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If you’re thinking about studying music, you’ve probably come across both BA and BMus degrees. But what’s the difference, and which would suit you?
Both can help you develop your musical knowledge, creative skills and career direction. Here, we’ll explore how they typically differ in the UK and what to consider when choosing your music degree.
What is a BA in Music?
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts. A BA in Music often offers a broad exploration of music, combining creative practice with its history, theory and cultural context.
Some courses emphasise academic study, while others focus on contemporary music-making. Joint honours options may also allow you to study music alongside another subject.
What do you study in a BA music degree?
Subjects can include music history, theory, analysis, composition, songwriting and song structure, performance and production. Contemporary courses may also cover music business and artist development.
A BA can be highly practical. Many BA music degrees combine songwriting, production, performance and music business, helping students develop original work and their identity as artists.
What careers can you pursue with a BA in Music?
Depending on your specialism, you could work towards becoming a songwriter, recording artist, performer or producer. Business-focused courses can support routes into music marketing, artist management, publishing and events.
Look at how course projects connect with your ambitions. Writing songs, producing recordings and planning releases each build different experience.
What is a BMus degree?
BMus stands for Bachelor of Music. Offered by universities, conservatoires and specialist colleges, it often emphasises specialist musical development.
Many BMus degrees focus on performance or composition, combining practical training with academic study. Others specialise in areas such as music production and sound engineering.
What do you study in a BMus degree?
Depending on your route, you could study instrumental or vocal technique, ensemble performance, composition, arranging, theory and critical listening.
Production-focused courses may cover recording, mixing, mastering, sound design and audio technology. Professional practice and portfolio development can also form part of your studies.
What careers can you pursue with a BMus degree?
A performance-focused BMus can support careers across live performance, session work and production. A production specialism could help prepare you for recording, mixing, music production or sound design.
These careers aren’t exclusive to BMus graduates. Your skills, portfolio and experience will help shape your opportunities.
BA vs BMus: What are the main differences?
| Area | BA | BMus |
| Overall focus | Offers a broader exploration of music, including its cultural and historical contexts | More emphasis on specialist musical development through performance, composition or production |
| Course content | Combines history, theory and cultural studies with songwriting, composition, performance and production | Centres on performance, composition or production, supported by musicianship, theory and analysis |
| Practical training | Practical work may span several areas, such as writing songs, recording and performing | Practical training built more intensively around a principal instrument, voice or production specialism |
| Specialisation | May offer flexibility to explore different musical interests | Provides a more concentrated route into a musical discipline, instrument or genre |
| Career direction | Suits students combining creative practice with broader interests in culture, business or the arts | Suits students seeking specialist development for performance, composition, production or audio careers |
How do music courses differ across colleges?
Courses with similar titles can offer different teaching, facilities and professional opportunities.
Practical training vs academic study
Check how you’ll learn and be assessed. Will you produce recordings, perform, write essays or complete research projects?
Consider where you need support. Aspiring performers might prioritise tuition and stage time, while students interested in music’s cultural influence might look closely at research options.
Course specialisations and industry experience
Investigate what each specialism involves. Music production courses might emphasise self-production, engineering or composing for media.
Ask how guest sessions, placements and collaborative briefs connect with your studies, and what participation involves. Also consider whether you’d like to work freelance or within a studio, too.
What should you consider when choosing a music course or college?
Start with the skills you want to build, then compare:
- Modules: What is compulsory, and what can you choose?
- Teaching: Who teaches you, and what experience do they bring?
- Facilities: Which studios, rehearsal rooms and equipment can you access?
- Collaboration: Can you work with students across musical disciplines?
- Portfolio: What work could you graduate with?
At an open day, ask students about their typical week and opportunities to develop independent projects.
What are the entry requirements for music degrees in the UK?
Music degree entry requirements vary. Providers may accept A levels, BTECs, Scottish qualifications or other equivalents, specifying grades or UCAS Tariff points.
Your music personal statement is an opportunity to explain your interests, experience and reasons for choosing the course. You may also need an audition, interview, portfolio or evidence of musical knowledge. These requirements aren’t determined by whether the qualification is a BA or BMus.
Check the requirements for your chosen course and intake. An integrated Foundation Year may offer additional preparation before degree-level study.
Choosing the right music degree at LCCM
At LCCM, we offer both BA and BMus degrees across songwriting, performance, production and music business. Our courses bring practical learning together with industry knowledge, helping you develop your skills and explore your creative direction.
You’ll join a community of musicians and creatives, with opportunities to collaborate across courses, learn from working professionals and develop your own projects at our Music Box campus in Central London.
Explore our music degrees and speak to our team about which course fits your interests and goals.
FAQs
Is a BA in Music or a BMus degree better for a career in music?
Neither is automatically better. Choose according to the skills, experience and specialisms relevant to your ambitions.
Is a BMus degree more practical than a BA in Music?
Often, specialist practical development is central to a BMus. However, many BA courses are also strongly practice-led.
Can you study music production with a BA or a BMus degree?
Yes. Both can include production, either alongside other subjects or as a dedicated specialism.
What is the difference between BA and BMus course content?
A BA often explores music more broadly, while a BMus often emphasises specialist development. Check individual curricula to understand the balance.
