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School of Music

We offer rigorous musical training within a lively and imaginative liberal arts environment.

Our students work and study in a research community, learning from academic staff with expertise in composition, performance, musicology, ethnomusicology, and popular music.

We are situated within a capital city with a rich artistic culture that combines Wales' strong musical traditions with contemporary trends. Cardiff is home to the Welsh National OperaBBC National Orchestra of WalesNational Museum Wales, a major BBC production centre, and numerous other cultural organisations. We benefit from collaborative links with many of these organisations.

Our students find enviable opportunities for the study of music as the diverse range of musical activities here is both easily accessible and affordable.

With a student body averaging around 275 (undergraduate and postgraduate), we are a collegial group of musicians and scholars. Most students live within walking distance of the Music Building and our facilities provide a focal point for study and performance.

Careers and employability

We actively encourage our students to develop musical and critical skills that are suited to a wide variety of careers and workplaces.

In 2014/15, 93% of our students found employment or were in further study six months after graduating.

Our graduates have found success both within the music profession – as composers, conductors, performers, teachers, arts administrators, and music librarians – but also in diverse fields such law, accountancy, politics, IT, marketing and management consultancy.

International students

We welcome applicants from all parts of the world for both undergraduate and postgraduate study in our School's thriving international community.

We understand the challenges international students face when living and studying overseas for the first time and our staff are dedicated to ensuring students settle quickly and start thriving in our friendly and vibrant community.

We are confident that should you choose to join us here in Cardiff, you will be made to feel at home, motivated to reach your potential, and well prepared for your future career.

Helping you get here

We work closely with departments throughout the University to ensure that all of our international students are supported throughout the admissions process and receive a warm welcome upon their arrival in Cardiff. You will be supported from the very beginning with a welcome induction session that caters specifically to the needs of the international students within our School.

We have a diverse and friendly staff that are always happy to help if you need additional guidance or information before you arrive. Our dedicated International Officer for the School of Music, Alexa Jones, can offer bespoke advice and support for your individual needs as a prospective international student. She meets regularly with key course directors in the School, as well as with applicants overseas.

The University’s section for international students is also an excellent resource for everything you need to know before, during and after your arrival at Cardiff University, including important information about fees and fundingvisas and immigration and additional information for your country.

English language support

We offer Music-specific In-sessional English language support at the School to help you in your studies, with a number of online self-access materials to help you develop your English for academic purposes. Tuition in grammar, conversation, presentation skills and musical terminology, as well as academic writing are available, and individual tutorials are also available for all students from tutors from the English Language Programme team.

This is a unique addition to the general English language support in the form of Pre-sessional English language summer courses that is provided to students who hold an offer to study at Cardiff University and are looking to improve their English or achieve any language requirements.

"The School has shown great care since the first day I received my offer. I was really surprised by the range of support that was available to me, including personal tutoring, music-dedicated English sessions, and career advice. Most importantly, I found the School open to all people, regardless of their age, background and views. This atmosphere is so precious for foreign students. I still appreciate it every day."

Jerry Zhuo (China), MA Music, composition pathway

Your career and well-being

We are highly rated for our graduate employability with 98% of graduates from the School of Music either in employment or further study six months after graduation. We are here to help you on your journey beyond university with career and employability support, including opportunities for internships and placements as well as career workshops, events and advice provided by the University’s Student Support Centre.

Additionally, we are committed to continue supporting you during your time here with us at Cardiff University, and the International Officer as well as the Student Support Centre are available to help you with any problems, including those arising from cultural differences.

  • Undergraduate
  • Postgraduate Taught