Folk and Traditional Music BA Honours
- UCAS code: W344
- Full time
- 3 years
Be part of a thriving, vibrant folk degree taught by multi-award-winning staff and join our community of outstanding graduates.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Our Folk and Traditional Music degree was the first of its kind in England. The programme focuses on the traditional music and song of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. National and international artists teach as regular and guest tutors on this degree.
Performance and group playing is at the heart of this course, but you will also study the social and cultural context of traditional and folk music, and how music helps to construct identity and culture.
As you progress through the degree you will have increasing freedom to choose modules to tailor your studies, including from our contemporary and popular and classical music degrees.
After Stage 2 you can spend a year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions, making this a four-year degree. Please be aware that this is usually subject to you achieving an average of 60% or more across the first three semesters of the programme.
Hear from our graduates about their Newcastle experience
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Featured module
MUS2092: Folk Ensemble 2Ensemble modules include weekly small group tutor-led workshops.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
The first year lays the foundation for understanding folk and traditional music in both performance and scholarship. You take regular one-to-one lessons on your main instrument and take part in weekly tutor-led workshops to develop your ensemble playing skills.
You’ll also study a compulsory cross-disciplinary module on writing about music, and developing academic and professional skills.
Modules
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory modules:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Academic Practice for Music Studies | 20 |
| Performance Studies 1 | 20 |
| Folk Ensemble 1 | 20 |
| Traditions of These Islands | 20 |
Optional modules
You take 20 credits from the following list:
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Ethnomusicology | 20 |
| Understanding Music History | 20 |
| Introduction to Popular Music Studies | 20 |
You also take 20 credits from the following list:
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Audio Production Skills | 20 |
| Creative Projects | 20 |
| Musicianship | 20 |
| Applications and Structures of Music Theory | 20 |
| Essentials and Structures of Music Theory | 20 |
In addition to regular one-to-one lessons on your main instrument, you can study a broad range of historical, cultural, applied and practical options.
Compulsory Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Performance Studies 2 | 20 |
| Folk Ensemble 2 | 20 |
Optional Modules
You take at least one module from the following list of Historical and Cultural modules:
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Themes in Musical Modernism | 20 |
| Popular Music and Media | 20 |
| Music and Visual Culture | 20 |
You take at least one module from the following list of Practical or Applied modules:
You'll complete a major specialist study, which could be: an original composition; a creative project; a performance; or a dissertation/project on an area of interest which you hope to focus on in your life and work after leaving University.
You'll choose the remaining balance of modules from a range of historical, cultural and practical options offered by the world-leading research-active staff at our International Centre for Music Studies (ICMuS).
Modules
Compulsory modules
You must take one Major Specialist Study
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Specialist Study: Composition | 40 |
| Major Specialist Study: Dissertation | 40 |
| Major Specialist Study: Performance | 40 |
| Major Specialist Study: Project | 40 |
Optional modules
You may (but are not required to) choose a Minor Specialist Study module from the following list. This must be in a subject area that is substantially different to your major specialist study.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Minor Specialist Study: Composition | 20 |
| Minor Specialist Study: Dissertation | 20 |
| Minor Specialist Study: Performance | 20 |
| Minor Specialist Study: Project | 20 |
You choose modules from the list below so that the total credits for the year adds up to 120:
You may, with the discretion of the Degree Programme Director, take one module from the list below, if not taken already at Stage 2.
Modules
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2024-25.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
To bring out the best in you, we use different forms of teaching for the range of approaches to music we cover.
Some modules are based around lectures and seminars, with reading or listening assignments, others are smaller specialised study groups.
Performance modules are often a combination of one-to-one tuition, group workshops and specialist masterclasses.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Musical performance
-
Portfolio submission
Skills and experience
Practical skills
On campus, many of our students take part in weekly performances in the King’s Hall
Business skills
You're able to develop business skills through:
- placements in arts administration and education
- opportunities to study abroad. We have links with universities and conservatoires in Europe, Canada, North America and Australia
Benefit from tuition by practising musicians with invaluable professional and industry experience.
Opportunities
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. A work placement is not available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.
Find out more about work placements
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You'll be based in the School of Arts and Cultures, in the University's main campus.
Our department is based in the Armstrong Building, which overlooks the university's beautiful main quadrangle.
You'll have access to outstanding specialist music facilities, including state-of-the-art recording studios, rehearsal spaces, specialist tuition rooms, flexible study spaces, and the music skills suite.
The impressive King's Hall is used for orchestral and choral concerts, our professional lunchtime concert series, and student performance workshops.
Studios
Our professional recording and music production suites provide a space for:
- full band multi-track recording
- electro-acoustic composition multimedia work
- sound art installations
We have a range of portable recording equipment and tools designed for live electronics and technologically mediated live performance. These are accessible to all music students.
Rehearsal spaces
You'll have access to a range of rehearsal spaces, including:
- 25 acoustically treated practice rooms
- five instrumental teaching rooms
- a large, acoustically isolated, ensemble/band practice room
- two large performance/rehearsal spaces (each seats up to 50 people)
- the University's King's Hall (seats 400 people)
Opportunities to perform
We offer a free professional concert series every Thursday lunchtime during term time, followed by a student performance where you have the chance to perform for, and listen to, your colleagues from all of our music degrees.
Newcastle University Symphony Orchestra rehearses weekly and usually gives 3 or 4 performances each year in the King's Hall and in the Great North Museum.
There is also a student-organised annual Summer Music Festival, showcasing our students' talents and giving you the chance to gain real-world experience of event management.
Our music students immerse themselves in Newcastle's thriving music scene which includes everything from high-profile venues like the O2 Academy and the City Hall, to more intimate local spots such as The Cluny, The Cumberland Arms and Bar Loco. It’s also home to the UK’s first co-operatively owned music venue, The Globe.
Watch some of our student performances
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Support
You'll have an academic personal tutor throughout your degree. They will provide academic and pastoral support.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
Join our network of confident and successful graduates who benefit from our well-established ties with arts institutions in the city, in the wider region and beyond.
Many of our students have gone on to develop high-profile careers as performers, scholars, teachers and culture industry professionals.
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Careers support
We'll help enhance your employability through access to career-related training, both as part of the course and through extra-curricular activities. Modules in teaching music help build skills needed for your future career.
We work with a range of arts, music and creative organisations and businesses including artist management and development, music production, community arts, festival and event management, and music therapy. These provide our students with guest lectures, masterclasses and placement opportunities. Examples include:
- Nordoff Robbins
- PRS for Music
- Generator
- Seven Stories
- Side by Side Arts
- Blank Studios
- Harambee Pasadia
Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Interviews and auditions
As part of the application process, you will be invited to an interview and audition. You'll have the opportunity to meet current folk students, and to have a tour of the music department.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for academic year 2025-2026
See our ‘Home Fee Students’ and ‘International Fee Students’ information below for more information on tuition fee levels, fee status and inflationary fee increases.
| Qualification: BA Honours | |
|---|---|
|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
£9,535 |
|
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
24400 |
Year abroad and additional costs
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.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
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