A music course with an Individual approach to each student within a coherent but flexible modular degree programme in central London. Leads to advanced work in four areas of musical studies: history of music; performance and aural training; free composition; musical analysis.
KEY BENEFITS
- One of the most prestigious music departments in the UK.
- Ranked second in the country for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (2008).
- Students benefit from firm links with the Royal Academy of Music, English National Opera (ENO), the British Library and the BBC.
- Flexible programme offers students the opportunity to choose the types of modules that suit their interests.
- Central location offers access to London’s rich music scene, alongside numerous libraries and cultural institutes.
UCAS code
W302
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Three years
Location
Strand Campus
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Arts and Humanities
Department of Music
Closing date
Please refer to the
UCAS website for application deadline dates, or contact the relevant Admissions Office for further advice
Fees & funding
For information on fees and funding for undergraduate programmes at King's go to
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ug/funding/ CONTACTS
Address
Department of Music
King's College London
Strand Campus
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
Email
Tel
020 7848 2350/2374
Fax
020 7848 7200
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The BMus is committed to an individual approach to each student within a coherent but flexible modular degree programme. The programme leads to advanced work in three areas of musical studies: history of music; performance and aural training; free composition.
In the first year the choice of modules is limited, creating a broadly-based foundation for later study. As each year progresses, you are given increasing freedom to choose the types of modules that suit your interest, including modules outside the department. In the third year you can continue to pursue a broadly-based programme or study two or three fields in-depth.
A particular strength of the department is that it offers you individual lessons at the Royal Academy of Music. Depending on your performance level you will study either with an Academy professor or an advanced postgraduate student supervised by an Academy professor. There is ample opportunity at King's or the Academy to participate in concerts and chamber music groups and receive first-rate coaching. Our students play a leading part in the College Orchestra and sing in the Departmental choir. Lunchtime recitals take place throughout the year.
ABOUT THE Department of Music
CAREERS
Our former students can be found in schools all over the country, in British and American universities and conservatoires, working at the BBC, in arts management and as composers and conductors of international repute.
Recent graduates have found employment as….
• Freelance Editor, Lexis Nexis
• House Manager, a concert hall trust
• International Production Operations co-ordinator, a music company
• Marketing Assistant Intern, London symphony orchestra
• Mathematics and Music Tutor, a tuition company
• Musician, Freelance Musician
• Secondary School Teacher, a UK School
TEACHING STYLE
The method of teaching varies widely from module to module, according to the subject matter and the level. Some modules are given by means of lectures. Others consist largely of seminars, with students making presentations followed by group discussion. A few modules are taught through small tutorial groups of four or five. Advanced Composition lessons are taught one-to-one. The Department of Music has a tradition of excellence in teaching and research.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
The BMus is a coherent but flexible modular degree programme. As each year progresses, you are given increasing freedom to choose the types of modules that suit your interest, including modules outside the department. Means of assessment vary just as much as the teaching method, but generally there is a mixture of coursework and examination.
LOCATION
Located within easy reach of the great London libraries, the Southbank Centre and London opera houses, the department occupies a building overlooking the River Thames.
Currently, students study a choice of optional modules. King's reviews its options on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes and this list is therefore subject to change. Please check here for updates, or contact the School/Department for further advice. Throughout the three-years of the course, there is also the opportunity for students to take modules at the Royal Academy of Music as well as a certain number of modules in other Departments and thus profit from the excellent academic resources offered at King's.
YEAR 1
You take 120 credits of optional modules from the list.
YEAR 1 CORE
There are no core modules.
YEAR 1 OPTIONS
Musical Performance
Musical Analysis
Techniques of Composition (harmony & counterpoint)
Issues & Topics in Music History
Music and Globalisation since 1900
Aural Training
Writing About Music
YEAR 2
You take 120 credits of optional modules from the list.
YEAR 2 CORE
There are no core modules.
YEAR 2 OPTIONS
Musical Performance
Musical Analysis
Techniques of Composition (Fugue & 19th-century Lieder)
Free Composition
History of Music modules- in any one academic session, several of the following will be offered:
Introduction to Medieval Music I & II
Western Music & Race
Keyboard Music from JS Bach to Beethoven
Wagner
The Symphony from Berlioz to Mahler
Narrative & Lyricism in 19th-century Song
Musical Modernism since 1945
Music & Worship in England 1470-1605
Performance Practice
Early Renaissance Music, 1420-1520
The Jazz Tradition: Fact or Fiction?
Italian Opera in the 19th Century
YEAR 3
You can take 120 credits from the modules list below as well as from second year modules not already taken (see list in Year 2).
