Music with a Foundation Year (BA)
- Subject area: Music
- UCAS code: W311
- Next intake: September 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Explore how humanities help us understand culture, identity, creativity and the big questions shaping our world while further developing your passion and interest for music.
Your instrument of choice
Realise your full potential through fully-funded instrumental tuition.
Hone in on your talents
Undertake composition and/or recital as a major project, offered exclusively to students on the BMus pathway.
Spend time abroad
Adventure into a new culture; open your mind to new ideas and experiences.
Music industry insights
Connect with musicians through composition workshops; performance masterclasses and concert series.
Music business placement
Explore what the music business has to offer with a placement.
Our Music with a Foundation Year programme provides a supportive and intellectually engaging route into undergraduate study. The programme offers a structured and supportive transition into university-level learning, providing additional academic preparation before undergraduate study.
You’ll explore some of the big questions at the heart of the humanities: who we are, how cultures and identities are formed, and how stories shape human experience. You’ll also consider how the humanities help us understand and respond to contemporary ethical, environmental and technological change.
You’ll be introduced to a range of perspectives from history, literature, philosophy, media, cultural analysis, language and related disciplines. You’ll learn about the latest humanities approaches to digital culture, AI and global change – all while developing key academic skills to help you develop in your target degree subject.
Our Music programme offers in-depth study, allowing you to spend all your time specialising in music.
As well as studying a range of academic modules, you’ll be encouraged to take full advantage of our school-led core ensembles, representing a wide range of musical repertoires and traditions, such as the Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Symphony Orchestra, Gamelan Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Lanyi (West African Ensemble), Symphony Chorus and the Pop Collective.
Your foundation year is designed to build confidence, academic capability and subject-specific understanding through expert teaching, tailored support and an inclusive learning environment.
Subject area: Music
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
CCD-CDD
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
- Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
27-26 overall or 554-544 in 3 HL subjects.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
GCSE and other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
MMM-MMP in a BTEC Extended Diploma in any subject.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Interview or selection process
After you apply, we will invite you to attend one of five audition and interview days, which are held from November to February.
At the audition
Auditions are conducted by members of staff. We will ask you to sing or perform on your principal instrument for about five minutes. You can choose your repertoire, and we will base our assessment of your performance on overall expressive and technical standards.
A short interview will follow in which we may ask you about the music you performed, your musical interests and experience. The aim isn’t to test your factual knowledge or judge your likes and dislikes; our interviews allow us to get to know you better and give you the opportunity to ask questions and show us what you’re interested in.
The final decision of the admissions tutor is based on an interview report and the UCAS application.
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee 1 | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation/ preliminary year | £5,760 | None |
| Year one | £9,790 | None |
| Year two | £9,790 | None |
| Year three | £9,790 | None |
1 Home status tuition fees are charged at the maximum fee set by the Government each year. If the tuition fee cap changes before you start your course, we’ll email you to let you know. We’ll explain any changes to your tuition fees, and allow you to withdraw without penalty if you decide not to study with us.
Tuition fees may increase for subsequent years of your course if the fee cap changes. Learn what happens if tuition fees increase.
Learn more about our tuition fees
Fees for overseas status
This course does not currently accept students from outside the UK/EU.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
Other than your principal study instrument, you will not need any specific equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
You’ll study for a minimum of 4 years, including your integrated foundation year.
In each year of the programme, you’ll study 120 credits from a blend of core and optional modules.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2026/2027 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2026.
Foundation/ preliminary year
The foundation year is designed to build confidence, academic capability and subject-specific understanding through expert teaching, tailored support and an inclusive learning environment.
You’ll study 6 core modules of 20 credits each, carefully designed to prepare you for your undergraduate Music degree.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Project | CH0008 | 20 credits |
| Skills for Knowledge, Independence, Lifelong Learning | CH0009 | 10 credits |
| Global Humanities: Culture, Identity and Place | CH0010 | 20 credits |
| Reading the World: Texts, Images and Interpretation | CH0011 | 20 credits |
| Humane Futures: Ethics, Technology and the Human World | CH0012 | 20 credits |
| Making Meaning: Creativity and Communication | CH0013 | 20 credits |
Year one
On successful completion of the Foundation Year, you’ll progress into our Music programme.
