4 years with the foundation
This year will prepare you for the rest of your course. We’ll focus on general skills such as researching and referencing, numeracy and ICT, and communication. Not only that, we’ll also start to look at topics such as Intercultural Studies, Psychology, Composition and Style, Ethics and Social Perceptions.
Introduction
Immerse yourself in our performance culture and prepare for a career as a professional musician as you study music and its modern uses, with our BA (Hons) Music degree.
Performance is at the core of our Music degree here at ARU.
Immerse yourself in our creative, collaborative student community, take up opportunities to perform in Cambridge and beyond, and use our facilities to develop your music and experiment with different styles and techniques.
Take advantage of regular feedback on your performance to quickly improve your skills on a course that’s scored 100% for overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2018 and 2019).
Read more
As a student in Cambridge, you’ll be able to make the most of the city’s music scene, and benefit from our links to local networks such as Cambridge Arts Network and Cambridge Live. From classical music to UK rap, or even film and computer game soundtracks, you’ll be surrounded by collaborative opportunities to explore and expand your style.
As a BA (Hons) Music student at ARU, you’ll discover a wealth of new music. From composition to the history and cultural implications of music, you’ll gain an awareness of many different styles, techniques and approaches that can inform your own music.
Rather than studying music by its historical period or geographical location, you’ll consider its use in different areas of our lives, such as film, technology and education. Whether you’re interested in the music industry, world music, performance art or teaching, you’ll get the chance to develop yourself ready for a career in music.
You’ll also be able to listen to professional musicians on campus every week in our lunchtime concert series, as well as attend workshops, masterclasses and lectures by visiting performers, composers and academics.
Choose to study abroad for one semester and get ongoing support to find work placements, and to gain a broad experience of the music industry.
Take your musicianship to the next level.
State-of-the-art facilities
All our music students have access to:
- climate-controlled recording studios, running professional software including Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live and Sibelius
- six practice rooms and two Mac suites
- electronic and orchestral instruments, including a range of synthesisers
- a recital hall with a Steinway Model D piano
- a broad selection of digital and analogue as well as both solid state and valve outboard equipment – read more about our audio music technology equipment here.
You can also get training in all of our creative facilities – not just the ones for your course.
Develop your talent
Study at ARU and benefit from:
- regular feedback on your performance skills and assessment on live performances
- facilities to develop your music and experiment with different styles and techniques
- our links with local networks such as Cambridge Arts Network and Cambridge Live
- a diverse music scene in Cambridge ranging from classical to UK rap
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Careers
Not only will you develop your knowledge of music theory as part of your Music degree, you’ll also be equipped with all of the practical skills that you need for a career in the music industry. You will also get the chance to tailor the course to your future career through our optional modules.
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
Many of past students now enjoy successful careers in music – from performers and composers through to music teachers and art administrators.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MA Music Therapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.