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Music and Philosophy

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 22/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
University Park Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

If you're a keen musician who wants to explore the exciting world philosophy offers then this is the course for you.

There's always been a common bond between the subjects:

  • contemporary composers Philip Glass and Steve Reich both have philosophy degrees

  • renowned philosopher Schopenhauer considered music the highest art, playing the flute his whole life.

The flexible nature of the course means there are opportunities to link the subjects together as well as studying both as separate passions.

Music
Our music department has particular specialities in musicology, performance, composition and technology and the purpose-built facilities support your choices.
There are spaces to compose, rehearse, perform, record and experiment! You are spoilt for choice if you want to carry on playing an instrument. There are opportunities across all genres - both on-campus and as part of Nottingham's dynamic music scene.

Philosophy
The philosophy department offers an unusually diverse range of modules. Explore traditional topics along with emerging areas such as environmental and social philosophy. You'll also get to explore across Western, Indian and Chinese traditions. Uniquely, you will also work with professionals such as lawyers and journalists. They'll help you apply your new philosophical skills to a range of careers.

Modules

The first year has a set of core modules that gives everyone a common understanding of both subjects. You can also choose options across both areas - start exploring subjects you've never experienced before or develop topics you've an existing interest in.

The second and third years are fully optional. You can choose individuals modules that grab your interest or build a portfolio of studies that focuses on a particular theme. The final year dissertation is your opportunity to produce a longer piece of work that can combine both subjects into a single project.

Throughout the course you have opportunities to study subjects outside of Music and Philosophy and develop language skills with our Language Centre.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University Park Campus

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 22/09/2025

Apply by
29 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
WV35
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
WV35
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

Not accepted

A level

ABB
Including Music. If no A Level Music then we may also ask for a Pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5 or Trinity, Rockschool or LCM.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

National Extended Diploma DDD in Music or other subject combination provided Music requirement is met.

Access to HE Diploma

D: 24 credits M: 21 credits
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at L3 of which 24 credits must be at Distinction and 21 at Merit.  12 Level 3 credits should be from Music and achieved at Distinction. ABRSM Grade 5 Theory must also be achieved.

Scottish Higher

ABBBB
This qualification is only acceptable alongside Scottish Advanced Higher grades AB. If no Music then we may also ask for a Pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5 or Trinity, Rockschool or LCM.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

BTEC Diploma DD + B at A Level Music. Music alternative must be provided if not studying A Level Music

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/ National Extended Certificate D + A Levels BB in Music. Music alternative must be provided if not studying A Level Music

Scottish Advanced Higher

AB
This qualification is only acceptable alongside Scottish Higher grades ABBBB. Music preferred but if no Music then we may also ask for a Pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5 or Trinity, Rockschool or LCM.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

30 points
Preferably to include Music Higher Level 5 points but if no Music then we may also ask for a Pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5 or Trinity, Rockschool or LCM. OR 655 in 3 Higher Level subjects including Music grade 5

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

A - B
This qualification is accepted alongside other UoN accepted qualifications such as A Levels, preferably to include Music but if no Music then we may also ask for a Pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5 or Trinity, Rockschool or LCM.

Extended Project

A
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3, M2, M3
Preferably to include Music but if no Music then we may also ask for a Pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5 or Trinity, Rockschool or LCM.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE requirements - English grade C (numeric grade 4).

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)

A
If you have already achieved your Core Maths Qualification at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Core Maths Qualification you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Core Maths Qualification. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

European Baccalaureate - 75% overall including 80% (8.5) in Music. Preferably to include Music but if no Music then we may also ask for a Pass in ABRSM Graded Theory Grade 5 or Trinity, Rockschool or LCM.

University of Nottingham’s Arts and Humanities Foundation Year Progression Options

Degree courses in the Faculty of Arts are also available as progression routes from our Arts and Humanities Foundation Year (Y14F). This may be suitable if you have faced educational barriers and do not expect to meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a degree course. Please see the UCAS page for the Foundation Year course for further information.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
EU£28200*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
International£28200*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202526/undergraduate.aspx

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