Music

Music at Goldsmiths has a distinctive character that reflects the institution's long-standing commitment to contemporary creative practice, critical thinking and the social dimensions of music. Where some music degrees focus primarily on Western classical tradition and performance, the approach at Goldsmiths engages seriously with popular music, experimental music, world music, electroacoustic composition and the musicological analysis of music as a cultural and social phenomenon. This does not mean classical music is neglected, but it is placed in a wider conversation with other musical traditions and with the social and political contexts in which music is made and received.

This three-year full-time programme is delivered by Goldsmiths, University of London, with a typical entry tariff of around 120 UCAS points. Goldsmiths' location in south-east London puts it at the heart of one of the world's most culturally diverse and musically active cities, and the college's own culture of creative experiment and interdisciplinary thinking permeates the music programme.

You will study music theory and analysis, the history of music from medieval to contemporary, ethnomusicology and the anthropology of music, music technology and composition, and the cultural and sociological study of music. Performance is likely to feature as an option, but it is not the sole or necessarily dominant focus. You will develop critical and analytical skills alongside creative and practical ones, and you will be encouraged to reflect on the social, political and cultural meanings of musical practice.

Graduates of music programmes at Goldsmiths work as composers, performers, music educators, music journalists and critics, music technology specialists, sound designers, producers, arts administrators, community music practitioners and researchers. The critical and creative dimensions of the Goldsmiths approach make graduates particularly well suited to roles in cultural organisations, arts funding bodies, music journalism and broadcasting, as well as in teaching and community music work. Postgraduate study in music, musicology, composition, ethnomusicology or music education is a well-supported next step.