In year 1, you’ll study a mix of core and optional modules covering a range of musical genres. You’ll also develop your ability to write and talk confidently, fluently and critically about music.
Year two
In year 2, you’ll have the opportunity to shape your degree around your personal strengths and interests through a range of optional modules.
Year three
In year 3 you’ll continue to explore topics that best suit your passions and interests through a range of optional modules.
You may also choose to study a dissertation, research project, composition piece or undertake a recital.
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
Our undergraduate programmes allow you to specialise and develop your own musical interests.
This is a three-year full-time degree, consisting of 120 credits a year. Each year is divided into an autumn and a spring semester and has a modular structure. Most modules are worth 10 or 20 credits.
How will I be assessed?
You will be taught by academic staff with expertise across composition, performance, musicology, ethnomusicology, and popular music.
Instrumental tuition is fully funded by the School on your principal study instrument if you are taking a Practical Musicianship Module. This includes accompaniment at your final recital. You will receive 24 half-hour lessons over the course of the year. This increases to 24 hour lessons in the final year, for BMus students taking the Recital module.
We use a range of teaching and learning styles, including lectures, small-group seminars and workshops, individual tutorials, ensemble instrumental tuition, rehearsals and independent study.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Demonstrate a significant degree of specialist knowledge, creativity, skill and understanding in one or more of the following: performance, composition, ethnomusicology, music analysis, historical/critical musicology.
- Possess an awareness of the component subdisciplines of music and demonstrate a working competence in more than one in addition to their chosen specialism(s).
- Demonstrate a broad awareness of a range of musical styles and techniques, through performance, pastiche composition, analysis and/or critical commentary of music.
- Understand and exemplify the core principles of harmony and counterpoint in the Western common practice tradition and/or popular music.
Intellectual Skills:
- Develop a reasoned, coherent, argument about specific problems, deploying appropriate evidence, and demonstrating awareness of the limits of their knowledge.
- Manifest an awareness of the social, historical and cultural contexts in which music is made.
- Think analytically and reflectively about music, identifying significant formal, historical, and cultural patterns in the way it is performed, composed, or used.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Demonstrate critical thinking, reasoning, and the ability to assimilate and summarise complex information and ideas though the analysis and evaluation of evidence.
- Demonstrate enterprise skills, such as creativity, problem-solving, initiative, and independent thinking.
- Show an ability to work closely with other musicians in the preparation of ensemble performance or other collaborative projects.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- The capacity for problem-solving and originality in thinking by using knowledge and skills to tackle familiar and unfamiliar problems.
- Academic and personal skills such as critical thinking, writing, oral presentations, problem solving, group work, time-management, and the use of information and/or digital technologies.
- The ability to be clear, concise and persuasive in a variety of formats including written and oral work.
Careers and placements
Career prospects
Our alumni have gone on to careers with the BBC, Arts Councils, Glyndebourne Opera, English National Opera, universities, Oxford University Press, the National Trust, and London Symphony Orchestra, along with a range of other industrial, commercial, educational, and charitable organisations.
Employability skills are embedded in our modules so that you will learn both music-specific and academic skills that are transferable to other domains, especially the workplace. Our second-year modules on the Business of Music are designed to help you better understand different branches of the music profession and provide an opportunity to undertake a short placement in a music-related or arts-related area.
Our annual series of talks on Careers in Music offer a great chance to meet professionals active in a range of fields such as performance, music education, music journalism, arts and artist management, production and licensing, and composing for media.
Graduate careers
- Musician
- Teacher
- Producer
- Arts Administrator
- Music Librarian
Placements
The year 2 Business of Music module offers the opportunity to undertake a short placement, either in one block or as a series of regular workplace visits.
Next steps
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International
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How to apply
Find out how to apply for this course
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
