Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our undergraduate courses will be published from September 2025.
This BMus degree is your opportunity to study music in one of the world’s great musical capitals. You’ll learn about the history and contemporary cultures of music from around the globe while being trained in performance and aural skills, composition and musical analysis. This highly personalised music degree offers one-to-one music performance tuition with teachers from the Royal Academy of Music or bespoke teachers in popular or global music, as well as individualised instruction in advanced composition. You’ll be based in the heart of London, with the capital’s rich contemporary music scene on your doorstep. Thanks to our strong links with the School of Oriental & African Studies, plenty of music-centred societies at King’s, and the opportunity to spend a semester abroad, you’ll have countless chances to enhance your experience of studying music in London.
“One of the best things about the Music BMus is how much it allows you to interact with the faculty. Whether it is through individual instrumental teaching at the Royal Academy, through 1-on-1 tutorials or through weekly seminars and office hours, the opportunities to learn from leading experts in the field are endless. ”
This music degree will immerse you in the world of sound, stretching across the centuries and spanning the globe. You’ll learn from a diverse curriculum bursting with various approaches to the study of music that combine music performance, composition, and learning across humanities subjects. Comprised mostly of optional modules, this Bachelor of Music has a flexible syllabus covering contemporary critical theory, musical history, the study of music in its social and cultural contexts, and training in performance and aural skills, composition and musical analysis.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.
Students will be supported through innovative digital education tools to discover meaningful work experience for themselves, including internships, insight programmes, which you can undertake alongside your studies.
King's College London and Affiliates
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
Must include Music A level, or be in addition to a Grade 5 Pass in Music Theory (e.g. through ABRSM examinations or similar). Unfortunately we are unable to accept ABRSM Grade 5 in an Instrument or Singing as an alternative to Grade 5 Music Theory. Students studying only two A levels: We are aware that some students at specialist musical schools and conservatoires are only able to study two A levels alongside their performance training. In such circumstances we may be able to consider a student for entry to the BMus programme, following an academic interview with our Admissions Tutor. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
BBB Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Must include Music A level, or be in addition to a Grade 5 Pass in Music Theory (e.g. through ABRSM examinations or similar). Unfortunately we are unable to accept ABRSM Grade 5 in an Instrument or Singing as an alternative to Grade 5 Music Theory. Students studying only two A levels: We are aware that some students at specialist musical schools and conservatoires are only able to study two A levels alongside their performance training. In such circumstances we may be able to consider a student for entry to the BMus programme, following an academic interview with our Admissions Tutor. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
35 points overall or an aggregate score of 17 from three Higher Levels.
Must include Higher Level Music, or be in addition to a Grade 5 Pass in Music Theory (e.g. through ABRSM examinations or similar). Unfortunately we are unable to accept ABRSM Grade 5 in an Instrument or Singing as an alternative to Grade 5 Music Theory. Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.
32 points overall or an aggregate score of 15 from three Higher Levels. Must include Higher Level Music, or be in addition to a Grade 5 Pass in Music Theory (e.g. through ABRSM examinations or similar). Unfortunately we are unable to accept ABRSM Grade 5 in an Instrument or Singing as an alternative to Grade 5 Music Theory. Note: The total point score of 32 includes TOK/EE.
Practical Requirements
We value practical skills highly and offer many performance opportunities. Applicants wishing to take Performance modules and to receive individual tuition at the Royal Academy of Music need either to have passed ABRSM Grade 8 in their main instrument or voice by the time they arrive at King’s or to demonstrate an equivalent level of achievement in a short audition.
If ABRSM exams are not being taken, then we will consider equivalent qualifications. For example:
* Trinity College London Music grades
* London College of Music grades
* Similar graded music examinations from other countries
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Interviews, Auditions & Portfolios
As a general rule, we do not invite applicants to an interview/audition for the programme, nor do we require any copies of previous coursework or a music portfolio. Some applicants may be invited to an interview with the department where it is not clear that their qualifications and experiences meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subject across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
Transfers into this programme are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
We think it is incredibly important that you receive close personal attention. We teach most modules through a mix of lectures and seminars or small tutorial groups. For lessons in Performance you will be taught one-to-one. Our Department has an international reputation for its excellence in teaching and research and our staff aim to connect research and teaching, both in the classroom and at the many research seminars held in the Department.
Your academic performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include essays, recitals, lecture recitals, portfolios, listening tests and written examinations. Coursework contributes approximately 75% and examinations approximately 25% to your final mark.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.
This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits.
You are required to take the following modules:
You are also required to take 60 credits of optional modules that may typically include:
You are also free to choose up to 30 of your 60 credits of optional modules from other Arts & Humanities departments (subject to availability).
