Program Overview

A Pathway in Music is designed to develop strong foundations in design, critical thinking, and research.

In the First Year Pathway students complete the ARU first year of the degree, undertaking the same modules, in the same classes as students entering the University directly. Alongside the ARU modules, students entering through the First Year Pathway will have additional support and tuition from ARU College.

First Year

A First Year pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold equivalent to AS/A level studies)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at ARU College is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at ARU College we have two pathway entry points available, foundation and first year pathway.

Progressing from First Year

At ARU College we offer a first year or stage 2 level study. Either students will enter this pathway following completion of the foundation, or for students that have completed equivalent of A level study we also have an entry point at first year of a bachelor’s degree.

Upon completion of the first year, or Stage 2, you will seamlessly progress to the second year of your chosen degree with the University, and no longer be registered with ARU College.

BA (Hons) Music

We have strong links with industry, so you can do work placements at music studios, theatres or production companies – and start building a standout CV while you study. We’ve four different music degrees to choose from:

• Study music in the context of its modern application rather than historical period on our full-time Music BA (Hons) degree.
• Learn how to succeed in the music business, from performance to production, by studying our full-time Popular Music degree.
• Discover how sound works, and how technology can help you master it, on our full-time, industry accredited Audio and Music Technology BSc (Hons) degree

Study music in the context of its modern application rather than historical period on our full-time Music BA (Hons) degree in Cambridge. Choose to study abroad for one semester, and get support to find work placements. Immerse yourself in our performance culture and prepare for a career as a professional musician, composer, music technologist or teacher.
On our BA (Hons) Music degree, you’ll discover a wealth of new music, along with critical approaches to heighten your understanding and appreciation. Our focus on ‘learning by doing’ will strengthen your performance skills, and help you put this theory into practice.
Rather than studying music by its historical period or geographical location, you’ll consider its application to particular fields in working life, such as film, technology and education. This will allow you to explore its relationship to other art forms and disciplines, and to wider society as well, giving you a modern context for all your musical knowledge that you can transfer easily to a future career.
To help you progress as a musician or vocalist, you’ll receive individual instrumental or vocal tuition from visiting tutors of international repute. Your performance skills will be developed through weekly workshops, with regular feedback on your progress.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to perform in public venues across Cambridge and beyond, including regular concerts by Anglia Ruskin Orchestra and Chorus and our on-campus band evenings.
You’ll even have the chance to join the Cambridge University Musical Society, the Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra, or one of the many chapel choirs and college orchestras, following an audition.
Our close links with venues and other companies, such as Cambridge Junction and international music management company Hazard Chase, will give you the chance to make contact with industry leaders before you graduate.
We have strong links with industry, so you can do work placements at music studios, theatres or production companies – and start building a standout CV while you study. We’ve four different music degrees to choose from:
Study music in the context of its modern application rather than historical period on our full-time Music BA (Hons) degree.
Learn how to succeed in the music business, from performance to production, by studying our full-time Popular Music degree.
Discover how sound works, and how technology can help you master it, on our full-time, industry accredited Audio and Music Technology BSc (Hons) degree
Study music in the context of its modern application rather than historical period on our full-time Music BA (Hons) degree in Cambridge. Choose to study abroad for one semester, and get support to find work placements. Immerse yourself in our performance culture and prepare for a career as a professional musician, composer, music technologist or teacher.
On our BA (Hons) Music degree, you’ll discover a wealth of new music, along with critical approaches to heighten your understanding and appreciation. Our focus on ‘learning by doing’ will strengthen your performance skills, and help you put this theory into practice.
Rather than studying music by its historical period or geographical location, you’ll consider its application to particular fields in working life, such as film, technology and education. This will allow you to explore its relationship to other art forms and disciplines, and to wider society as well, giving you a modern context for all your musical knowledge that you can transfer easily to a future career.
To help you progress as a musician or vocalist, you’ll receive individual instrumental or vocal tuition from visiting tutors of international repute. Your performance skills will be developed through weekly workshops, with regular feedback on your progress.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to perform in public venues across Cambridge and beyond, including regular concerts by Anglia Ruskin Orchestra and Chorus and our on-campus band evenings.
You’ll even have the chance to join the Cambridge University Musical Society, the Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra, or one of the many chapel choirs and college orchestras, following an audition.
Our close links with venues and other companies, such as Cambridge Junction and international music management company Hazard Chase, will give you the chance to make contact with industry leaders before you graduate.