The first year lays the foundation for understanding folk and traditional music. There is a strong emphasis upon performance, including:

• a range of modules on folk traditions
• regular one-to-one lessons on your main instrument
• weekly tutor-led workshops to develop your ensemble playing skills

In second year, your choice includes a broad range of modules, such as:

• ensemble playing
• academic approaches to the history and understanding of folk music
• approaches to traditional musics from around the world

The second year also includes the popular option of taking a semester abroad (see below).

In your final year, you take advanced modules linked to our research. You also complete a major specialist study, which may be:

• an original composition
• a creative project or performance
• a dissertation/project on an area of interest

See the Course Details for more information on what you will study.

The degree can be taken as a standalone degree but is designed for a close transition to the Master of Music (MMus) at Newcastle University, for students who wish to develop their performance, composition or scholarly skills to a higher level.

Students join our really vibrant performing community and take tuition with some of the best performers in the tradition, such as:

• Kathryn Tickell
• Catriona Macdonald
• Desi Wilkinson
• Simon McKerrell
• Shona Mooney
• Andy May
• Chris Newman

Our students are part of a very strong performing community and also benefit from world-class musical scholarship drawn from many different cultures.

We have deep connections with the local Folk communities in the North-East and throughout the British Isles, including:

• opportunities for our students at regular public concerts at The Sage Gateshead
• gigs at local folk clubs
• teaching and volunteering arrangements with local community groups

In addition, there are excellent performance opportunities for all music students at Newcastle. You can showcase your skills as a solo performer and in a range of staff and student led ensembles and bands.    

• 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
• Student-organised annual Summer Music Festival, showcasing our students' talent and giving you the chance to gain real-world experience of event management

Find out more about performance opportunities at Newcastle University on the School website.

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.

AAB-BBB ideally including Music. (Grade A in AS level Music may be considered, but will depend on the combination of subjects/qualifications being studied.)

In usual circumstances offers will be made at the upper end of this range. However, we will consider giving offers at the lower end of the range to candidates who demonstrate themselves at audition to be performers of exceptional ability, but whose predicted or achieved academic grades are in the lower end of our offer range.

AAABB-AAAB at Higher Grade, including Music. Combination of Highers and Advanced Highers accepted. In usual circumstances offers will be made at the upper end of this range. However, we will consider giving offers at the lower end of the range to candidates who demonstrate themselves at audition to be performers of exceptional ability, but whose predicted or achieved academic grades are in the lower end of our offer range.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

32-34 points with Music at Higher Level. Standard Level Music may be considered, but will depend on the combination of subjects being studied. In usual circumstances offers will be made at the upper end of this range. However, we will consider giving offers at the lower end of the range to candidates who demonstrate themselves at audition to be performers of exceptional ability, but whose predicted or achieved academic grades are in the lower end of our offer range.

H1H1H1H2H3-H2H2H2H3H3 at Higher Level, to include Music.

30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit. 15 Level 3 credits should be music related and preferably include Music Theory. All applicants will be asked to audition. Applicants should be practitioners in folk/traditional music.

In a music-related subject, at overall DDD-DDM, plus evidence of ‘academic’ writing on music if not fulfilled by choice of units.

D3,D3,M2-M2,M2,M2 in Principal Subjects including Music.

In usual circumstances offers will be made at the upper end of this range. However, we will consider giving offers at the lower end of the range to candidates who demonstrate themselves at audition to be performers of exceptional ability, but whose predicted or achieved academic grades are in the lower end of our offer range.

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.

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

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

In a music-related subject, at overall MMM, plus evidence of 'academic' writing on music 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 and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.

Performance ability is a primary criterion for selection and applicants will need to produce appropriate evidence of performance skills achieved. All applicants who we consider may be suitable for the course will be interviewed and auditioned.

Applicants with musical experience but without standard qualifications are considered at a consultative interview prior to application.

Students with advanced skills in performance of folk and traditional music may be exempted from some of the requirements for the qualifications listed.

Any potential applicant is invited to contact the Degree Programme Director, Catriona Macdonald (catriona.macdonald@ncl.ac.uk), to discuss the course and their suitability for it.

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 entry:

Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.

2018 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, as measured by RPIX**.
• See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments.

2019 entry:

Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.

2018 entry*:

£9,250 in 2018-19 

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, as measured by RPIX**.
• See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments.

2019 entry:

Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.

2018 entry*:

£16,800 per year

*Please note:

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

**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments.

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 our Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships and Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarships to eligible international students.

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.

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