Music

Underpinned by highly-regarded traditions of performance, composition and academic research, Music at The University of Manchester combines specialist education in practical music-making with an academic programme led by world-leading researchers.

Opportunities:

Specialise in performance, composition, musicology and more

Number 1 UK University for Music

(The Times Good University Guide 2024)

Brand new practice suite facilities

More information about opportunities >

Graduate Destinations

Our graduates include some of the country's leading new performers, composers, conductors, music scholars and music teachers.

The list of professional ensembles Manchester graduates work with includes:

  • symphony orchestras (the Hallé, the BBC Orchestras, Manchester Camerata, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, CBSO and the orchestras of Bournemouth, Ulster, Reykjavik and Tucson);
  • opera companies (Royal Opera House, Welsh National Opera, Opera North, Glyndebourne, Carl Rosa Opera);
  • early music groups (Orchestra of the Renaissance, Gabrieli Ensemble, Monteverdi Choir, Rose Consort of Viols, English Baroque Soloists);
  • choirs (BBC and Swingle Singers);
  • string quartets (Brodsky, Sorrel, Bingham, Bridge, Archinto, Rivoli);
  • brass bands, jazz bands and popular music groups.

Find out more about where your degree can take you >

A degree in Music doesn't limit you to a career in music by any means. Employers know that Music graduates are dedicated, creative, versatile, excellent team members, natural leaders, highly organised, self-motivated and equipped with exceptional powers of concentration.

Some of our Music graduates go into sectors such as:

  • accountancy;
  • advertising;
  • armed services;
  • banking and finance;
  • civil service;
  • computing;
  • healthcare;
  • human resources;
  • journalism;
  • law;
  • librarianship;
  • medicine;
  • publishing;
  • senior administration and management;
  • social work.
Student spotlight

Marion Smith

MusM Music (Ethnomusicology)

I've found the dynamics of my classes to be very enjoyable.

We've been able to have very in-depth conversations and debates, and we've been able to draw specific focus to the things that we're individually interested in.

View our Music courses >
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Faculty of Humanities

The University of Manchester