BA (Hons) Classical Music

CAT (Classical Aural and Theory) Essential Principles

Credit value: 20

You’ll gain the essential musical skills you'll need to study classical music at university level. You'll build a solid foundation in music theory and aural skills, covering key theoretical principles, practical ear training, and how to use digital tools for notation and analysis. Through interactive workshops and seminars, you’ll apply these core musical elements and grow your confidence in preparation for further study.

This module is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. Assessment includes a written theory test and an aural skills assessment. 

Learning and teaching hours: 30 (15%) 
Directed study hours: 170 (85%) 

CAT (Classical Aural and Theory) Structural Analysis

Credit value: 20

You’ll build on your Semester 1 skills in music theory, aural training, and digital tools to prepare for undergraduate classical study. You’ll tackle more complex harmonic structures, sharpen your critical listening, and develop your use of software for score writing and analysis. Everything you learn will strengthen your practical musicianship and theoretical knowledge.

This module is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. Assessment includes a theory examination. 

Learning and teaching hours: 30 (15%) 
Directed study hours: 170 (85%) 

Classical Repertoire, Musicology and Composition

Credit value: 20

You’ll explore classical music in greater depth. You'll analyse key works, examine complex musical structures, and understand how classical music was received in different cultural and historical contexts. You'll also start doing independent research and begin composing your own work, applying your growing knowledge creatively and critically.

This module is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. Assessment includes an analytical essay. 

Learning and teaching hours: 30 (15%) 
Directed study hours: 170 (85%)

Harmonic & Cultural Analysis

Credit value: 20

Through lectures, workshops, and seminars, you’ll explore classical music’s historical and cultural roots. You’ll analyse key repertoire and learn how theory, culture, and history influence composition and performance. You’ll also develop skills in critical thinking, analysis and creative exploration that will set a strong foundation for further academic and practical music work.

This module is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. Assessment includes a written analysis. 

Learning and teaching hours: 30 (15%) 
Directed study hours: 170 (85%) 

Introduction to Classical Performance & Composition 1

Credit value: 20

You'll build the key technical, musical, and interpretative skills for your chosen instrument or composition. With individual tuition and guided practice, you'll develop your technique, explore suitable repertoire, and set up a solid routine to support your progress. This module helps you grow confidence and establish good learning habits.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, composition/instrument lessons, and ensemble workshops Assessment includes a technical skills evaluation and performance/composition. 

Learning and teaching hours: 35 (17.5%) 
Directed study hours: 165 (82.5%) 

Introduction to Classical Performance & Composition 2

Credit value: 20

Taking your skills further, this module helps you refine your technique and explore more challenging repertoire or compositional approaches. You’ll improve your stylistic awareness, expressive delivery, and overall fluency. You’ll also work on sight-reading, memorisation, and aural ability - giving you a stronger base for advanced study.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, composition/instrument lessons, and ensemble workshops Assessment includes a technical skills evaluation and performance/composition. 

Learning and teaching hours: 35 (17.5%) 
Directed study hours: 165 (82.5%) 

Classical Performance & Composition 1

Credit value: 20

With support from a specialist tutor, you’ll deepen your musical and technical skills, develop stylistic understanding, and grow more confident in performing or composing a range of repertoire. You’ll build an effective practice routine and begin shaping your own musical voice - whether you're a performer or composer. 

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, ensemble and instrumental workshops, and performance groups. Assessment includes a technical assessment.

Learning and teaching hours: 55 (27.5%) 
Directed study hours: 145 (72.5%) 

Classical Performance & Composition 2

Credit value: 20

You'll continue developing your performance or composition skills through more complex repertoire and creative challenges. Your tutor will guide you as you refine your technique and prepare for a recital or portfolio. You'll also explore how other composers work, helping you shape a more individual and expressive voice.

This module is delivered through a combination of ensemble workshops, instrument specific lessons, and performance groups. Assessment includes a portfolio of compositions. 

Learning and teaching hours: 55 (27.5%) 
Directed study hours: 145 (72.5%) 

Global Melodic Understanding 1

Credit value: 20

You’ll explore how melodies are created using modes, pentatonic and hexatonic scales, and synthetic scales from around the world. This module focuses on Latin American music and its connections to Spain and Africa, helping you understand global influences that shape melodic ideas across traditions.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and ensemble workshops. Assessment includes a presentation. 

Learning and teaching hours: 20 (10%) 
Directed study hours: 180 (90%) 

Global Rhythmic Understanding 1

Credit value: 20

You’ll dive into the rhythms of South America through hands-on group performance. By exploring pulse, metre, and rhythm in a practical way, you’ll build skills that are not only essential for understanding global music but also transferable to your Western classical training.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and ensemble workshops. Assessment includes a presentation. 

Learning and teaching hours: 20 (10%) 
Directed study hours: 180 (90%) 

Musicianship 1 (HIC) – Harmony, Improvisation, Composition

Credit value: 20

This module combines harmony, melody, and improvisation to give you a rounded approach to creating music. You’ll study how musical ideas are built and developed both practically and theoretically, helping you grow as a creative, confident musician.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops. Assessment includes a video submission of an original composition. 

