Top 25 for graduate prospects
We're in the top 25 UK universities for graduate prospects in Music (source: Complete University Guide 2021).

BA (Hons)
Undergraduate degree - single or combined honours
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.
Due to Covid-19, we have made some changes to teaching and learning for the 2020-21 academic year: we have blended high-quality virtual engagement with in-person teaching on campus when possible. Blended learning will continue to some extent in the 2021-22 academic year and we will continue to keep the situation under review in light of ongoing Government guidance. If you’re planning on joining us in September 2021 we will communicate with you about specific details of how your course is taught nearer the time.
Music at Bath Spa is varied, creative and contemporary. This is a practical, busy Music course, with weekly performances throughout the year (both students and visiting professionals).
You’ll devise, sing and play in a wide variety of styles, and have the opportunity to collaborate with students from other courses across the University. As part of the course, you'll be able to join a wide range of groups and ensembles such as orchestras, choirs, bands and world music groups including our own Javanese Gamelan.
As a Bath Spa Music student, you'll be part of Bath School of Music and Performing Arts. Based at the Michael Tippett Centre, you'll have access to a range of purpose-built facilities, and you'll be part of Bath Spa Productions, which organises events throughout the year including SparkFest – part of Bath International Music Festival. All this gives you valuable experience that you can demonstrate to potential employers and take with you into your future career.
“Every year the music department stages Opera and Music Theatre productions to a very high standard, which is something that really interests me. There are a large number of ensembles to take part in, and also the support and facilities to start your own if you wanted to.”
Joe Gatley, Music graduate
Throughout this music degree you’ll study practical performance in areas such as classical music, jazz and contemporary styles, instrumental and vocal studies, composition and musical contexts from medieval through to the present day.
You can also study areas such as music psychology, community music, world music and issues within the music industry.
We currently have over 20 ensembles open to all students, including numerous choirs, symphony and chamber orchestra, wind band and jazz big band, jazz small groups, our own Javanese Gamelan, brass, wind and string ensembles, folk, and experimental music groups.
Year one
You’ll study performance, including regular one-to-one instrumental/vocal lessons, composition in a wide range of styles and genres, music technology in our industry-standard labs, world music lectures and practical workshops, musicology lectures and seminars, research and study skills.
Year two
You’ll develop skills in teaching and in the area of music management and promotion through the professional module, and have the option to undertake a placement in a musical organisation. You'll continue to develop your musical skills, and increasingly specialise in areas of particular strength and interest.
Year three
You’ll have the freedom for creative output in a wide range of specialisms, depending on your career aspirations and goals. You'll also choose from a wide range of supporting modules designed to prepare you for the professional world of music.
You’ll be assessed through coursework, including creative artefacts, written and spoken presentations, and through practical assessments such as recitals and public ensemble performances.
The Music course is taught through workshops, masterclasses, lectures, seminars, individual tutorials and instrumental/vocal lessons.
You’ll be taught by, and work alongside, a creative community of experts. Full-time staff are all practising performers, composers and researchers.
You’ll also be taught by visiting staff, many with international reputations.
This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document (below the main image on this page) for more information.
There are opportunities through the Erasmus scheme to study abroad for a term or longer in year two – we have links with university music departments and schools in Europe, particularly Germany and the USA.
We give regular performances throughout the year in Bath as well as beyond. Each year we fully stage opera and musical theatre productions.
In years two and three, you'll have the opportunity to engage with field trips and music projects in the community.
During the course you’ll explore the constantly changing needs of the employment market, and you can choose to take a placement in year two.
Recent placements have included the Bath International Music Festival, the BBC Proms, Welsh National Opera, Glyndebourne, Royal Opera, BBC Music Magazine, Dorling Kindersley and Real World.
You’ll benefit from masterclass sessions from leading international musicians, composers and performers, as well as experts from the music industry.
We offer three cash prizes in performance, composition and ensemble to students in their final year.
Graduates from BA (Hons) Music at Bath Spa go on to successful careers in a range of roles including those in education, special needs and community music, performance, composition, promotion, publishing and other aspects of the music business.
This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.
By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.
Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.
On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.
Based at the Michael Tippett Centre, we have excellent facilities including:
Please note: Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are no longer eligible for the UK (Home) fee status. Please refer to the international student rate.
Year 1 | £9,250 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
Year 1 | £15,530 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. Otherwise, fees are the same as for full time study. This applies to UK, EU and International students.
We’re looking for creativity, whether as a performer or composer. You’ll have an energy and passion for music in all its styles and genres and in its uses in industry, education, communities and everyday life.
Applicants will be working towards Grade 8 Music Practical or equivalent. You'll be auditioned at our Newton Park campus between December and March, where you'll be invited by email to:
More details will be provided on invitation.
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:
English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants
IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.
Course enquiries
For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.
Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page. Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.
We interview prospective students at interview days from December onwards. You’ll meet Music staff and see our facilities, as well as having the chance to discuss the course with students and staff.
We do not charge an audition fee.
For international students or students unable to come to Bath, we also accept an online Music portfolio in the form of video/PDF examples of your performance and work.
Admissions service: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk
Course leader: Tom Worley
Email: t.worley@bathspa.ac.uk
Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk