COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Music and English Literature is an interdisciplinary degree that combines literary study with practical and creative music training, fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and transferable skills. In year one, students take three core English literature modules designed to develop skills in critical reading, writing, research, and employability while exploring a range of literary genres and interpretative approaches. Music studies in the first year are optional, covering theory, analysis, composition, practical musicianship, historical and stylistic awareness of musical genres, and techniques in jazz and popular music, with opportunities to join ensembles. In year two, music modules allow students to consolidate their skills across analytical, compositional, practical, and musicology areas, with optional Business of Music modules and short work placements. English literature modules in year two offer flexibility through two “baskets,” enabling students to explore literary periods and themes, forms, and genres, including race, colonialism, feminism, Gothic literature, and environmental literature. In the final year, students take a core English module and choose optional modules reflecting advanced scholarship, historical topics, and contemporary issues, while music study continues across core areas with opportunities for major projects such as dissertations, ethnomusicology projects, music analysis, composition, or performance. The program emphasizes independent research, critical and creative skills, and engagement with both textual and musical culture.