Learning and teaching hours: 35 (17.5%) 
Directed study hours: 165 (82.5%) 

Musicianship 2 (CLM) – Composition, Listening, Musicianship

Credit value: 20

You'll develop your collaboration and communication skills as you compose and create with others. This module strengthens your critical listening, musicology knowledge, and ability to work across musical styles—skills you’ll need for real-world music-making and creative teamwork.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and ensemble workshops. Assessment includes collaborative compositional work and a video journal. 

Learning and teaching hours: 35 (17.5%) 
Directed study hours: 165 (82.5%) 

Classical Performance & Composition 3

Credit value: 20

You’ll continue developing your performance or composition skills, building on everything you’ve learned so far. With guidance from your tutor, you’ll work towards delivering a polished recital or portfolio that demonstrates your growing stylistic accuracy, technical ability, and musical expression.

This module is delivered through a combination of instrumental lessons, seminars and ensemble workshops. Assessment includes reflective video and technical exam. 

Learning and teaching hours: 45 (22.5%) 
Directed study hours: 155 (77.5%) 

Classical Performance & Composition 4

Credit value: 20

This module helps you take your performance or composition to the next level. You’ll refine your technique, deepen your musical interpretation, and build confidence with more advanced repertoire. Your tutor will support your progress as you prepare for final presentations or submissions.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, specialised tuition, and ensemble workshops. Assessment includes an end-of-year recital. 

Learning and teaching hours: 45 (22.5%) 
Directed study hours: 155 (77.5%) 

Global Melodic Understanding 2

Credit value: 20

You’ll explore melodic systems from the Indian subcontinent, studying how different scales and modes inspire musical innovation. You’ll also examine how these ideas have influenced Western classical music, giving you a richer, more global perspective on melody and composition.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and large group workshops. Assessment includes a presentation with practical demonstration. 

Learning and teaching hours: 20 (10%) 
Directed study hours: 180 (90%) 

Global Rhythmic Understanding 2

Credit value: 20

Through practical group work, you’ll explore the rhythms of North and Sub-Saharan Africa. You’ll compare patterns, styles, and cultural contexts, and build your understanding of how these rhythmic concepts can enhance your classical training and performance versatility.

This module is delivered through lectures. Assessment includes a presentation with practical demonstration. 

Learning and teaching hours: 20 (10%) 
Directed study hours: 180 (90%) 

Integrative Pedagogy

Credit value: 20

You’ll explore three key areas of music-related careers: tuition, therapy, and musical direction. This module helps you develop versatile skills that will enhance your performance, musicianship, and future employability - whatever path you choose within the music industry.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and ensemble workshops. Assessment includes a choice of a short lesson, a video exploration of a case study, or a video conducting a section of short work. 

Learning and teaching hours: 35 (17.5%) 
Directed study hours: 165 (82.5%) 

Musicianship 3 (MAIC) – Musicology, Analysis, Improvisation, Composition

Credit value: 20

You’ll deepen your understanding of classical improvisation, musicology, and composition while adding contextual analysis to your skillset. This module brings together creative and academic approaches to help you grow as a well-rounded, reflective musician.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops. Assessment includes a video presentation. 

Learning and teaching hours: 40 (20%) 
Directed study hours: 160 (80%) 

Classical Innovations 1

Credit value: 20

You’ll study how composers and performers reshaped classical music in the early 20th century. Exploring music alongside art, philosophy, and performance, you’ll gain insight into key creative movements. You’ll also prepare for a collaborative interdisciplinary project with artists from other fields.

This module is delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops. Assessment includes a choice of a research essay or a 10-minute presentation. 

Learning and teaching hours: 25 (12.5%) 
Directed study hours: 175 (87.5%) 

Classical Innovations 2

Credit value: 20

You’ll realise the interdisciplinary project you developed in Semester 1 - bringing your creative ideas to life. You’ll also explore innovations in classical music from the late 20th and early 21st centuries, gaining fresh perspectives on how the genre continues to evolve.

This module is delivered through lectures and workshops. Assessment includes a collaborative arts project. 

Learning and teaching hours: 30 (15%) 
Directed study hours: 170 (85%) 

Classical Performance & Composition 5

Credit value: 40

You’ll work towards a high-level recital or portfolio that showcases your technical skill, musical maturity, and creative identity. With individual tuition and a focused practice routine, you’ll refine your performance or composition for potential professional or postgraduate progression.

This module is delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials. Assessment includes exam and coursework. 

Learning and teaching hours: 100 (25%) 
Directed study hours: 300 (75%) 

Classical Recording Project 1 – Audio

Credit value: 20

You’ll learn how to use music production tools to record and enhance your own performances or compositions. This module gives you the core audio skills you’ll need to create demos or recordings - essential for working as a classical musician in today’s industry.

This module is delivered through lectures and seminars. Assessment includes a recording of a performance and a reflective video. 

Learning and teaching hours: 30 (15%) 
Directed study hours: 170 (85%) 

Classical Recording Project 2 – Visual

Credit value: 20

Building on your audio skills, you’ll learn to produce high-quality video to accompany your music. You’ll plan, film, and edit a 10-minute video project, creating a professional EPK (Electronic Press Kit) that you can use for future opportunities in the classical music world.

This module is delivered through lectures, seminars and rehearsals. Assessment includes a video project and reflective commentary. 

Learning and teaching hours: 30 (15%) 
Directed study hours: 170 (85%)