Bachelor of Arts (Music)

The BA in Music at NUI Galway is Ireland’s newest undergraduate music degree. Students learn about the theory and history of music, and develop creative practical skills in performance, composition and technology. There is also the possibility to take a work placement in a music-related field during the third year of the degree, for which students will receive training in transferable professional skills. This is an ideal course for anyone interested in pursuing a career in music, including teaching music in secondary schools and many other fields. 

Year 1

• In year one you study Music along with two other Arts subjects.

Music modules include: 

• Traditional Music in Ireland: 1792 to the New Millennium 
• Music Theory and Critical Listening 
• Introduction to Music History 
• Music Practice 1 

Year 2

• In Year Two you study Music along with one other Arts subject. 

Music modules include: 

• Harmony and Keyboard Harmony 
• Introduction to Composition 
• Music History 2 
• Introduction to Sound Technology 
• Choose 2 from the following optional modules:
• Music Practice 2 
• Musical Theatre 
• Power, Hierarchies and Irish Traditional Music Practice 
• Popular Music, Culture and Identities in Ireland 

Year 3

• This year is fully dedicated to Music. 

In Semester 1 student take three modules from the following:

• Editing and Transcription 
• Counterpoint 
• Scoring and Arranging 
• Musical Theatre: History and Performance 

In semester 2, students do ONE of the following:

• Music Project 
• Music Study Abroad 
• Music Work Placement 

 Year 4

• In Year Four you study Music along with one other Arts subject. 

Music modules include: 

• Music Extended Essay OR Composition Portfolio 
• Music History 3 
• Writing about Music Performance Analysis 
• Choose 2 from the following optional modules.
• Irish Traditional Music Performance
• Opera 
• Music Practice 3 
• Women in Pop