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Whether music is your chosen career or your hobby, the OU provides a range of courses to satisfy your interests. Our courses focus on western music over the last 500 years, but you can also study world music, jazz and popular music. You can learn the basic musical skills and will be able to specialise in music at degree level.
Studying music can take you in any number of directions both within and outside the musical world. Many graduates move into performing, teaching, or music publishing. But graduates who have studied music are sought after by employers in all sorts of different areas, from industry to law.
Where to start in Music
The right course for you to start in music with us will depend on whether you are studying the subject for the first time, or have not studied at all for a while. For most people, one of the following Level 1 courses, which vary in length, will be the place to start.
Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.
Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.
Degrees
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Humanities
This degree allows you to combine courses on different aspects of the arts – what people thought, made and practised – and their meaning and values in the past and today. -
Humanities with Music
This degree allows you to combine courses on music and different aspects of the arts – what people thought, made and practised – and their meaning and values in the past and today. -
Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.
Diplomas of Higher Education
Certificates of Higher Education
Courses in Music
See the list of all our individual courses in Music.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Arts and Humanities.
Spotlight on Music
Support can help you succeed
Jacqueline Thompson, a deaf OU student who has just completed a music diploma, has asked the OU to publicise the fact that, with appropriate support, it is possible for a deaf student to study music successfully. Now she’s ready to ‘face my ultimate challenge: a foreign language’, and is planning to start Ouverture: intermediate French (L120)!
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
