BA (Hons) in Music

Year 1

Semester 1

• Popular Performance & Production
• Introduction to Keyboard & Fretboard
• Introduction to Music Theory & Aural Skills
• Popular Music Studies
• Academic Writing & Research Skills
• Creative Collaborative Development

Semester 2

• Irish Traditional Performance & Production
• Music Theory & Aural Skills
• Irish Traditional Music Studies
• Notation, Arranging and Sequencing
• Music Journalism & Publishing

Year 2

Semester 1

• Classical Performance & Arranging
• Applied Musicianship: Aural & Keyboard
• Western Art Music 1
• Harmony and Composition
• Recording for Creative Media

Semester 2

• Performance Styles Development: Classical, Traditional & Popular
• Advanced Musicianship: Aural & Keyboard
• Western Art Music 2
• Cinema for the Ear: Electroacoustic Music
• Community Music

Year 3

Semester 1

• Performance Practice 1
• Musicology
• Technology for Performance
• Critical Listening & Arranging
• Music Education: Theories & Approaches

Semester 2

• Performance Practice 2
• Conducting & Ensemble Directing
• Music Research Skills
• Ethnomusicology
• Music and Image

YEAR 4

Semester 1

• Advanced Performance Practice 1
• Minor Project
• Major Project
• Music Analysis 1
• Songwriting

Semester 2

• Advanced Performance Practice 2
• Major Project
• Music Analysis 2
• Music & Entrepreneurship
• Popular Musicology

* All module titles are subject to change and are for indicative purposes only.

The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials, practice-based learning and small group performance.  Group work and collaboration are key aspects of the course.

Students are fully supported by staff and are encouraged to pursue music-making opportunities both within and beyond the Department. 

Music graduates are creative, entrepreneurial and innovative. The communication skills and personal confidence developed through the study of music means that graduates in this subject are sought after in numerous professions. The comprehensive scope of this degree allows students to transition to a variety of career paths including performance, teaching (on completion of a PGDip), music tutoring, journalism, ensemble directing, song writing and arts administration.

Graduates can also pursue careers in emerging creative industries including music technology and software development, publishing, editing, production and management.

Graduates have the opportunity to continue studies at postgraduate level. 

Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:

Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate

→ INCLUDING At least two H5 Grades
→ AND Mathematics Grade O6 or H7
→ AND English Grade O6 or H7 OR Irish Grade O6 or H7
→ PLUS Passing an audition (see more details under 'Audition Details' heading below)

Northern Ireland/UK Entry Requirements:

Applicants must meet the matriculation requirement of 6 different subjects which must include:

→ Mathematics at GCSE (Grade A* - C) or better
→ English (or Irish) at GCSE (Grade A* - C) or better
→ Two subjects at either:

• ‘A Level’ (Grade A* - C)
• AND/OR Applied A-Level (Grade A* - C)
• AND/OR BTEC National Level 3 (National Award, Subsidiary Diploma, Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma, Foundation Diploma) (Grade Merit or Distinction).
• AND/OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 (Introductory Diploma, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, 90-Credit Diploma) (Grade Merit or Distinction)
• OR BTEC National Level 3 Diploma (Grade min: MM)
• OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (Grade min: MM)
• OR BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma (Grade min: MMP)

→ The remaining subjects must be different from that presented above and may be drawn from recognised subjects at:

• GCSE (Grade A* - C)
• AND/OR AS Level’ (Grades A - E)
• AND/OR A-level’ (Grades A* - E)
• AND/OR Applied ‘A-level’ (Grade A* - E)
• AND/OR BTEC National Level 3 (National Award, Subsidiary Diploma, Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma*) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
• AND/OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 (Introductory Diploma, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, 90-Credit Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma*) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).

→ Plus Passing an audition (see more details under 'Audition Details' below)

Audition Details:

• You must apply to the BA (Hons) in Music DK860 through the CAO (the Central Applications Office). You will then be called to an interview/audition. Entrance to Year 1 of BA (Hons) in Music is determined by points allocated for the audition/interview and CAO results.
• On-campus auditions will take place during the week beginning Monday 4th April 2022.
• Full details on the audition process will be sent to the email address of applicants registered with the CAO. If you have any queries about audition arrangements, please email creativearts@dkit.ie.
• Applicants will be required to undertake an interview, audition and aural test after making an application through the CAO. Instrumental and/or vocal performance will be a key part of this. Applicants with an interest in composition may also opt to submit a portfolio of their works. The criteria for assessment will be aural aptitude, performance ability and general music knowledge.
• Entry to the course is subject to fulfilling the CAO requirements in addition to passing the interview/audition.

Further Entry Requirements:

• Leaving Cert Music (or an equivalent qualification, or demonstrative performance ability) is desirable. Applications are invited from students with diverse music backgrounds including Traditional/Folk, Classical, Popular, Contemporary and Jazz.

• Individuals with a passion for music from classical, popular and Irish traditional backgrounds 
• Performers who wish to gain a third-level qualification  
• Students wishing to develop a broad range of music-related skills  
• Students considering careers in the creative industries and music education 

Dr Kayla Rush (Programme Director)
Email: Kayla.Rush@dkit.ie