The University of Sheffield
Department of Music

Sheffield music students

Undergraduate study in music

Music engages the senses and emotions like no other art form. It can persuade, celebrate and tell stories, bring together societies and change lives. Music crosses time and place, giving a fascinating glimpse into cultures and histories across the world. Study with us, and any of these aspects of the subject are yours to explore.

Music can also be a rewarding vocation. And we can help you scale the heights in your field. We're one of the UK's leading universities, with a uniquely brilliant music department that's rated among the very best in the country. Through music you could bring pleasure into the lives of thousands, or even millions, of people. We'll give you all the support you need to start building your career – whether in music or elsewhere.

Great courses, great community

One of the things music students love about Sheffield is our courses. We'll build on your existing skills and give you the chance to explore new areas of music.

If you're already an advanced performer, our instrumental and vocal tuition staff will help you take your talents to another level. If you're interested in studying other aspects of the subject, take your pick. Composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, music education, music technology, sound recording, the psychology of music... our staff have the expertise to take you there.

Explore our range of music degrees

Not only that, but you'll belong to a community of learning. At Sheffield, students and staff are on the same team. Research done by our academic staff is rated among the best in the UK – and you'll get to play a part. You'll develop skills to take you to the boundaries of established musical understanding – and beyond.

Our research

World-class facilities and support

Join us and you'll spend time in two very different but superb settings. Our teaching takes place in the beautiful grade II-listed Jessop Building, a Victorian structure which we fully refurbished in 2009. In the same year, we opened the Soundhouse just across the road. This innovative, purpose-built hub houses your studio facilities, with a wealth of state-of-the-art recording equipment and practice spaces to book in and use whenever you like.

You'll also get support every step of the way from your personal tutor. They'll keep track of your work throughout your three years with us, ready to offer guidance and advice with study or personal issues whenever you need it.

More about the department

Find out more

Discover what our students say about music courses and facilities at Sheffield in this short video.

Making music every week

Another great feature of music at Sheffield is our busy programme of events. Our professional concert series includes international artists, weekly lunchtime concerts, festivals and much more – giving students a fantastic opportunity to experience other musicians in performance.

Sheffield students form their own ensembles too, performing to a range of audiences within the University and across the city and the South Yorkshire region. Our links with schools, local theatres and other organisations open up a vast range of opportunities for you to perform and share your love of music.

In all the department promotes around 60 concerts a year. It's a great way of building your experience as a performer, composer or technician.

And it's another string to your bow later, when you're ready to look for work. See the panel on the right for more about how our music degrees can offer a strong head start in building a career.

Concerts at Sheffield
Making music with us
Performance at Sheffield

A sound start to your career

Our graduates find the skills they've developed with us equip them well to enter the music industry. Many go on to work as performers, composers, teachers, administrators, music therapists and broadcasters.

And whether you follow a career as a music professional or in another type of setting, a degree from us is the ideal first step.

You'll get vital experience of involvement in music events throughout your time with us. We'll also link you up with local organisations so you can undertake work placements – building up greater experience and making contacts with employers.

By the time you've graduated you'll boast a skill set that's second to none. Our degrees in music will supercharge your abilities in team working, research, communication, creativity, analysis and leadership.

It all adds up to a CV that'll impress – whatever job you're applying for.

More about employability
Advice from the University's Careers Service

Need to know more?

  • Join us and you could spend a year living and learning abroad. Music is a truly global language and so we offer students the chance to learn another language and experience another culture by linking up with one of our partner universities around the world.
  • Sheffield was recently named Times Higher Education University of the Year. Discover more about why we won and what this could mean for you as a student here.
  • Our students' union has also won national awards on more than one occasion. Get to know Sheffield Students' Union and discover just how much its support and social side can add to your experience with us.
  • The Music Department Society, run by our students, is a great way to have fun and make friends, with visits to gigs, concerts, pubs and parties, as well as the end-of-year ball, Christmas cabaret and summer music festival.
  • Sheffield is Britain's greatest city for student life, with a staggering range of sporting, cultural and other leisure options on offer – and it's cheap to live here too. Explore our student living pages and find out more.

What next?

Come and meet us at an open day
Explore our online prospectus (or order a free print copy)

Anything you're not sure about? Check out our FAQs or drop us a line and we'll get back to you with the answers.

Frequently asked questions
Contact us

Students analysing, performing and scribing music