Course overview

The BA (Hons) Music course engages you both practically and intellectually in the study of this discipline, through a consideration of music in a variety of styles, approaches and contexts. The course focuses on the concept of 'learning by doing' and provides a range of opportunities to experience live musical performance, from solo work to large-scale orchestral and choral productions. With a curriculum that integrates theory and practice in dynamic and productive ways, you are able to specialise in areas such as performance, composition, music technology, jazz studies and music education.

Individual instrumental and vocal tuition is included within the course for students enrolled on performance modules, delivered by a large team of visiting tutors of international reputation.

We are especially proud of our extensive and stimulating programme of public concerts, theatrical performances and workshops. On-campus, we host a series of weekly lunchtime concerts given by professional musicians. Large-scale orchestral and choral concerts are mounted at venues throughout the city, together with a variety of smaller ensembles, from early music groups to jazz bands. Membership of the Cambridge University Musical Society and the Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra is open to Anglia Ruskin students via audition and many of the chapel choirs and college orchestras in Cambridge include Anglia Ruskin musicians.

Outstanding facilities within music and performing arts offer you the chance to gain the sort of skills much valued by prospective employers. Accommodation includes a purpose-built music centre with lecture and practice rooms, recital hall, five state-of-the-art computer music studios, plus the Mumford Theatre, a full-size receiving house for professional touring companies.

One aspect of the Music course at Anglia Ruskin that is particularly distinctive, and about which we are especially enthusiastic, is our emphasis on what we call issue-based modules. We have moved away from the idea of teaching topics which are defined by historical period or arbitrary geographical location to a broader contextual consideration of music and its relationship to society, other art forms and other disciplines.
The course includes, for example, modules such as Intertextuality in Music, in which we discuss ideas and principles through a consideration of a wide range of different musics.

Topics in this module include: music, form and Identity, which examines the influences of other art forms on musical composition (art, architecture, visual images, etc.) and the interrelation of different composers' music; music-text-voices, which examines the close relationship between the human voice, language and communication, and vocal music, and music and the Enlightenment, which explores social, political and cultural influences on music in the 18th century.

Module guide

Assessment

Assessment is carried out via a very broad mix of methods including: essays, creative projects, aural examinations, presentations, public performances, portfolios and a Major Project, which may include creative work.

Assessment is also used as a learning tool, and you gain the ability to improvise, sight-read and generally 'think on your feet', whilst also developing skills in reflective preparation, drafting and revision of work. All students are encouraged to use self-help packages, particularly for aural training, and to undertake an extensive listening programme. We also affirm the view that music provides a most effective and flexible discipline within which transferable interpersonal skills can be developed. To support learning and assessment a range of module resources is available online, enabling the access of course materials off-campus.

Facilities

Located in purpose-built accommodation, the Anglia Ruskin Music Centre includes lecture and practice rooms, a recital hall, plus the Mumford Theatre, a full-size receiving house for professional touring companies. There is also a group of five state-of-the-art computer music studios for the creation, recording and manipulation of acoustic and electronically produced sound. The studios house a range of technological equipment, including a wide selection of specialist computer hardware and software. All computers have full internet and intranet access and are supported by extensive online facilities and resources.

In terms of instruments, you have access to five grand pianos, including a new Steinway Model D, two harpsichords, a range of orchestral instruments including alto flutes, two cors anglais, an oboe d'amore, Eb, alto and bass clarinets, a contrabassoon and a bass saxophone and a selection of baroque and Renaissance instruments including cornets and natural trumpets and a consort of recorders. Our department also has a range of traditional instruments from India (including two sitars), China (including a Chinese zither) and Africa (including a set of Ghanaian drums) and a Balinese Gamelan.

Study abroad options

Our department promotes staff and student exchange programmes with Lebanon Valley College (Pennsylvania, USA) and Ionian University, Corfu. Performing ensembles and study groups frequently undertake tours of Europe and beyond. In recent years performing groups have visited Italy, Austria, Eastern Europe, Australasia and Cyprus.

Special features

Our music degree offers a distinctive and creative integration of practice and theory, as well as vocational experience. Teaching is provided by first-class, research-active staff who are recognised, nationally and internationally, as experts in their field and who are often professional practitioners.

Anglia Ruskin Music provision was rated 'Excellent' by the Government's Teaching Quality Assessment exercise. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, set up to monitor the quality of research in UK universities, 80% of the department's work was judged to be of international standard, with 20% judged to be either 'internationally excellent' or 'world leading'.

Links with industry and professional recognition

We have fostered close links with a range of industry partners, including The Junction, an arts venue in Cambridge, where you can see a variety of theatre and music performance works, Hazard Chase, one of the leading international music management companies, and the Britten Sinfonia, one of Europe's most celebrated and innovative chamber orchestras.

A range of visiting artists and performers are also regularly invited to give masterclasses and workshops across our courses.

Work placements

Work placement opportunities are available via the third-year Enterprise in the Creative Arts module, which encompasses such areas as music education, instrumental teaching, artist management, marketing, recording and studio work, composition and events management.

Associated careers

It is widely recognised that the varied disciplines of music - analysis, performance, composition, ensemble work, presentation - and its opportunities for nurturing artistic expression, provide a strong platform of employable skills for many walks of life.

The practical and vocational skills gained through this course, combined with the ability to specialise in a particular field, should make you particularly attractive to potential employers within the industry. Recent graduates now currently enjoy careers as performers, composers, technologists, arts administrators and music teachers.

An important feature of the curriculum is those modules that have a vocational bias, in particular Enterprise in the Creative Arts, which encourages students to acquire and reflect on vocational experience through self-organised placement projects.

Research shows that the study of the creative and performing arts to an enhanced level provides the ideal training for any position requiring quick thinking, self-reliance, imagination, teamwork and the ability to organise both yourself and others.

UCAS Tariff points:	220 - 260
Additional Requirements:	Required subject(s): A-level Music at grade B, ABRSM grade 7 (Practical) or equivalent

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements