BMus (Hons) Music

Edinburgh College

The BMus (Hons) programme is a one-year, full-time top-up degree, delivered in partnership with Kingston University, London. Students can, therefore, complete an honours degree after three years of HE study, rather than the four years more typical in Scotland. The programme is open to applicants with an HND (with Graded Unit A or B) from Edinburgh College or elsewhere. Other conditions may apply, depending on the applicants' background and experience.

Whether your aim is to develop a career in creative music technology, performance, composition, songwriting, teaching or musicology, our degree course can give you the space to develop the skills you need on tailored pathways.

The programme is highly flexible, allowing for students’ individual strengths and interests. Students choose the content for their Individual Project, worth 50% of the BMus. The project usually falls within one of the following pathways:

• performance
• composition/songwriting
• dissertation
• music technology

It is also possible to complete a project which combines two or more of the above. Regular one-to-one supervision sessions – 12 hours per year – support students in their chosen project; these may include instrumental or vocal lessons where appropriate. There are also weekly classes for each pathway. We reserve the right to refuse entry to a pathway should you not be able to demonstrate the suitable skills or experience. Our week-long induction programme is designed to guide you in this and to equip you for success in this challenging, highly rewarding programme.

As well as the individual project, students choose two modules, each worth 25% of the degree. The options include

• Advanced Techniques in Music and Sound for Image – composition across a variety of musical styles and genres; using sound effects and sound design for film
• Current Debates in Music Education – an in-depth study of music education and the Scottish curriculum through both theoretical and practical classes, with opportunities for lesson planning, placements, composition/arrangement, and research
• Jazz Studies – a practice-based study of jazz improvisation and composition, supported by appropriate theory
• Live Performance Technology – creating small-group compositions and performances featuring live manipulation of sound, using tools such as loop pedals, Ableton software, and filters
• Scoring and Arranging – developing skills in music analysis, genre-specific composition, and arrangement
• The Studio Musician – planning, developing and producing studio recording projects and learning how to position them in terms of genre, audiences and marketing; the module can be taken as a performer or as a producer. Students are strongly encouraged to choose their individual project and further modules with a view towards how they can enhance employability or prospects for further study, following the BMus year.