YEAR 3 CORE
There are no core modules.
YEAR 3 OPTIONS
Advanced Performance Studies (admission by audition)
Musical Performance III
Techniques of Composition III
Advanced Free Composition (admission by portfolio)
Dissertation
History of music modules- in any one academic session, several of the following will be on offer:
Sacred Continental Polyphony between Josquin & Monteverdi
Music & Society in France 1789-1870
Mozart in Vienna
Performance Practice on Record
The Beethoven Myth
Opera and Reason
Origins of Twentieth Century Music
Gender and Sexuality in Indian Music
Introduction to 20th-century Opera
The Philosophy & Psychology of Musical Perception
Musical Quality & Musical Taste
The Broadway Musical from Showboat to West Side Story
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Australia
Tertiary Entrance Ranking
97+ ATAR, or an OP of band 2 for Queensland. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Austria
Reifezeugnis (Matura)
Reifezeugnis with 1. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Belgium
Certificat D
Certificat D'Enseignement Secondaire Superieur/Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with 9. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Brazil
No information found.
Bulgaria
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with the majority of subject marks of 5.8. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Canada
Secondary School Certificate/Diploma
High School Certificate/Diploma with 90% OR Ontario University Preparatory Course with 90% at five grade 12 4U subjects. The sixth subject may be at 4U or 4U/C level. OR the Quebec CEGEP Cote R with an overall R score of 33. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Chile
No information found.
China
Gao Kao (University Entrance Examination)
University Entrance Examination with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Chinese university. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Cyprus
Apolytirion
Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate) with 19 plus at least an additional foundation/Access year. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Czech Republic
Maturita
Maturita with 1. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Denmark
Studentereksamen or Hjere Forberedelseseksamen
Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseseksamen with 12. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Estonia
Gmnaasiumi lputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Gümnaasiumi Iõputunnistus with majority marks of 5. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Finland
Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen (National Matriculation)
Ylioppilastutkinto with 7. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
France
Baccalaureat (including the option internationale baccalaureat)
Baccalaureate with 15. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Germany
Abitur
Abitur with 1.2 overall. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Ghana
School Leaving Certificate
the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 international Cambridge-board A levels at A*AA. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Greece
Apolytirion
Apolytirion with 19. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Hungary
Erettsegi
Erettsegi with 5. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
India
School Leaving Certificate
School Leaving Certificate with 85% overall OR School Leaving Certificate with 75% with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at an Indian university. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Iran
School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) OR the National Entrance Exam (Kunkur) with 17 OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at A*AA. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Ireland
Irish Leaving Certificate
A1 A1 A1 A2 B1 B1 with grade A in Music
Italy
Esame di Stato
Esame di Stato with 95. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Japan
No information found.
Latvia
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu with 9.5 with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Latvian university. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate)
Brandos Atestatas with 9.5 with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Lithuanian university. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin D
Diplome de Fin D'Etudes Secondaires with tres bien and a mark of 55 or above. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Malta
Matriculation Certificate - Advanced level
Matriculation Certificate with AAA. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Mexico
No information found.
Moldova
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9.5. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Netherlands
Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)
VWO with 8.5. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
New Zealand
National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3 (NCEA)
NCEA Level 3 with Excellent. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Nigeria
School Leaving Certificate
The Senior School Certificate (SSC/SSCE) OR the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 Cambridge International A levels at A*AA . In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Norway
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate)
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering grade 5.5. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Pakistan
High School Certificate (HSSC)
High School Certificate with A1 with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Pakistani university. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Poland
Matura
Matura with 90% in Extended Level Subjects. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Portugal
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Ensino Secundário with 19. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Romania
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9.5. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Russia
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Attestat o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii with an average of 4.5 with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Russian university. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Saudi Arabia
School Leaving Certificate
College of Technology Diploma OR Higher Technical Institute Diploma OR Junior Health College Diploma OR Undergraduate Diploma with 85% OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at A*AA. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Slovakia
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuska/Maturita
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita with 1. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Slovenia
Maturitetno Spricevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Maturitetno Spricevalo with 5. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
South Africa
South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement
the South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endoresement with AAAAA at Higher Grade. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller
Titulo de Bachiller with 9 overall. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Sweden
Fullständigt Slutbetyg (School Leaving Certificate)
Fullstandigt Slutbeytg with MVG. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Switzerland
Federal Maturity Certificate
The Federal Maturity Certificate with an overall mark of 5. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma)
Lise Diplomasi with an overall mark of 4 with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Turkish university. In addition they would be expected to have achieved the equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 standard in their main instrument or voice, and ABRSM grade 5 standard in piano.
