Study at the cutting edge

Our International Centre for Music Studies has an international reputation for its research in musicology and creative practice. You'll benefit from the expertise of our world-leading research-active staff. 

Teaching methods

Different forms of music need different approaches to study.

Some of our modules are based around lectures and seminars, often with set reading or listening assignments, and other modules take the form of smaller specialised study groups.

Performance modules are usually taught through a combination of individual one-to-one tuition, group workshops and specialist masterclasses.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed by a combination of:

• examinations
• written assignments
• submission of dissertation or portfolio (of compositions, harmony, recordings, counterpoint or music analysis exercises)
• live musical performance

Find out more

Visit our Teaching & Learning pages to read about the outstanding learning experience available to all students at Newcastle University.

We are keen to admit the brightest students onto our courses, regardless of background. In 2020 we will be making a number of unconditional offers across a range of subjects to students from the UK who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. These offers will be made to students who we believe will make a substantial contribution to our student community, and who we really want to study with us.

If you receive an unconditional offer from us, this demonstrates our confidence that you have the necessary qualities to succeed in your exams at school or college and to excel on your chosen degree. The unconditional offer will allow you to focus on your studies so that you can achieve excellent results.

The criteria for receiving an unconditional offer will vary across different subject areas. You will be identified for an unconditional offer on the basis of your overall academic profile which will include:

• a minimum GCSE achievement level
• a minimum A level (or IB) prediction threshold
• an excellent personal statement and reference

If you accept your unconditional offer, it means that you have secured your place at Newcastle whatever you achieve in your final exams. We are confident that applicants who receive an unconditional offer will repay our confidence in them by continuing to work hard and achieve excellent grades.

What are Interview Days?

Applicants we feel may be suitable for the course will typically be invited to an Interview Day. These take place between December and April.

Our Interview Days are a very important part of the admissions process for our Music degrees. They give us a better sense of your individuality and strengths, and allow you to find out more about studying with us.

They consist of a short, informal audition as well as a sample lecture, student performances and a tour of our facilities.

What to expect on the day

On the day

Registration will be at 11am, followed by an introductory talk about Music at Newcastle University. Lunch is provided, and this gives you the chance to meet staff and current students.

Interviews take place in the afternoon after lunch. You will also have a sample lecture and a student-led tour including tours of our rehearsal spaces, studios and recording facilities.

You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about us, the course and the city. You will also be able to have a good look around the music department and to talk with our current students.

The Interview Day will end at around 5.30pm.

The interview itself

Individual interviews last around 30 minutes, consisting of a short audition followed by questions from our staff.

Your audition piece should be around five minutes in length. Choose something you know well, and which clearly illustrates your capabilities and musical style. We can’t provide accompanists on the day, but you are welcome to bring your own or to play to a backing track.

You should come prepared to talk about your application, musical studies, and about your audition piece – why you chose it, its historical and cultural contexts etc. We will ask you about your musical practice, musical interest, and how these relate to the study of music.

What we look for

We are looking for an audition performance that shows confidence and precision. Your chosen piece doesn’t need to demonstrate everything you can do, but it should provide a good flavour of your musicality.

We hope you will communicate clearly and intelligently about your audition piece, and about music more broadly. We don’t necessarily expect fully formed, highly detailed ideas, but enough to get a sense of your potential.

We’d like to know what you’ve read, and how this may inform your playing or composition.

Watch our five tips for music interviews.

Can’t make an Interview Day?

If for any reason you are unable to attend any of our Interview Days, please let us know so we can consider alternative arrangements.

For overseas candidates we can organise a Skype interview.

Notification of results

Successful candidates at the initial application stage will be asked to attend an Interview Day. A decision about an offer is made shortly after interview. If we make you an offer we will send you an email.

Candidates who are unsuccessful at the initial assessment stage, or after an Interview Day, will be notified through UCAS.

ABB including Music or equivalent. AS level Music may be considered, but will depend on the combination of subjects/qualifications being studied. If A levels do not include music, an offer of ABB plus Grade 8 Associated Board/Trinity (Performance) may be considered. 

AABBB at Higher Grade, including Music or equivalent. If Music isn't included, an offer of AABB plus Grade 8 Associated Board/Trinity (Performance) may be considered. Combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers accepted.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

A minimum of 32 points with Music at Higher Level, Standard Level Music may be considered, but will depend on the combination of subjects being studied.

H1H1H2H2H3 at Higher Level, to include Music. If Music isn't included, an offer of H1H1H2H2H3 plus Grade 8 Associated Board/Trinity (Performance) may be considered.

30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit. ABRSM/Trinity Music Theory G5 also required.

In a music-related subject, at overall DDD and ABRSM Grade 5 Theory in addition to the Diploma.

D3, M2, M2 in Principal Subjects including Music. If Music isn't included, an offer of D2, M2, M2 plus Grade 8 Associated Board/Trinity (Performance) may be considered.

If you offer the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification in a topic relevant to the degree programme, we may take this into account in our consideration of your application.

BCC including Music. AS level Music may be considered, but will depend on the combination of subjects/qualifications being studied.

If A Levels do not include Music an offer of BCC plus Grade 8 Associated Board/Trinity (Performance) may be considered.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.

In a music-related subject, at overall DMM and ABRSM Grade 5 ABRSM Theory in addition to the Diploma. Also, evidence of 'academic' writing on music required if not fulfilled by choice of units.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.

BBCCC at Higher Grade, including Music or equivalent. If Music isn't included, an offer of BBCCC plus Grade 8 Associated Board/Trinity (Performance) may be considered. Combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers accepted. Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.

Applicants intending to take modules in performance should have passed Associated Board Grade 8 or the equivalent or be of a similar standard.

Applicants may be invited to an interview and a short audition.

Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you need help to meet our English Language requirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

ABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry to an undergraduate course. You can check the equivalent grades for qualifications offered in your country. 

We will also consider your application if you have lower or non-standard qualifications.

2019 and 2020 entry:

£9,250

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Please note:

• The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.
• As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
• See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.

2019 and 2020 entry:

£9,250 You will pay the same tuition fees as UK students for the duration of your course.

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Please note:

• As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
• See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.

2020 entry*:

£18,600 

2019 entry*:

£17,790 

*Please note:

• You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
• The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
• If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad as part of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for that year.
• See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.

You may be eligible for one of a range of Newcastle University Scholarships in addition to government financial support.

• Newcastle University Scholarships
• Government financial support

You may be eligible for one of a range of Newcastle University Scholarships in addition to government financial support.

• Newcastle University Scholarships
• Government financial support

We offer a range of scholarships to eligible international students:

• Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships
• Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships
• Vice-Chancellor’s Global Scholarships

We also offer International Family Discounts which are available for all international students with a close family member who has graduated from or is now studying at Newcastle University.

Newcastle University offers Sanctuary Scholarships for eligible undergraduate students (excludes MBBS and BDS students) from asylum-seeker and refugee backgrounds. 

Some of our subject scholarships and sports scholarships are also available for international students.