Careers with a degree in Music
We are committed to preparing our students for the world of work. Many of our music graduates secure the best employment opportunities in their fields regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Career related modules
As well as academic excellence, we cultivate the highest professional and intellectual skills, preparing our graduates to succeed in whichever careers they choose. With professional development in mind, we typically offer modules in music enterprise and education in school and community contexts as well as placement modules in arts administration and education. Our students also have the support of our excellent careers service.
Skills development
Studying music is both intellectually and musically demanding. You'll develop transferable skills to help you in your career. Through academic research, analysis, and writing our students develop critical thinking and excellent communication skills. Through composition and performance, you’ll develop professional musical skills as well as hone your creativity and presentational skills
We nurture teamwork and initiative through participation in music ensembles alongside group work and presentations in seminars. Flexibility, self-discipline, and good time management are all required to attain high technical standards. These skills are necessary to balance the demands of study, practice, and performance.
Ties with the professional world
Through our teaching and research activity, we have well-established ties with arts institutions in the city, in the wider region and beyond, including Sage Gateshead, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Samling Academy, and Opera North. Through our ties with the wider world, we offer students excellent opportunities for professional development during their time at Newcastle, preparing them for various music careers.
Jobs for music graduates
Our graduates often become professional musicians, performers, composers, teachers, academics, music therapists, studio managers, or sound engineers. Other opportunities include arts administration, music production, music journalism, music librarianship, or music publishing. The wide range of transferable skills music graduates develop means that you can easily move into other professions and graduate training routes. These include teaching, management, marketing, accountancy, law, events management, journalism, healthcare, and IT.
Meet our graduates
Read more about our graduates and their Newcastle experience in our alumni section