BA (Hons) in Music
Three great reasons to consider this course
- This programme meets the requirements of the Teaching Council for second-level school teaching.
- This course provides the opportunity to develop and advance a broad range of musical skills and interests, all within a collaborative and creative environment, with many opportunities to perform.
- 88% of graduates are in employment or further study after 6 months of graduating.
Course Summary
Interested in a music degree with a difference? Are you dedicated to developing your music skills and knowledge to a high standard as part of a committed team? This four-year honours degree programme will allow students to learn and develop a variety of musical skills across three core musical genres: Popular, Classical and Irish Traditional Music. These skills include group and solo performance, musicianship, music journalism, songwriting and composition. In addition to studies in the history of the three core genres, students will learn about music technology, electroacoustic music, and approaches in music education.
During the four-years students will undertake practical, theoretical and historical studies in three central genres: Popular, Classical and Traditional Irish music. Performance and Musicianship modules take place across all four-years, and are designed to bring a student from beginner to advanced practitioner over the course of the degree.
Modules also introduce students to a variety of career paths in music, including music journalism, songwriting, music technology, business and education. In depth modules in musicology, popular musicology and ethnomusicology prepare students for postgraduate studies. Creativity is developed in all aspects of the course through modules such as Technology for Performance, Music for the Ear: Electroacoustic Music, Music & Image and Conducting & Ensemble Directing.
Performance is an important part of the degree course and students participate in a range of groups and ensembles. Students will progress to specialization in a genre of their choice in third and fourth year. Solo instrumental skills are developed throughout the four years, with one-on-one tuition provided during the course of study. Students perform regularly in both formal and informal settings, and attend concerts and masterclasses given by visiting professionals. Modules in musicology, ethnomusicology and popular musicology also prepare students for further study at postgraduate level. Creativity is developed in all aspects of the course, and students benefit from the collaborative ethos of the Department of Creative Arts, Media and 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.
Careers may include:
- Music performance: solo or ensemble
- Music teaching in schools (on completion of a PGDip.)
- Music tutoring
- Music technology & music software development
- Composing, arranging, publishing, realization and editing
- Production and management
- Broadcasting employment opportunities
- Music Research
- Community arts employment
- Arts administration
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
| Course ID | DK860 |
| Course Type | Undergraduate |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Level | 8 |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Starting Date | September 2025 |
| School | School of Informatics & Creative Arts |
| Department | Creative Arts, Media and Music |
| Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
| Delivery Method | On Campus |
