsing, performing, and recording across various genres in Nottingham's vibrant scene. Philosophy offers a broad array of modules, spanning traditional and emerging topics like environmental and social philosophy, as well as Western, Indian, and Chinese traditions. Students collaborate with professionals such as lawyers and journalists to apply philosophical skills to careers. The curriculum includes core first-year modules, with later years featuring optional selections and a final dissertation that can merge both subjects, alongside opportunities for interdisciplinary and language studies.

The first year has a set of core modules that gives everyone a common understanding of both subjects. You can also choose options across both areas - start exploring subjects you've never experienced before or develop topics you've an existing interest in. The second and third years are fully optional. You can choose individuals modules that grab your interest or build a portfolio of studies that focuses on a particular theme. The final year dissertation is your opportunity to produce a longer piece of work that can combine both subjects into a single project. Throughout the course you have opportunities to study subjects outside of Music and Philosophy and develop language skills with our Language Centre.