University of Sunderland United Kingdom

Music (Top-Up)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Top Up Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Music (Top-Up) degree at the University of Sunderland invites you to deepen your understanding of how music acquires and embodies meaning within contemporary culture. You will explore how musical elements are interpreted, considering their capacity to represent ideology, identity, gender, sexuality, and ethnicity. This undergraduate course is ideal for those seeking to build upon existing HND or Foundation Degree qualifications, offering a stimulating blend of academic rigour and practical application in musicology, performance, and creative sound.

You will study this qualification full-time on campus over one year, engaging with core modules like Meaning in Music and undertaking an Independent Study dissertation to explore a topic in depth. Optional modules allow you to tailor your learning, focusing on areas such as music-image-text relationships, creative enterprise projects, music performance practice, or advanced creative sound practice. You will graduate with enhanced musical abilities, critical analytical skills, and a professional portfolio, preparing you for diverse career pathways within the creative industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This final-year top-up program offers a comprehensive exploration of music at a national level 6 standard. Students will delve into the meaning and context of music through core modules like "Meaning in Music," while also having the opportunity to pursue specialized interests. Optional modules allow for in-depth study in areas such as independent research, music-image-text relationships, creative enterprise, performance practices, and sound production.

1 Final Year (Top-Up) (national level 6):

Meaning in Music Core
Independent Study Optional
Music-Image-Text Optional
Creative Enterprise Project Optional
Music Performance Practice Optional
Music Performance in Context Optional
Creative Sound Practice Optional
Creative Sound Lab Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

34% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,574.00 USD 23,654.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 15,574.00 USD 23,654.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 566.00 - USD 939.00
Food & Groceries USD 6,283.00 - USD 6,444.00
Transport USD 886.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,417.00 - USD 5,639.00
Estimated Total USD 9,586.00 - USD 13,694.00

Living cost estimates are based on Sunderland Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

93%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesCurriculum & Instructional DesignEducation Policy & AdministrationEducational Support ServicesEvent Promotion & ManagementFilm & Television ProductionHigher Education & UniversitiesSports & AthleticsStreaming & Digital ContentVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Dance City

Why Study Music (Top-Up) at University of Sunderland

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Very Fast Application response time

University of Sunderland typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Sunderland 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 (Top-Up) at University of Sunderland

Can I work while studying?

International students in degree courses 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?

For IELTS, you need an overall score of 6.0 with specific minimum scores in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. If you're taking the PTE, you'll need an overall score of 59 in all skills.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible job titles include Music Producer, Sound Engineer, Music Educator, Music Therapist, and Performer.

What will I actually study in this course?

Overview

This top-up course is designed to build on HND or Foundation Degree qualifications in music. It combines degree-level theoretical studies with further training in musical performance, musicology, creative sound, and participatory practice. The result is a mix of academic rigour and practical skills that makes our music course a stimulating journey of discovery, reflection, and achievement.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Music (Top-Up) course is September. Make sure to apply ahead of time to secure your spot.
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