Music at Lincoln is a contemporary, industry-focused degree for musicians looking to develop their skills as performers, composers, and collaborators within a flexible curriculum that encompasses classical, rock, pop, and non-Western music.
This course connects practice with theory, tradition with innovation, and personal creativity with collaborative projects. As well as working with other musicians, students have the opportunity to work with dancers, actors, film­makers, animators, and computer game designers.
Practical skills are underpinned and enriched with an approach to studying music that positions practice alongside an understanding of musical histories, cultures, and genres, as well as developing the critical and reflective skills needed to articulate these connections.
The teaching team is made up of professional musicians and experienced researchers with expertise that encompasses numerous professions, disciplines, and media, such as musical theatre, composition, performance, orchestration, musical direction, and sound production.
How You Study
In the first year, topics include the development of key musical skills, the use of audio production technology, working with a score, the role of music in society, and the contemporary music industry. Individual instrumental and vocal tuition is also available to all students.
In the second and third years, students can tailor the degree to suit their individual interests. There are degree pathways that focus on performance or composition, as well as scope for students to explore a wide range of practical and academic skills. In their third year, students can complete either a written dissertation on a subject of their choosing or undertake a practical project, such as writing and recording an album or arranging and performing in a tour. There is also the opportunity to present their work in a final-year showcase.
Students on this programme learn from academic staff who are often engaged in world-leading or internationally excellent research or professional practice. Contact time can be in workshops, ensemble rehearsals, discursive seminars or lectures and may vary from module to module and from academic year to year. Tutorial sessions and project supervision can take the form of one-to-one engagement or small group sessions. Practical work can take place in recording studios, performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, and Mac workstations. Some courses offer the opportunity to take part in external visits and fieldwork.
It is still the case that students read for a degree and this means that in addition to scheduled contact hours, students are required to engage in an independent study. This allows you to read around a subject and to prepare for lectures and seminars through wider reading, or to complete follow-up tasks such as assignments or revision. As a general guide, the amount of independent study required by students at the University of Lincoln is that for every hour in class you are expected to spend at least two to three hours in an independent study. Students studying music should also schedule additional time to practise their instruments.
The teaching team is made up of professional musicians and researchers with expertise that encompass numerous professions, disciplines, and mediums, including performance, composition, musicology, and teaching music. Teaching is enhanced by visiting practitioners, masterclasses, career events, and alumni talks.
Contact Hours
Contact hours vary by course and can take many forms, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. A full-time undergraduate student should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time, supplementing contact hours with independent study. This is an important aspect of university-level education. As a general rule, you will be expected to spend two to three hours working independently for every hour in class.
Modules
First Year
A History of Popular Music (Core)
A Performer Prepares (Core)
Knowing the Score (Core)
Music Industries (Core)
Recording and Producing Music (Core)
Second Year
Curating Music (Core)
Music in Society (Core)
Music on Location (Core)
Composition (Option)†
Ensemble & Enterprise (Option)†
Music Placements (Option)†
Music Production and Enterprise (Option)†
Third Year
Music and the Stage (Core)
Music Festival (Core)
Dissertation (Music) Written (Option)†
Dissertation: Practice-led (Option)†
Music and media (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
Much of the assessment on this course will be practical and will reflect the demands and expectations of the music industry. Depending on the chosen pathway, students may be asked to perform or to create and submit their music using various technologies. Students may be required to submit their practical work as a portfolio documenting their creative process and development.
Written assessments come in various forms and are designed to develop writing skills for academic work, but also to allow students to develop industry-specific writing skills. Students may therefore produce sleevenotes, funding applications, project reports, reflective journals, professional portfolios, websites, and writing in other relevant formats.
Methods of Assessment
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Some assessments are practical and/or performance-based, others are more academic and take the form of oral presentations and written work. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
"I am able to look back and see the huge impact this course has had on me as both an academic and a musician. From developing my musical knowledge to giving me the tools and life skills to excel in any future career path I choose, this course has played a huge role in my development as an individual."
Amber Shucksmith, BA (Hons) Music graduate
Course-Specific Additional Costs
There are no mandatory additional costs related to this course. However, we would however generally expect students to own and maintain the instrument they are studying. Though we do have pianos, guitars, and drums that can be used or borrowed, other instruments may not be available.
Additional costs may apply for those participating in productions with the Lincoln Company.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
United Kingdom
GCE Advanced Levels: BBC and a recognised practical music examination at Grade 5, A-Level Music or equivalent.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Features
Performance Opportunities
There are many opportunities to perform in staff-led ensembles including choirs, orchestras, and bands in a variety of styles. Students can join as many of these ensembles as they like at no extra cost. We organise regular performances on and off-campus, with students having previously performed at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, the Platform Stage in The Engine Shed, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Drill Hall, for Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival, and at Siren Radio.
There are opportunities to get involved with the in-house semi-professional Lincoln Company, which stages productions throughout the year, including at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Additional costs may apply.
Live Music and Events
As well as performing as part of your degree, it is vital to experience a range of music as listeners. The degree introduces you to a wide range of music in the classroom, but also provides opportunities to see live music and experience live events such as talks and conferences. In recent years students have experienced performances at Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, and many others.
Music Conference
Each year music students organise, contribute to, and attend the Music Conference, with third-year students presenting practical or written dissertation projects. This event gives students the opportunity to be involved in the planning and delivery of an academic event where they can share their work in performance, composition, and music production, as well as through academic presentations.
Study Abroad
In the second year, students can choose to study abroad. An optional module enables students to spend a semester studying abroad at one of the University’s approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their first year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the study abroad scheme.
Students are responsible for travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking a period of study abroad.
Placements
Our optional placements module in the second year allows students the opportunity to gain work experience in the industry, focusing on a role suited to their career aspirations and specialist expertise developed on the programme. The module encourages students to reach into the wider community to hone their skills for future employment.
Students are responsible for travel, accommodation, and general living costs while on placement.
Interviews
We invite applicants to an Audition Day during which we will ask you to perform a 3–5 minute piece that shows you at your best, talk about your musical interests and experiences, and share with us your reasons for wanting to study at Lincoln. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, meet staff and students, and see our facilities.
Career Opportunities
Through enterprise and career-focused teaching students have the opportunity to engage with parts of the music industries. Students have benefited from connections with Frequency Festival, Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival, the International Guitar Foundation, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, Lincoln Drill Hall, and a range of local venues and organisations.
We aim to provide our graduates with the necessary skills and experience to pursue careers as freelance songwriters, musical directors, arrangers, orchestrators, composers, studio technicians, teachers, vocal coaches, producers, agents, event managers, and arts managers among many other roles.
