Our research pushes the boundaries of thinking in music theatre, composition, opera and musicology. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 95 per cent of our music research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and 65 per cent rated as internationally excellent.
We have superb dedicated electronic studio facilities for recording and creative musical expression, regular access to venues on campus for live performance, and the use of two Steinway grand pianos.
We offer dedicated pathways in performance, film music, composition, studio work and musicology. These pathways build on core foundation modules in musicianship and musicology in Year 1, and enable you to tailor your degree according to your strengths and interests in classical, jazz or popular music.
Performance students have up to three years of free tuition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance for classical and jazz performance, or Northbrook College for popular music performance (subject to grade 8 pass in your instrument or voice).
We maintain a substantial dedicated library of scores, CDs and DVDs. All music students have 24-hour access to dedicated computer/midi workstations, practice rooms with pianos, and online recordings libraries in addition to the collections in our main Library.
Brighton has a lively music scene and London is less than an hour away by train. The University of Sussex Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir give regular concerts and there are many other bands and activities, including the annual musical organised by the Sussex Musical Theatre Society. Many of our experienced choral singers also perform with the Brighton Festival Chorus, recently rated one of the top 5 amateur choirs in the UK by The Times.