Music

We offer thorough musical training and stimulating artistic and academic study in a friendly, collegiate and creative environment.

Why study with us

Our music degrees offer excellent professional preparation and are highly flexible, allowing you to explore your own musical interests. We are dedicated to outstanding teaching, informed by our high-quality musical research.

Music making

School ensembles directed by professional musicians.

After graduation

98% of graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21).

Work placements

Opportunity to undertake a work placement in your second year.

Courses

Entry year

Music (BMus)

Full time, 3 years

Our Music (BMus) programme offers the most in-depth study, allowing you to spend all of your time specialising in Music, while also allowing you to specialise and develop your own musical interests.

Music and a Modern Language (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Develop your language and musical skills to become a creative and critical thinker, equipped for future professional success.

Music and English Literature (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Explore your passion for music and literature with our choice-driven joint honours degree in Wales’ creative and cultural capital.

Music with a Year of Study Abroad (BMus)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Music (BMus) programme offers the most in-depth study, allowing you to spend all of your time specialising in Music, while also allowing you to specialise and develop your own musical interests. You will spend your third year studying abroad,

Welsh and Music (BA)

Full time, 3 years

The Joint Honours degree in Music and Welsh provides the opportunity to specialise in two university honours subjects.

Our talks and videos

The School of Music

Dr Dan Bickerton explains why the School of Music is such a great place to study.

Auditions at Cardiff University School of Music

All single honours students who apply to study at Cardiff University School of Music will be invited to attend an audition. Tutor Dr Carlo Cenciarelli and some of our students talk about what to expect, and how to prepare for your audition.

I love the fact that the School ofMusic is quite small, everyone knows everyone and it feels like one big support network. Cardiff University has provided me with some of my closest friends and fondest memories. Say yes to every opportunity that comes your way and you will not regret it!

Florence Waddington Music (BMus)

Image of Lanyi drumming in the Concert Hall

We host regular workshops and masterclasses in our Concert Hall.

Image of student in music studio with headphones on

We have four music studios equipped to industry standards. Our main studio has an attached live room for recording.

Our Music library collection is the premier music research library in the southwest UK and houses thousands of books and scores.

Image of a student in front of a Mac desktop

Computers in our Mac Suite are all equipped with the latest Sibelius software along with dedicated Digital Audio Workstations.

Image of two students performing in the Concert Hall

Our Concert Hall plays host to regular concerts by students and professional musicians.

You have the opportunity to perform in one of our 11 school-led ensembles.

Image of a musician practicing the cello

The Music Building has over two dozen practice rooms for you to rehearse in.

Learn more about us

Music ensembles

We offer a rich and diverse range of musical activities at the School of Music. Our ensembles, directed by professional musicians, include orchestras, choirs, a contemporary music group, an African drumming ensemble, and the Popular Music Collective.

Spend a year studying abroad

We offer a range of opportunities to embrace new experiences during your studies, including spending a year studying abroad. This option is available on all of our single honours programmes, and some joint honours programmes.

Rigorous musical training within a lively and imaginative liberal arts environment

Our purpose-built building has all the facilities you need to succeed in your studies including more than 25 practice rooms, ensemble rooms and electro-acoustic studios.

We host a range of professional public concerts and student-led events in our 250-seat concert hall.