Careers with a degree in Music
We are committed to preparing our students for the world of work. Many of our music graduates secure the best employment opportunities in their fields regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Career related modules
As well as academic excellence, we cultivate the highest professional and intellectual skills, preparing our graduates to succeed in whichever careers they choose. With professional development in mind, we typically offer modules in music enterprise and education in school and community contexts as well as placement modules in arts administration and education. Our students also have the support of our excellent careers service.
Skills development
Studying music is both intellectually and musically demanding. You'll develop transferable skills to help you in your career. Through academic research, analysis, and writing our students develop critical thinking and excellent communication skills. Through composition and performance, you’ll develop professional musical skills as well as hone your creativity and presentational skills
We nurture teamwork and initiative through participation in music ensembles alongside group work and presentations in seminars. Flexibility, self-discipline, and good time management are all required to attain high technical standards. These skills are necessary to balance the demands of study, practice, and performance.
Ties with the professional world
We work with a range of partners across the Music sector, providing you with professional development and networking opportunities.
We're the only North-East Music Academic Partner of UK Music, the collective voice of the UK’s world-leading music industry, which represents all sectors of the music industry to champion Music.
Through this partnership we provide a range of sector-leading opportunities, including:
- engaging with the industry
- providing research and networking opportunities
- a range of career development support
We also work closely with a broad range of regional cultural organisations, including strategic partnerships with the Glasshouse, so you can engage with the professional music sector and give back to the region in which you will be studying.
Jobs for music graduates
Music graduates develop a variety of skills, reflected in the diverse range of career paths they take.
Professional practice, including key competences for the contemporary world of work, is embedded in our teaching.
Our graduates go on to work as performers and composers, in:
- event management
- record companies
- marketing
- public relations
- artist management
- music production
- journalism
- teaching
Some have their own freelance portfolio careers or creative businesses, which have included start-up funding from the Careers Service.
Others have taken postgraduate qualifications in accountancy, law and management before taking up roles in the music industry and beyond.
Meet our graduates
Read more about our graduates and their Newcastle experience in our alumni section