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Course Overview

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BMus (Hons) 

Your skills as a performer and/or composer will be further enhanced through the study of modules in Music History, Contextual Studies and Music Technologies. In the second and third years, modules in Solo, Ensemble and Jazz performance allow you to develop your skills and expand your repertoire. Our final year Public Recital module equips you with the skills to present a public performance in an external venue. From liaising with venues, designing a programme and creating marketing resources, this module gives you a glimpse into the real world of performance. The practical application of orchestration and composition is emphasised through collaborative projects and workshops with instrumentalists. With modules that prepare you for careers as instrumental/vocal tutors, we are one of the few music departments in the country to offer an undergraduate module in Music Therapy.

eNTRY Requirements

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

  • SQA Highers: AAAB - ABBB by end of S5. If you haven't achieved this by the end of S5 we may consider your application based on a strong performance in S6. A minimum of BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. (Revised 18/10/2019 from 'AAAB - AABB'.)

  • A Levels: ABB.

  • IB: 38 points (grades 666 at HL) - 34 points (grades 655 at HL). (Revised 25/02/19 from 36 points (665 at HL) to 38 points.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

  • SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6.

  • A Levels: ABB.

  • IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

  • SQA: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5: English at grade C.

  • A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at grade C or 4.

  • IB: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at grade 5.

Additional requirements

Music requirements

You must have a demonstrable commitment to music. You will not be interviewed. All applicants are required to enrol in the 'Fundamentals of Music Theory' course unless they offer a grade A in Advanced Higher /A level Music.

Applicants wishing to take Performance 1 will need to hold Grade VIII ABRSM or equivalent on their main instrument by the time they arrive in Edinburgh. If you do not hold formal qualifications in this area but are confident in your ability, you will be expected to perform roughly two contrasting pieces, of approximately 10 minutes in total duration, to the Grade VIII ABRSM standard to two members of the music faculty.

For international students unfamiliar with the ABRSM standards, we recommend exploring the Grade VIII syllabus for your chosen instrument in order to familiarise yourself with the level of difficulty.

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