Queen's University Belfast United Kingdom

Music Performance BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Music Performance BA at Queen's University Belfast is designed for aspiring musicians seeking to forge a professional career in performance across diverse traditions, including classical, folk, traditional, pop, and jazz. You will develop your artistry and gain extensive experience in solo, ensemble, and improvised settings, alongside mastering skills for studio performance and the integration of technology. This undergraduate degree offers a comprehensive approach, preparing you to excel in a variety of musical contexts and to contribute meaningfully to the performing arts landscape.

Studied full-time on campus over three years, this programme immerses you in practical performance, composition, and audio engineering. You will engage with core modules like Solo Performance, Ensemble Performance, and Professional Practice, complemented by optional units in areas such as Audio Mixing, Sound Recording, and Composing for Screen. Your final year includes a significant Special Project or Dissertation, allowing you to delve deeply into an area of interest. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, ready for careers as professional musicians, educators, or in related audio and media industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Music Performance BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of musical artistry and practice across three years. Students will engage in solo and ensemble performance, delve into composition and music theory, and develop skills in sound recording, production, and audio mixing. The curriculum also incorporates studies in music history, psychology, and the broader cultural and professional contexts of the music industry, culminating in a special project or dissertation.

1 Year 1

Introduction to Composition
Solo Performance 1
Introduction to Music
Ensemble Performance 1
Audio Mixing I
Sound Recording and Production 1
Being Creative: Music Media and the Arts
Introduction to Film Studies 1
Composition 1a (Acoustic Composition)
Music in History
Fundamental Harmony
Fundamentals of Sound

2 Year 2

Improvisation
Ensemble Performance 2
Fame
Solo Performance 2
Radio and Podcast Production
Interactive Media and Future Broadcasting
Instrument and Installation Design
Sound Design for Screen
Music Psychology
Songwriting
Sound Recording and Production 2
Principles of Business in Arts, Cultural and Creative Industries
Interactive Sensing Systems
Classical Analysis
Composition II
Notation and Transcription
Sonic Arts
Experimental Popular Musics

3 Year 3

Professional Practice
Double Performance 3
Sonic Arts 2
Audio Post Production
Composing for Screen
Music and Medicine
Music in Culture
Music, Power and Conflict
Work-based Learning
Auditory Perception
Special Project
Bach and Mozart
Dissertation
Sound Recording and Production 3
The Politics of Performance: From Negotiation to Display
Composition 3a
Traditional Irish Music: Form, Style and Development
Politics in Popular Song from the French Revolution to Punk

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

16% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,564.00 USD 30,278.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,278.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,278.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 86,121.00 USD 90,834.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 785.00 - USD 1,416.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 7,249.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 4,833.00
Estimated Total USD 9,667.00 - USD 15,304.00

Living cost estimates are based on Belfast Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

89%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Event Promotion & ManagementFilm & Television ProductionJournalism & ReportingMarket Research & InsightsMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMedia Planning & BuyingMedia Production & EditingMedia Research & AnalyticsPerformance & Growth MarketingSocial Media & Content Strategy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Bauer Media Group

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Why Study Music Performance BA at Queen's University Belfast

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Queen's University Belfast in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Music Performance BA at Queen's University Belfast

Can I work while studying?

International degree students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can take tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Specific scores are required depending on the test, such as an overall score of 120 in Duolingo or 6.5 in IELTS.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include music performer, recording artist, sound engineer, and music educator.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BA in Music Performance focuses on practical experience and prepares students for professional careers in various genres, such as classical and jazz. Students benefit from access to world-class facilities like the Sonic Lab and receive instruction from a team of experienced faculty.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA in Music Performance has an intake month in September. Make sure to apply before the deadline to secure your spot.
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