| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA | Full-time | 4 years | find out | GBP 9250 per year | GBP 17500 per year |
Building on our world-leading teaching and research in music psychology, this unique four-year degree is the first of its kind in the UK.
You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of the concepts, key theories and principles of music psychology, as well as their applications and the techniques that are used in research. At the same time, diverse optional modules give you the freedom to explore a broad range of other subject areas, from performance to composition, aesthetics to music technology.
Whether you're interested in music education, performance, community music, music therapy, music technology, computer science, or applied fields such as marketing, consumer behaviour or film music composition, you'll gain an insight into the ways in which people hear, interpret and respond to music, and graduate with a Masters degree that will help you stand out in the job market.
At the heart of the School of Music is the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, a beautiful performance space which hosts a large and varied programme of concerts in term time. The entire concert programme is free to students.
The School of Music has its own purpose-built building complete with rehearsal, performance and practice spaces, a lab for studying the psychology of music and four lecture theatres. There are also studios for sound recording, software development and computer music composition - we have a wide range of professional recording equipment and up-to-date music software to help you with your studies. In addition, our instrument collection includes a specially commissioned gamelan, historic and modern keyboard instruments and a large selection of orchestral and world percussion.
Take a virtual tour of the School of Music
Leeds offers a fantastic variety of opportunities to get involved with music and performance that go far beyond the School of Music ensembles. You can also be involved in extra-curricular activities through the student union, or by creating your own ensembles or bands.
Leeds University Union Music Society (LUUMS) is one of the Union's largest societies and boasts eight ensembles, including orchestras, choruses, brass and wind bands; each one gives regular concerts and some go on tour. The campus hosts a diverse range of other musical societies, including Gospel Choir, Clothworkers Consort of Leeds, Opera Society, Music Theatre, Band Soc, Big Band, Electronic Music and DJ Societies. Find out more about Leeds University Union Clubs and Societies.
You could also get involved in cultural activities in the Leeds area, and perform in the city's many venues such as clubs, pubs, churches, or the Town Hall.
Read more about city life in Leeds.
Course content
Core modules in your first year will introduce you to music psychology, examine the role music has played in society and culture over time and look at different approaches to studying and interpreting music; you'll also choose from optional modules that allow you to develop skills in composition, performance or music technology.
In the following year you'll learn more about how different types of music can be interpreted and analysed, from today's pop music to classical instrumental works. You'll also look at how psychological research and theories have been used to explain different emotional responses to music, listening, performance and other musical behaviours.
Our Music in Context core module will introduce you to an area of musicology that you choose from the range on offer, related to the research interests of our staff. Optional modules will give you the chance to develop your musical skills in fields like performance, analysis, composition, music technology, aesthetics, notation and editing.
In Year 3, you'll build your understanding of the different research techniques in music psychology, and you'll design, conduct and analyse empirical projects of your own. You'll also choose from optional modules to develop your musical interests and specialisms.
In your final year, you'll apply your knowledge of music psychology to a series of case studies in key fields such as education, therapy, advertising and technology, and you can continue an area of special interest in your choice of optional module. You'll also investigate a specific topic in depth when you complete your own major research project.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB normally including Music and/or Psychology.
If you have not taken Music (especially if it isn't taught at your school or college), you should have at least one essay-based subject, as well as a minimum ABRSM Grade 8 practical qualification and evidence of musical literacy (e.g. Grade 5 music theory or equivalent).
Career opportunities
A degree in Music and Music Psychology will allow you to develop a wide range of subject knowledge and skills; you'll also gain transferable skills that are very attractive to employers.
You'll be a good communicator who is able to collaborate and work well in a team, but you'll also be confident working independently. You'll have the chance to develop analytical, research and organisational skills.
Graduates from the School of Music have gone on to succeed in fields such as music education, music therapy, arts administration, and clinical psychology. Others work in business, media, management, and law. This degree will be excellent preparation for doctoral study in the field of music psychology.
We run a series of careers events every year in collaboration with the University Careers Centre to help you explore your options.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
During your second year you'll be able to apply to transfer to our MArts/BArts Music and Music Psychology (International) programme. This allows you to extend your degree by a year and spend your third year studying at one of our many partner universities worldwide.
It's a great opportunity to enhance your CV and gain a new perspective on your studies, as well as deepening your cultural awareness through more varied experience. In addition to being a highlight of your degree, it can give you real confidence in a competitive job market.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
You'll have the option to extend your programme by a year to spend your third year working in the music industry. It's a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and contacts - and some students go on to work for their placement companies after they graduate.
We have established internship opportunities with major music organisations such as Warner Music, English National Opera, and the Leeds International Concert Season, but you can also explore placements such as music therapy, education, orchestral or band management, in the UK or abroad.
In recent years students have taken placements in organisations such as Faber Music, Grand Union Orchestra, and Scottish Opera. One graduate has recently opened the New York office of WilKatPR, following a placement with the company.
Read more about Year in Industry
If you have a workable business plan, you can also apply to spend a year developing your business. The Year in Enterprise works just like the Year in Industry - you extend your degree by a year, and you can benefit from support from the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies to get your plans off the ground.
Read more about Year in Enterprise
Contact University of Leeds to find course entry requirements.
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