BA in Music and English, Royal Holloway University of London

Egham,

36 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

The Music and English BA at Royal Holloway combines the practical and theoretical study of Music with English literature. This joint honours course allows you to explore a wide range of musical texts, practices, and cultures, from traditional to modern and world music, as well as develop practical skills in composition, music technology, and performance. On the English side, you’ll study the full historical range of literature in English, including Shakespeare, Renaissance, Victorian, and contemporary works, with opportunities to pursue creative writing and literary criticism. The course emphasises flexibility, with modules that cater to your interests and offer creative opportunities, such as ensemble creation and composition modules. You will study at a university renowned for its music research, ranked third in the UK for research quality and the only music department in the country with a Regius Professorship.

Why this course is highly recommended

Royal Holloway offers a distinctive blend of music and English, providing exposure to expert research in one of the UK’s top-ranked music departments, as well as a comprehensive English literature program. The course’s flexible structure, creative opportunities, and cultural perspectives make it ideal for students passionate about both disciplines. Its reputation for research excellence and connections with London’s vibrant music scene provide valuable industry insights, networks, and practical skills. Moreover, the course encourages interdisciplinary thinking, ideal for students interested in careers in performance, composition, publishing, or cultural sectors.

Specialisation

This programme offers a unique intersection of music and English literature, allowing students to work across disciplines and explore the links between musical texts and literary works. The course provides a broad but flexible core, enabling students to develop specialised skills in areas such as music analysis, composition, historical musicology, ethnomusicology, and contemporary music studies. Whether your interest lies in performance, composition, or critical analysis, the course supports tailored development in both fields.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

29.03L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need A-levels with grades AAB-ABB, including A-level Music or Grade 7 Music Theory and English Literature or Language. Students without A-level in Music or Grade 7 Music Theory may be eligible for the Intensive Theory entry, requiring GCSE grade A/7 or equivalent and performance at Grade 7 level. Other qualifications like the International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers are also accepted. Applicants must meet English language requirements, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with 7.0 in writing, or equivalent in other tests.

English language test

DUOLINGO

120

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

Career prospects

Graduates of this course have gone into diverse fields, including roles as musicians, composers, and performing arts teachers, as well as technicians, publishers, managers, lawyers, and policy makers. The course equips students with transferable skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and critical thinking, which are valuable in many cultural, media, and policy sectors. Industry contacts and practical skills gained during the course bolster employability in the broad creative industries and beyond.

FAQs

What are the main modules involved in this course?

The course includes modules such as Reorienting the Novel, Thinking as a Critic, Introduction to Poetry, various music analysis and history modules, ethnomusicology, composition, performance, and contemporary debates in music and literature.

What are the entry requirements?

A-levels of AAB-ABB with specific subjects like Music and English Literature, or equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers. Performance at Grade 8 may be required for Solo Performance options, and English language requirements are also specified.