Introduction
Music Education at Aberdeen gives you the brilliant opportunity to learn, compose and perform with world-renowned composers and musicologists, working in all genres, styles and periods, with unrivalled opportunities to grow as a musician and performer and to specialise in the skills to inspire a new generation through music education in schools.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- BMus
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- WX33
Aberdeen is the ideal environment and location in which to study music, with 500 years of outstanding musical history and heritage and a vibrant cultural identity which celebrates the traditional while embracing the modern, playing a huge role in the cultural life of north-east Scotland.
Our highly-regarded BMus programme gives the benefit of broad foundation in music before choosing to specialise in teaching in the BMus (Education) programme, or the BMus (Music and Communities) opening opportunities for working with music in non-formal settings.
In your first three years of your BMus (Education) programme, you will study performance, composition, theory, musicianship and a broad overview of music history which serves as the foundation for future study and specialising in your final year.
You will then combine the study of music with a qualification to teach in Scottish secondary schools, including school placements in your final year.
You will graduate perfectly prepared for a career in teaching music, with the additional option of applying your all-round knowledge and transferable skills should you decide to purse an alternative career such as in the media, or the music business.
What You'll Study
Compulsory Courses
Introduction to Music Studies (MU1026)
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
- Digital Musicianship: Music Making in the Digital Age (MU1058)
- Introduction to Music Theory and Harmony (MU1557)
- Performing and Composing 1 (MU1027)
- Performing and Composing 2 (MU1527)
- Writing About Music (MU1528)
Optional Courses
Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Music Education?
- Academic staff who are internationally recognised experts in composition, performance, musicology, music in schools and communities, including many rising student stars.
- Specialist facilities including three state-of-the-art Electroacoustic Composition studios as well as Music Technology workstations.
- A wonderful collection of historic instruments including a 1771 Kirkman harpsichord, also full Balinese Gamelan, Steel Pans and Samba/Salsa instruments.
- Instrumental/vocal courses available in all years of the programme, with tuition costs normally covered by the University.
- University Symphony Orchestra, Chamber and Chapel choirs with growing international reputations, Choral Society, String Ensemble, Viol Consort, Recorder Consort, New Music Group, Baroque Ensemble, Concert Band, Big Band, Opera Society, chamber groups and many more.
- Excellent performance opportunities with the early sixteenth-century Chapel often used for services and performances of sacred and concert music.
- Our Chapel boasts an all-mechanical pipe organ built by the French builder Aubertin – the first by this builder in the UK.
- Opportunities to perform at University ceremonies, graduations, recitals, VIP visits, formal dinners and festivals.
- The prestigious Ogston Music Prize, and a range of scholarships and special support for outstanding students.
- Aberdeen city is known as a lively centre for music, and links with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Aberdeen City Music School, North East of Scotland Music School, the Sound Festival and other organisations continue to develop.
- Opportunities to take part in masterclasses led by visiting musicians.
- A packed campus programme of student and public events, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers and the annual May Festival which welcomes internationally acclaimed musicians, choirs and orchestras to campus every spring.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEntry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
SQA:
Applicants who achieve ABBB in four distinct disciplines are encouraged to apply. We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject. Music Higher preferred.
Applicants must also meet the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) requirements: N5 in Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics at grade C or above and Higher English at grade C or above.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
A Level:
Minimum of 3 A Levels at BBB. Music A Level preferred.
Applicants must also meet the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) requirements: GCSE in Mathematics at grade 4(C) or above and GCSE English Language AND English Literature at grade 4(C) or above.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE (ILC)
Three subjects a Higher minimum, with 3 at H2. Music at Higher preferred.
Applicants must also meet the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) requirements: O4 in Maths minimum required and H3 in English required.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)
Minimum 32 points including at least a Grade 6 at Music at HL preferred.
Applicants must also meet the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) requirements: SL in Maths/Maths Studies at 4 or above and HL in English at 5 or above.
Please Note: Candidates for the BMus Music Education (honours) are required to demonstrate a strong interest in the study of music and education. Entry to the programme will be assessed on the strength of the candidate's academic record and personal statement. Candidates should be of a standard equivalent to Grade 8 (Associated Board or other) or show the potential to achieve this on their main instrument/voice. Competence on piano is also required. Candidates may be invited to interview.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Music degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,535 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX