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Newcastle University

Folk and Traditional Music

Award Attendance Study Duration Start Domestic fees International fees
BA (Hons) On-Campus find out 3 find out £9250 per year find out

About Folk and Traditional Music, BA (Hons) - at Newcastle University

Course Overview

This unique degree programme focuses on the traditional music and song of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

At a Glance

UCAS Code
W344

UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21

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Degree Awarded
BA Honours

Course Duration
3 Years

Entry Requirements Icon

Entry Requirements
A Level: AAB-BBB
IB: 32-34 points

Opportunities Icon

Opportunities
Study abroad

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Download course PDF

Performance is important throughout the degree, and national and international artists teach as regular and guest tutors on this degree.

You'll also study the social and cultural context of traditional and folk music and how music helps to construct identity and culture.

You can also choose to enhance your employability and develop career skills through modules in music enterprise and music teaching.

We have a partnership with Sage Gateshead. Some of the teaching, and all the final-year performance recitals, take place there.

Highlights of this degree

What you will study

What you will study

The first year lays the foundation for understanding folk and traditional music. There is a strong emphasis upon performance, including:

  • a range of modules on folk traditions
  • regular one-to-one lessons on your main instrument
  • weekly tutor-led workshops to develop your ensemble playing skills

In second year, your choice includes a broad range of modules, such as:

  • ensemble playing
  • academic approaches to the history and understanding of folk music
  • approaches to traditional musics from around the world

The second year also includes the popular option of taking a semester abroad (see below).

In your final year, you take advanced modules linked to our research. You also complete a major specialist study, which may be:

  • an original composition
  • a creative project or performance
  • a dissertation/project on an area of interest

See the Course Details for more information on what you will study.

The degree can be taken as a standalone degree but is designed for a close transition to the Master of Music (MMus) at Newcastle University, for students who wish to develop their performance, composition or scholarly skills to a higher level.

Your learning community

Your learning community

Students join our really vibrant performing community and take tuition with some of the best performers in the tradition, such as:

  • Kathryn Tickell
  • Catriona Macdonald
  • Desi Wilkinson
  • Simon McKerrell
  • Shona Mooney
  • Andy May
  • Chris Newman

Our students are part of a very strong performing community and also benefit from world-class musical scholarship drawn from many different cultures.

Performance opportunities

Performance opportunities

We have deep connections with the local Folk communities in the North-East and throughout the British Isles, including:

  • opportunities for our students at regular public concerts at The Sage Gateshead
  • gigs at local folk clubs
  • teaching and volunteering arrangements with local community groups

In addition, there are excellent performance opportunities for all music students at Newcastle:

  • free professional concert series every Thursday lunchtime during term-time, followed by a student performance where you have the chance to perform for, and listen to, your colleagues from all of our music degrees
  • student-organised annual Summer Music Festival, showcasing our students' talent and giving you the chance to gain real-world experience of event management

Find out more about performance opportunities at Newcastle University on the School website.

Study abroad

Study abroad

Students wishing to add an international dimension to their degree can study abroad.

In the second semester there is the popular option of taking a semester abroad in one of our partner institutions such as Sibelius Academy or the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick.

Alternatively, you may opt to take an entire year abroad in a partner institution, intercalated between the second and final years. This comes with a reduced fee, and it extends your studies over four years.

We have links with a number of universities and conservatoires in Europe, North America, South America and Australia.

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