United Kingdom
3 A levels & 1 AS level
AAA
2 A levels & 3 AS level
AA at A-level plus AB at AS-level
Compulsory subjects
Grade A at A-level Music. Grade 8 main instrument, grade 5 piano.
12 unit A level in vocational subjects
Considered on an individual basis
General Studies and Critical Thinking - College policy
Please note that AS/A level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted by King's as one of your A or AS levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer
Access
Access to Humanities (or similar) Diploma with the maximum award of 60 credits overall and 45 at level three. Supplementary information and achievement eg percentage mark/scores for certain credits/subjects will be required
Cambridge Pre-U
3 Pre-U principle subjects with grades D2 D3 D3
BTEC
Considered on an individual basis
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
A2 A2 at Advanced Highers and A2 A2 A2 A2 B3 at Highers including Music
International Baccalaureate
38 points overall including HL6 in Music
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including 85% in Music
USA
Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT (SAT/ACT acceptable only where stipulated)
Three AP subjects with 555 with Music (Required grade 8 main instrument, grade 5 piano). Or SAT with a total score of 1900 with at least 600 in each section or the ACT with a score of 28 plus 3 SAT-S with a score of 600 in each (music requirements as before)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Aptitude testing
No test required
NON ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Scholastic activities
We look for applicants with an enthusiasm for scholastic activities such as reading, debating or writing which shows signs of an enquiring and critical attitude in the appreciation of cultural, scientific, and artistic issues. Participation will be valued but achievement in these areas of interest will also be recognised.
In particular regards to furthering musical ability and achievement within a school setting, we welcome applications from those who have participated in musical master-classes or summer schools, or have attended the junior departments of conservatoires or specialist music schools. We look for applicants who show potential and achievement as a performer, composer, or music thinker and can demonstrate an awareness of what the study of music at a university department involves.
We also hope to attract applicants with some knowledge of foreign languages, evidence of acquaintance with some of the standard repertoire through study and/or performance, a good musical ear, and the ability to write about music and cultural issues.
Community activities
We look for applicants who have participated as fully as possible in school, college or community life, making the most of the opportunities available to them. Artistic and cultural interests, achievements, and contributions to the school and broader community are taken into account, e.g. membership of orchestras, choirs, musical ensembles, music clubs, and participation in theatrical productions, dance performances, visual art exhibitions, poetry readings, and festivals.
General activities/interests
We look for applicants who have varied extra-curricular interests and enjoy active participation in areas such as sport, travelling, outdoor activities, crafts, and community work. Participation will be valued but any achievement in extra-curricular activities will also be recognised. King’s aspires to recruit applicants who will continue with their personal interests and contribute to the vitality of the College community.
Work shadowing/observation
Although this is not essential criteria, we welcome applications from those who have undertaken some work experience at festivals, theatres, and with orchestras, opera and theatre companies.
Paid or voluntary work
Although we do not require applicants to have been in paid or voluntary employment, we welcome applications from candidates who have gained relevant experience by assisting their music teachers, or giving instrumental tuition.
Interviewing
Are interviews offered? Yes
Are all applicants interviewed? No. Only candidates deemed to be borderline may be called for interview.
Are all those made an offer interviewed? No. The majority of admissions decisions are made on basis of information provided on UCAS application form.
What form does it take? 20 minute interview with Admissions Tutor and one other member of staff
What is considered at interview?
Communication skills particularly in analysis and debate.
Enthusiasm for an interdisciplinary programme.
Exploring aspects of interviewee’s UCAS application form, particularly the Personal Statement.
If you are interested in coming to King’s, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and apply online via the UCAS website (click on 'apply'). If you are applying through a school or college, you will need to obtain a 'buzzword' from the centre you are applying through. Alternatively, you can apply as an individual, independent of a school or college. Please see the UCAS website for instructions. The UCAS institution code name for King’s is KCL, and the institution code is K60.
There are a few programmes which require direct application to King's, this will be stated above
Academic qualifications and examination results play a large part in selection, but we try to be flexible and always take into account other musical and academic attainments based on information supplied by the candidate and the confidential referee. Our selection criteria favour students whose profile and interests match those of the department. It is compulsory for applicants to send a copy of their most recent performance exam report for their first study instrument or voice once they have applied. Occasionally we may also ask you to send us samples of your written work. For a detailed list of the personal qualities, activities, and credentials other than examination results which will increase your chances of being selected for the undergraduate Music programmes, please consult the detailed entry requirements for each programme.
The department has many students from outside the UK and welcomes applications from international candidates. Successful applicants will be invited to an open day normally in early March.