BA Music and Spanish (WR34)
2025 entry
Course summary
This degree combines Music with the study of Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The course is ideal for those with an enquiring mind and a passion for exploring the cultures of other countries and societies, including Latin America. It offers an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges and a wide range of options that allow you to pursue your own interests.
Spanish can be studied from beginners' level and post-A level (or equivalent).
Music offers a broad range of units in musicology, composition and performance across diverse styles and genres. These are complemented by weekly concerts, regular masterclasses and performances in the department, and opportunities to get involved in the city's dynamic music scene. The department has a track record of international academic excellence and is exceptionally friendly and welcoming, with several of the staff running ensembles and performing with students.
You will follow a structured language course in Spanish, as well as explore the rich history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries and communities, choosing from units in literature, film, history, thought, politics, linguistics and visual culture. You will spend your third year in a Spanish-speaking country, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.
Our courses offer an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges. Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, as well as stimulating performance opportunities in music, resulting in a vibrant learning environment as staff respond to new research in their teaching.
Teaching is through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.
Our course will ensure you practise a range of skills, which will make you attractive to future employers in the globalised workplace and your choice of sector.
As a modern languages student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art Multimedia Centre. You can also access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers, and talent shows.
Music teaching and music-making take place in the magnificent 19th-century Victoria Rooms, a familiar Bristol landmark with a 530-seat auditorium, recital room, extensive studio facilities and a suite of practice rooms reserved for Music students. Several organ and choral scholarships are available with local churches and Bristol Cathedral.
Course structure
This joint degree provides a wide range of units that allows you to pursue your own interests in both fields. In your first year, you will take 60 credits in each department and in years two and four you can specialise in one subject (by taking 80 credits in one and 40 in the other).
You will have full access to the Department of Music's Victoria Rooms and the School of Modern Languages' state-of-the-art multimedia centre.
In your first year, the music harmony and analysis unit Technical Studies is compulsory, you will also have a choice of composition, performance or a history unit. Second and fourth years allow even more choice and your third year is spent abroad. Alongside music, you will study Spanish language, history and culture units, choosing from a wide range of options that allow you to pursue your own interests.
In performance, we offer a wide range of instruments and vocal styles. In the event that tuition on your particular instrument/vocal type is not currently offered in Bristol, you will be able to discuss options with the Department.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
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More about Access to HE entry requirements
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Music and Spanish can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement