Bachelor of Music (Honours)

Bachelor of Music (Honours)

Course Title

Bachelor of Music (Honours)

MQF Level

6

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Information for International applicants

Applicants shall be required to undertake an interview and an audition, provided that applicants with a pass at Grade C or better at Advanced Matriculation Level in Music shall be exempted from both interview and audition.

Applicants considered as "Adult Learners" (mature applicants) in terms of paragraph (c) of regulation 6 of the Admissions Regulations must be in possession of those qualifications and/or experience that would satisfy the School Admissions Committee that they have reached the academic standard required to follow the course with profit.

The eligibility of applicants considered as "Adult Learners" (mature applicants) shall be decided by the University Admissions Board, on the recommendation of the School Admissions Committee, following an interview and an audition conducted by a board appointed for the purpose. Such applicants shall be exempted from the audition if they present a pass at Grade C or better at Advanced Matriculation Level in Music.

Applicants in possession of the Diploma in Wind Band Studies of this University, who have obtained ECTS credits for study-units considered by the Board of Studies to be equivalent to those in the programme of study, may also be admitted to the Course. Subject to the provisions of the Principal Regulations, such applicants may be allowed by the Board of Studies to transfer these credits to the Course. The number of credits so transferred shall not exceed 60 ECTS credits.

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Applications for our February and October intakes have been officially open since the third week in November. You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

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Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

The Bachelor of Music (Honours) integrates the development of practical skills with theoretical and historical musical knowledge whilst giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in every aspect of music. The programme offers a high standard of academic, compositional and instrumental/vocal tuition in a uniquely broad range of styles. You will participate in a thriving performance and composition environment and have opportunities to work with a wide range of professional artists, academics, and practitioners. The first year of study provides you with the foundation musical knowledge and skills for more advanced work later in the course. In your second and final years, you will follow pathways in either performance, composition or musicology and ethnomusicology. The programme also includes a placement that should help students experience work in the cultural sector, particularly in the music business.

Communication and Academic Skills Programme

The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 8 ECTS credits from the optional study-units on offer during the year.
 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MSP1265 Fundamentals of Music 1 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Students must register for ONE of the following study-units*:
 
MSP1266 Essential Elements of Piano Technique 6 ECTS    
MSP1277 Basic Keyboard Proficiency 6 ECTS    
 
Students must register for ONE of the following study-units**:
 
MSP1040 Applied: Brass 4 ECTS    
MSP1041 Applied: Voice 4 ECTS    
MSP1045 Applied: Percussion 4 ECTS    
MSP1270*** Applied: Project in Music 1 4 ECTS    
MSP1271 Applied: Violin 4 ECTS    
MSP1274 Applied: Flute 4 ECTS    
MSP1275 Applied: Woodwind 4 ECTS    
MSP1279 Applied: Vocal Training in Pop and Musical Theatre 4 ECTS    

* Students with no knowledge in piano playing are required to register for study-unit MSP1277. Students with Grade 6 (or its equivalent) or higher in piano are required to register for study-unit MSP1266. These study-units can only be taken after consultation with the Music Studies Head of Department. In order to register, a confirmation email or note should be attached with the student registration form.

** Applied instrumental tuition will be offered in voice, percussion, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, euphonium, B-flat baritone, and violin. Other instruments may be available on request.

***Students interested in registering for study-unit MSP1270 must seek approval from the Head of Department. This can either be offered as an annual or a semestral study-unit, according to the nature of the project.
 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MSP1153 Vocal Ensemble 1 2 ECTS    
MSP1186 Basic Music Technology 4 ECTS    
MSP1263 World Music 6 ECTS    
MSP1269 History of Music: Classical Antiquity to Baroque 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP1356 Vocal Training 2 ECTS    
 
Recommended Optional Units
 
MSP1160 History of Jazz 4 ECTS    
MSP1267 The Spiritual in Music (1100-1900): Selected Themes 2 ECTS    
MSP1290 Pop Song Production 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MSP1253 Vocal Ensemble 2 2 ECTS    
MSP1262 History of Music: Classical Period to Twenty-first Century 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP1264 Music and Creativity in Cyberspace 4 ECTS    
MSP1368 Research, Writing, and Presentation Techniques in Music 4 ECTS    
 
Recommended Optional Units
 
MSP1278 Practical Harmony 1 6 ECTS    
MSP1300 Performing and Producing Music in the Creative Industries 4 ECTS    
MSP1380 Jazz Technique and Composition 1 4 ECTS    

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
52 ECTS credits in Music
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 18 ECTS credits from the elective study-units and 4 ECTS credits from the optional study-units on offer during the year.
 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MSP2130 Fundamentals of Music 2 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
MSP1103 Collective Performance 6 ECTS    
MSP2470* Applied Project in Music 2 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MSP2153 Vocal Ensemble 3 2 ECTS    
MSP2260 Introduction to Composition 4 ECTS    
MSP2301 Basic Conducting 2 ECTS    
MSP2340 Orchestration Techniques 1 5 ECTS    
PFA2004 Interdisciplinary Theories of Performance 5 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
MSP2111 Jazz Improvisation 1 4 ECTS    
MSP2265 Practical Harmony 2 6 ECTS    
MSP2267 Placement 4 ECTS    
MSP2321 Orchestral Playing 1 4 ECTS    
MSP2470* Applied Project in Music 2 4 ECTS    
PFA2005 Performance and Philosophy 4 ECTS    
PFA2006 Musical Theatre: Histories and Training 4 ECTS    
 
Students interested in specialising in Performance during their third year of study should register for ONE of the following study-units **:
 
MSP2286 Performance 1: Vocal Training in Pop and Musical Theatre 4 ECTS    
MSP2293 Performance 1: Violin 4 ECTS    
MSP2295 Performance 1: Flute 4 ECTS    
MSP2296 Performance 1: Woodwind 4 ECTS    
MSP2297 Performance 1: Brass 4 ECTS    
MSP2298 Performance 1: Voice 4 ECTS    
MSP2299 Performance 1: Percussion 4 ECTS    
MSP2300 Performance 1: Piano 4 ECTS    

* Students interested in registering for study-unit MSP2470 must seek approval from the Head of Department. This can either be offered as an annual or a semestral study-unit, according to the nature of the project.

** This stream is offered in piano, voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, euphonium, B-flat baritone, percussion, and violin.  
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MSP2132 Oral Music Traditions of the Mediterranean 4 ECTS    
MSP2155 Areas of Research in Music Studies 4 ECTS    
MSP2253 Vocal Ensemble 4 2 ECTS    
MSP2283 Approaches to Musical Analysis 4 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
MSP2064 Ethnomusicology 4 ECTS    
MSP2072 Ensemble Techniques 1 4 ECTS    
MSP2133 Music and Spirituality in Contemporary Music 2 ECTS    
MSP2284 Contemporary Composition in Practice 4 ECTS    
MSP2288 Jazz Technique and Composition 2 4 ECTS    
MSP2312 Orchestration Techniques 2 4 ECTS    
MSP2313 Introduction to Editorial Techniques 4 ECTS    
MSP2470* Applied Project in Music 2 4 ECTS    
PFA2007 Musical Theatre: Performance 4 ECTS    
THS2107 Arts and Cultural Management 1: Theories and Perspectives 6 ECTS    
 
Students interested in specialising in Performance during their third year of study should register for ONE study-unit from the Repertoire Studies list and ONE from the Performance 2 list:
 
MSP2287 Performance 2: Vocal Training in Pop and Musical Theatre 4 ECTS    
MSP2302 Performance 2: Violin 4 ECTS    
MSP2304 Performance 2: Flute 4 ECTS    
MSP2305 Performance 2: Woodwind 4 ECTS    
MSP2306 Performance 2: Brass 4 ECTS    
MSP2307 Performance 2: Voice 4 ECTS    
MSP2308 Performance 2: Percussion 4 ECTS    
MSP2309 Performance 2: Piano 4 ECTS    
MSP2314 Repertoire Studies: Brass 4 ECTS    
MSP2315 Repertoire Studies: Voice 4 ECTS    
MSP2316 Repertoire Studies: Violin 4 ECTS    
MSP2317 Repertoire Studies: Woodwind 4 ECTS    
MSP2318 Repertoire Studies: Percussion 4 ECTS    
MSP2319 Repertoire Studies: Piano 4 ECTS    
MSP2320 Repertoire Studies: Flute 4 ECTS    

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
56 ECTS credits in Music
4 ECTS credits in the optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 8 ECTS credits from the elective study-units and 4 ECTS credits from the optional study-units on offer during the year.
 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units

Students must register for ONE of the following study-units:
 
MSP3046 Dissertation - Composition 12 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3047 Dissertation - Performance 12 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3048 Dissertation - Musicology and Ethnomusicology 12 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
MSP3470* Applied Project in Music 3 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MSP3117 Twentieth-century Music: Styles, Trends, and Techniques 6 ECTS    
MSP3118 Opera in the Classical and Romantic Eras 6 ECTS    
MSP3153 Vocal Ensemble 5 2 ECTS    
 
Students specialising in Composition must register for the following study-units:
 
MSP2120 Composing for Dance 4 ECTS    
MSP3119 Acousmatic Music Composition 4 ECTS    
 
Students specialising in Musicology and Ethnomusicology must register for the following study-units:
 
MSP2178 Eighteenth-Century Maltese Music 4 ECTS    
MSP3121 Maltese Popular Music 4 ECTS    
 
Students specialising in Performance must register for study-unit MSP3110 and ONE from the Performance 3 list:
 
MSP3103 Performance 3: Violin 4 ECTS    
MSP3105 Performance 3: Woodwind 4 ECTS    
MSP3106 Performance 3: Flute 4 ECTS    
MSP3107 Performance 3: Brass 4 ECTS    
MSP3108 Performance 3: Voice 4 ECTS    
MSP3109 Performance 3: Percussion 4 ECTS    
MSP3110 Practice as Research in Music 4 ECTS    
MSP3112 Performance 3: Piano 4 ECTS    
MSP3286 Performance 3: Vocal Training in Pop and Musical Theatre 4 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
MSP3111 Jazz Improvisation 2 4 ECTS    
MSP3113 Music in Community 4 ECTS    
MSP3115 Music for the Media 4 ECTS    
MSP3321 Orchestral Playing 2 4 ECTS    
MSP3470* Applied Project in Music 3 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MSP3253 Vocal Ensemble 6 2 ECTS    
 
Students specialising in Composition must register for the following study-units:
 
MSP3001 Music Technology in Composition 6 ECTS    
MSP3114 Composing for Voice 6 ECTS    
 
Students specialising in Musicology and Ethnomusicology must register for the following study-units:
 
MSP3116 Music and Meaning 6 ECTS    
MSP3220 Avant-Garde Music 6 ECTS    
 
Students specialising in Performance must register for study-unit MSP3210 and ONE from the Performance 4 list:
 
MSP3203 Performance 4: Violin 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3205 Performance 4: Woodwind 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3206 Performance 4: Flute 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3208 Performance 4: Percussion 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3209 Performance 4: Voice 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3210 History of Musical Performance 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3211 Performance 4: Piano 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3213 Performance 4: Brass 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MSP3287 Performance 4: Vocal Training in Pop and Musical Theatre 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
MSP3002 Nineteenth-Century Maltese Music 6 ECTS    
MSP3072 Ensemble Techniques 2 4 ECTS    
MSP3470* Applied Project in Music 3 4 ECTS    

* Students interested in registering for study-unit MSP3470 must seek approval from the Head of Department. This can either be offered as an annual or a semestral study-unit, according to the nature of the project.
 
Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 ECTS credits
56 ECTS credits in Music
4 ECTS credits in the optional study-units

Requirement for award of Bachelor of Music (Hons): 180 ECTS credits, of which:
164 ECTS credits in Music
16 ECTS credits optional study-units

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Bachelor of Music (Honours) - B. Mus.(Hons) - under the auspices of the School of Performing Arts.

By the end of the course, you will understand:

  • The various areas of music studied, including a detailed grasp of appropriate repertoires, texts and resources, and familiarity with associated concepts and issues.
  • How music, through whoever area studied, relates to cognate disciplines in the arts, humanities, social and physical sciences, as appropriate.
  • A range of musical concepts about music as perceived globally.
  • The relationship between theory and practice.
  • The position, function and value of music in contemporary society with special attention to its relation to educational, professional, institutional or community perspectives.

"

The Bachelor of Music (Hons) provides opportunities to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

  1. Subject Knowledge and Understanding of:
    1. a broad knowledge in the various areas of music studied, including a detailed grasp of appropriate repertoires, texts and resources, and familiarity with associated concepts and issues,
    2. a broad knowledge relevant to music studies, including the relationship to wider historical, philosophical, cultural and social contexts, and an understanding of the historic or current debates on such issues,
    3. the relationship between theory and practice,
    4. how music, through whichever area studied, relates to cognate disciplines in the arts,humanities, social and physical sciences, as appropriate,
    5. the position, function and value of music in contemporary society with special attention to its relation to educational, professional, institutional or community perspectives,
    6. the role of the audience: the performance and production skills necessary to communicate with audiences,
    7. a range of musical concepts about music as perceived globally.

  2. Intellectual Development and Skills
    1. to recognise and analyse musical organisation, style, genre or tradition, whether aurally, or by studying a written score,
    2. to demonstrate elements of personal expression, imagination and creativity in practice-based projects or activities (whether this takes the form of performing, improvising, composing, arranging, recording or authoring), and the ability to communicate effectively, employing appropriate technical and interpretative means,
    3. to demonstrate the acquisition and application of appropriate research skills,
    4. to analyse, manipulate, and interrogate or create musical materials (texts, scores, audio/visual media) and present results or findings in a coherent and communicable form,
    5. to recognise and identify, by aural acuity, essential components of a musical language, such as mode, metre and sonorities (timbre, texture, instrumentation etc.) and to notate them if and where appropriate,
    6. to use relevant techniques and methods to explain and demonstrate the interrelationship between musical theory and practice,
    7. to develop ideas and construct arguments in written form and to evaluate such ideas and arguments critically,
    8. to use computers, digital equipment and software for creating and recording music, and for musicrelated tasks such as notation, sound analysis and synthesis, composition and editing.

  3. Key / Transferable Skills
    1. develop a broad range of musical skills, but also intellectual and practical skills of reasoning and independent thought, of reflection and self-criticism,
    2. develop essential transferable skills in computing and information technology, in musical and written communication, and in enquiry and research,
    3. work collaboratively with others, utilising a variety of team structures and working methods, and understanding group dynamics and handling interpersonal issues,
    4. develop and pursue creative projects within specified resource constraints of time, space, and/or budget, thus developing problem-solving skills,
    5. manage workloads to meet deadlines, and sustain focus for extended periods working on independent creative projects, developing autonomy and self-management,
    6. identify a proper lifestyle that supports the wellbeing of a professional in music,
    7. negotiate effectively with a variety of agencies (inside and outside the programme) thus developing interpersonal skills,
    8. communicate effectively, to a professional standard, coherent arguments and propositions in a variety of media, verbally and in writing, using appropriate communication and presentation technologies;
    9. develop marketing skills.

  4. Other Skills relevant to Employability and Personal Development
    1. to comprehend, analyse, and critically interpret texts, policy documents, funding and job applications, as well as being equipped to generate the same, especially but not exclusively in the creative industries,
    2. to appraise and produce informed and specialised documentation about public events,
    3. to trace, assess, and synthesise information and data from a range of sources, both primary and secondary, printed, electronic, and other,
    4. to use archives, texts, electronic technology, and other knowledge resources,
    5. to support creative work with research, appropriate documentation, and conceptual consideration,
    6. to communicate effectively across a wide range of socio-cultural scenarios and expectations, spanning from local, town-level activities, to national popular culture events (e.g. religious and secular celebrations), to Ѩigh cultureҠevents;
    7. "

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 8,500

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This degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers and postgraduate study options in music including musicology and ethnomusicology, composition, and performance. There is a range of options for what you can do with a music degree. Teaching and performing are the two most common careers in music. Other career opportunities include jobs in the recording industry, in orchestral playing and management, opportunities as freelance composers or performers, work in cultural management and administration, in the media and entertainment, or in libraries and archives, to mention a few. In addition, a degree in music is sometimes considered as an asset by employers seeking formal certification of professional training in creativity from prospective employees.

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