English and Music: University of Southampton

Course overview

English at Southampton offers a course which covers a broad timespan, from the Middle Ages to the present day, and also defines its subject broadly, including creative writing and film studies. Characteristic features of our teaching are an emphasis on the relationship of literature to its historical and cultural context, and an interest in theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches.

Music offers a broad and innovative curriculum, combining technical studies, such as performance and composition, with historical and critical perspectives, ranging from classical works to jazz and popular music, and including courses on the music business, the new musical technology, music recordings, and music in a multicultural world. Its assets include a modern purpose-built performance venue, the Turner Sims Concert Hall, which is regularly visited by professional musicians.

English/Music students have found the combination allows them to explore in new ways the interconnections between the two disciplines (e.g. through the court masque, the lyric, opera, musical, and film).

This innovative programme explores the interconnections between the two disciplines, through the study of such aspects as the lyric, opera, musical and film. The music element of the degree combines technical studies with historical and critical perspectives, and includes modules on the music business and new musical technology.

Course content

• Narrative and culture
• Introduction to stage and screen
• Critical theory
• Poetic language
• Film studies
• Creative writing
• Postcolonial literature
• Medieval and Renaissance literature

Entry requirements

• A levels: ABB, including grade B in English Literature or English Language and Literature and grade B in Music; and a pass at grade 8 ABRSM, Rockschool or Trinity in one instrument
• IB: 30 points including 15 at Higher Level with 6 from Higher Level English and 6 from Higher Level Music; and a pass at grade 8 ABRSM, Rockschool or Trinity in one instrument

Main University Contact

• Postal Address: University of Southampton
  University Road
  Southampton
  SO17 1BJ
• Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 5000
• Fax: +44 (0)23 8059 3131
• Email: admissns@soton.ac.uk
• Website: http://www.soton.ac.uk/