Your Music Offer-Holder Hub

Welcome to the Music Offer-Holder Hub. This month we've asked our lecturers and students for content to keep you busy through the summer and get you excited to study Music in September.

Recommendations from our Music academics

Music student Beth recommends...

1. Listening to music from Chen Yi

Violinist and composer Chen Yi from Guangzhou, China, was the first woman to receive a master’s degree in music composition from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. In the United States, she taught composition with a unique blend of Chinese and Western influences. Amongst Chen’s many contributions are her works for traditional Chinese instruments. I came across Chen Yi when exploring musical influences for my composition module and further explored one of her works for an essay in the critical musicology module. I particularly enjoy the atmospheres she creates, especially those that use traditional Chinese instruments.

2. Exploring the work of Stephen Sondheim

Sondheim was an American composer and lyricist and was open about being gay. A well-known name in the musical theatre industry, Sondheim received an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards, and eight Grammy Awards. I got to take a more in-depth look at Sondheim’s works when I took a module about Broadway Musicals last semester since I enjoy musical theatre and wanted to explore this interest further. He focused on writing both lyrics and music together which helps connect these two elements of a musical performance and allows them to further each other which I find particularly powerful.

3. Broadening your horizons

Listen to as many different genres of music: classical, electronic, game, world music, film, musicals, new music. It just really sets students up for when they will explore loads of these genres in the compulsory modules, or have the choice of exploring them in optional modules, in all areas of music study such as musicology, composition, or performance. Just loads and loads of listening to as many genres as they can find!

With over 300 student societies on campus and a close-knit department culture, it's easy to get involved as a Music student at Birmingham.

Every day and week at Birmingham is very different from the next, which I like the flexibility of!

Bethany smiles on campus
Bethany, BMus Music

  • Students practice cello, keyboard, singing and drums

    From rehearsing The Unanswered Question by Charles Ives for the Philharmonic Orchestra to watching some Star Trek on the bus, student Bethany shares a typical day in the life of a BMus student.

    Read Bethany's blog

  • The courtyard of the Guild of Students

    Student life and societies at the University of Birmingham

    Our students' union, the Guild of Students, supports over 300 groups and societies here at Birmingham. Societies are the perfect chance to have some downtime in between studying, meet like-minded people, try a new hobby, or even gain skills and friends for life!

    Check out our student societies

Society Highlight - Jazz Funk & Soul

Jazz Funk & Soul Society hosts regular live jam sessions and workshops for both music lovers and players. All musical abilities are welcome!

The second city, your second home

Congratulations from Ellie Dobson, Director of Admissions for the College of Arts and Law

Congratulations from Ellie Dobson, Director of Admissions for the College of Arts and Law

Throughout your time in the Music Department, employability is a key area of focus.

We’re proud to be the UK university most targeted by the country’s leading graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024 High Fliers report).

We help to make sure that you are employable through a range of department-led and university-wide initiatives which include:

Input from Professional Careers Advisers in your Curriculum

During the first year of your studies, Careers Advisers from the University Careers Network team attend lectures in your course to support you with career planning from an early stage. The lectures will cover career planning, researching career and internship opportunities, developing the skills that graduate employers are looking for, and presenting yourself with impact to a potential employer.

Professional Skills module

You will have the unique opportunity to take advantage of a work placement as part of your final year by undertaking the Professional Skills Module as part of your optional module choices.

Find out how the University of Birmingham is Investing in your future.

  • Students performing in a concert

    Erin's Sound Design Work Experience

    Current Music student, Erin writes about her sound design work experience.

    Read Erin's Blog

  • Student walking past University Music entrance

    Accept your offer

    If you haven't already, in order to accept and secure your place at Birmingham, you must respond to your offer by the date stated in your offer letter. This deadline refers to your acceptance of the offer, not the fulfilment of conditions. To respond to the offer, click on the ‘Respond to Offer’ link within your applicant portal.

    What you need to do next