Bachelor in Music Education (Hons), Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

Dublin, Leinster

48 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

The Bachelor in Music Education at Trinity College Dublin is designed for those aspiring to become music teachers at post-primary level, including Northern Ireland. It combines rigorous academic, artistic, and professional training, with a focus on high-performance standards in principal instruments and related musical skills such as conducting and ensemble performance. The course also covers essential music knowledge like harmony, counterpoint, composition, music history, and Irish traditional music. Taught in partnership with TU Dublin Conservatoire and the Royal Irish Academy of Music, the programme prepares students to inspire future musicians while offering opportunities in performance, teaching, and conducting. It also supports further studies in performance, composition, musicology, and related fields.

Why this course is highly recommended

If you love sharing music and want to combine your performance skills with teaching, this course suits you perfectly. It nurtures independence in thought, creativity, and critical skills—essential for inspiring the next generation of musicians. The programme’s strong links abroad, including Erasmus exchange opportunities, add to its appeal. The degree is a professional qualification accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland, with many graduates gaining excellent employment in teaching, performance, and arts-related fields across the globe.

Specialisation

The course emphasizes performance in principal instruments (including voice), music education, conducting, and ensemble work. It provides a comprehensive foundation in music theory, history, composition, and Irish traditional music. Students are encouraged to develop their skills through individual lessons, ensemble participation, and structured school placements.

Course fees

Application fees

19.93L

1st year tuition fees

19.93L

Living cost

Degree requirements

This is a restricted entry course requiring a CAO Points threshold of 490 for 2024. Applicants must submit their applications by 1 February 2025, participate in a Trinity Bachelor in Music Education Entrance Test, and perform two contrasting pieces for an interview and audition. Successful candidates will have their points combined with CAO results to determine admission. The course also requires Garda Vetting and proof of English proficiency at Band B level.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

120

Career prospects

Graduates typically pursue careers in post-primary teaching, often gaining reputations as inspiring music educators. Others venture into instrumental teaching, music therapy, academia, or work with arts agencies and in music technology. Many students continue postgraduate studies in areas like music education, performance, or musicology. Recent graduates work across Ireland, Europe, the US, and Asia, including roles with international companies like Google.

FAQs

What makes this course unique?

It is the only university programme in Ireland offering a Bachelor in Music Education, combining academic, performance, and teaching training with strong partnerships and international exchange opportunities.

What are the audition requirements?

Applicants must perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument during the interview/audition, after passing the entrance test.