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Music BMus graduates can be found in schools all over the country, in leading British and American universities and conservatoires, working at the BBC, in arts management and as composers and conductors with international reputations.
Recent music degree graduates have taken on a range of roles, including:
Other BMus graduates go on to pursue higher degrees in music or professional training in law, medicine, or business, among a wide variety of possibilities.
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £25,500 per year.
Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.
If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling. Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
This music degree will immerse you in the world of sound, stretching across the centuries and spanning the globe. You’ll learn from a diverse curriculum bursting with various approaches to the study of music that combine music performance, composition, and learning across humanities subjects. Comprised mostly of optional modules, this Bachelor of Music has a flexible syllabus covering contemporary critical theory, musical history, the study of music in its social and cultural contexts, and training in performance and aural skills, composition and musical analysis.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.
Students will be supported through innovative digital education tools to discover meaningful work experience for themselves, including internships, insight programmes, which you can undertake alongside your studies.
King's College London and Affiliates
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
Must include Music A level, or be in addition to a Grade 5 Pass in Music Theory (e.g. through ABRSM examinations or similar). Unfortunately we are unable to accept ABRSM Grade 5 in an Instrument or Singing as an alternative to Grade 5 Music Theory. Students studying only two A levels: We are aware that some students at specialist musical schools and conservatoires are only able to study two A levels alongside their performance training. In such circumstances we may be able to consider a student for entry to the BMus programme, following an academic interview with our Admissions Tutor. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
BBB Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Must include Music A level, or be in addition to a Grade 5 Pass in Music Theory (e.g. through ABRSM examinations or similar). Unfortunately we are unable to accept ABRSM Grade 5 in an Instrument or Singing as an alternative to Grade 5 Music Theory. Students studying only two A levels: We are aware that some students at specialist musical schools and conservatoires are only able to study two A levels alongside their performance training. In such circumstances we may be able to consider a student for entry to the BMus programme, following an academic interview with our Admissions Tutor. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
35 points overall or an aggregate score of 17 from three Higher Levels.
Must include Higher Level Music, or be in addition to a Grade 5 Pass in Music Theory (e.g. through ABRSM examinations or similar). Unfortunately we are unable to accept ABRSM Grade 5 in an Instrument or Singing as an alternative to Grade 5 Music Theory. Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.
32 points overall or an aggregate score of 15 from three Higher Levels. Must include Higher Level Music, or be in addition to a Grade 5 Pass in Music Theory (e.g. through ABRSM examinations or similar). Unfortunately we are unable to accept ABRSM Grade 5 in an Instrument or Singing as an alternative to Grade 5 Music Theory. Note: The total point score of 32 includes TOK/EE.
Practical Requirements
We value practical skills highly and offer many performance opportunities. Applicants wishing to take Performance modules and to receive individual tuition at the Royal Academy of Music need either to have passed ABRSM Grade 8 in their main instrument or voice by the time they arrive at King’s or to demonstrate an equivalent level of achievement in a short audition.
If ABRSM exams are not being taken, then we will consider equivalent qualifications. For example:
* Trinity College London Music grades
* London College of Music grades
* Similar graded music examinations from other countries
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Interviews, Auditions & Portfolios
As a general rule, we do not invite applicants to an interview/audition for the programme, nor do we require any copies of previous coursework or a music portfolio. Some applicants may be invited to an interview with the department where it is not clear that their qualifications and experiences meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subject across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
Transfers into this programme are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
We think it is incredibly important that you receive close personal attention. We teach most modules through a mix of lectures and seminars or small tutorial groups. For lessons in Performance you will be taught one-to-one. Our Department has an international reputation for its excellence in teaching and research and our staff aim to connect research and teaching, both in the classroom and at the many research seminars held in the Department.
Your academic performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include essays, recitals, lecture recitals, portfolios, listening tests and written examinations. Coursework contributes approximately 75% and examinations approximately 25% to your final mark.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.
This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits.
You are required to take the following modules:
You are also required to take 60 credits of optional modules that may typically include:
You are also free to choose up to 30 of your 60 credits of optional modules from other Arts & Humanities departments (subject to availability).
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Music BMus graduates can be found in schools all over the country, in leading British and American universities and conservatoires, working at the BBC, in arts management and as composers and conductors with international reputations.
Recent music degree graduates have taken on a range of roles, including:
Other BMus graduates go on to pursue higher degrees in music or professional training in law, medicine, or business, among a wide variety of possibilities.
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £25,500 per year.
Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.
If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling. Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.
Take a look at our comfortable, safe residences to suit your budget, located close to King's teaching campuses.
Art, food, music, shopping – you'll never find yourself with nothing to do in the world's most vibrant city.
Information about living in London, including events, budgeting and expenses, travel and safety.
During your time at King's College London, a range of academic and personal support and guidance is available to you.
