Music

Music is one of the most universal of human activities, present in every culture and every period of recorded history, and one of the most complex, encompassing sound, time, emotion, technique, and the social contexts in which music is made and heard. A university music degree takes all of this seriously, developing your understanding of music across its historical, analytical, practical, and technological dimensions, and asking what music is, how it works, and what it means.

At the University of York, this three-year, full-time programme is notably flexible and integrative, bringing together practical music-making, musicology, music analysis, and music technology in a course that allows you to pursue the areas of music that matter most to you. You can take options in performance, composition, music education, music psychology, and more, developing a programme that reflects your particular interests and strengths. A sandwich year, year abroad option, and work placement opportunities are all available, giving you the chance to develop professional experience and to encounter music in other national and institutional contexts during your studies.

York has a strong reputation in music research and composition, and the department's focus on innovation and interdisciplinarity enriches the learning environment. Graduates go on to careers as performers, composers, music teachers, music technologists, music journalists, arts administrators, producers, and in a wide range of roles across the music, media, and creative industries. Many also pursue postgraduate study in music, composition, musicology, or music technology, and some pursue academic careers in music research.

The combination of practical musicianship, theoretical understanding, and critical awareness the degree develops prepares you for a wide range of contributions to musical life.