BA (Hons) Music (Top-Up) via Study Centres
University of SunderlandPartner centre, United Kingdom
Course overview
The BA (Hons) Music (Top-Up) course is designed for those who’ve completed a Higher National Diploma or foundation degree and want to achieve a full honours degree in music. Building on your existing skills and knowledge, the course combines theoretical study with further training in musical performance, musicology, creative sound, and participatory practice. A key feature of the degree is the Live Project module, where you’ll gain hands-on experience through activities such as touring new work, collaborating with youth organisations, or working with professional musicians.
We have strong links with arts organisations throughout the region, ensuring the course remains current, practical, and rich with opportunities for real-world projects and placements. Graduating with this degree will prepare you for roles in music-related areas of the creative industries, participatory arts, and arts management. It also provides a solid foundation if you wish to pursue further training to become a m
Key highlights
- Tops up an HND or foundation degree to a full honours degree
- Combines performance, musicology, creative sound and participatory practice
- Live Project module: touring new work or working with professional musicians
- Collaborate with youth organisations through hands-on project work
- Strong links with regional arts organisations for placements and real projects
Entry requirements
- IELTS: 6 — 6.0 IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) — standard University of Sunderland requirement (source: sunderland.ac.uk/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)
Scholarships
Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship
The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression): £2,000 cash payment; a tuition fee discount of 20%; a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation.
East Durham College Partnership Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500First Choice Travel Award
This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £500Global Leaders Scholarship
£6,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates, £4,000 for MPharm Pharmacy students, or £5,500 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).
Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.
Up to £1,200Interview Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Open Day Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology)
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.
Up to £1,000Sunderland College Award
Our Sunderland College Award provides £1,500 plus a £250 voucher, in each year of continuous study. This will support you financially throughout your time at university.
Tees Valley Travel Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships
Up to £750.
Careers this course leads to
- Musician
- Community music leader
- Participatory arts practitioner
- Arts administrator
- Arts manager
- Music workshop facilitator
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,500 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Sunderland, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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