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If I want to apply to a music uni, should I take a music gsce, or is that too much, and an A level in music is enough? (I would prefer to take a music gsce since I am very good at it, but I don't know if universities will accept it if I will have an A level in this subject as well)
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#2
I would take music gcse as then u will more have knowledge for it at a level. if u just do it for a level you might struggle since u have to learn like the basics. so it would be good to do it at gcse and get a good grade. it also shows to the uni that u had good knowledge of the subject from gcse
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#3
Generally universities are simply looking for a spread of GCSE’s including maths and English at good grades. It’s best to choose subjects you enjoy and are likely to do well at or that will lead into further study at A level/Btec.
It will be your A level subjects and grades that determine your university entrance. Saying that I would expect most A level Music candidates to have done gcse.
It will be your A level subjects and grades that determine your university entrance. Saying that I would expect most A level Music candidates to have done gcse.
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#4
In fact as not all schools offer it A level Music isn’t a requirement at most universities as long as you have specified ABRSM practical and theory grades. (Some universities also accept other exam boards).
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#5
I did GCSE Music and then went on to do A-Level and BTEC Music, I've never had any issues with it. In fact it probably just shows your commitment to the subject. I'm currently holding 3 offers to study Music at uni (hopefully 4 soon).
If you did end up not doing either, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Most unis don't ask for it (though some do, I know Surrey does). If you want to do music at uni though, I would really recommend it.
Some other stuff unis ask for is a certain level of practical and theoretical ability. Normally grade 5 theory (possible higher if you don't also have the a-level) and grade 7-8 practical (normally grade 8 for Russell Groups). Lots of unis also ask for an audition/interview.
When you say music uni, do you mean conservatoire? They have fairly different course content suited to different types of musician.
If you did end up not doing either, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Most unis don't ask for it (though some do, I know Surrey does). If you want to do music at uni though, I would really recommend it.
Some other stuff unis ask for is a certain level of practical and theoretical ability. Normally grade 5 theory (possible higher if you don't also have the a-level) and grade 7-8 practical (normally grade 8 for Russell Groups). Lots of unis also ask for an audition/interview.
When you say music uni, do you mean conservatoire? They have fairly different course content suited to different types of musician.
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#7
(Original post by welcometotherock)
Surrey don’t ask for GCSE music, only A level or the Btec Extended Diploma.
Surrey don’t ask for GCSE music, only A level or the Btec Extended Diploma.
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#8
It's possible to get into the best uni's such as Oxford and Cambridge, to read music, without having taken either. You don't need to have done a music GCSE to take the A level, and you don't need to take the A level to apply to uni. Universities do not accept a GCSE though! If you don't do the A level, you would need to have passed the ABRSM Theory Grade 7 exam as an equivalent to the A level. If you want to take grade 7, you need to have taken grade 5 theory. It's a bit complicated, but those are your options.
I took the music theory grade 5 and 6 at the end of 11 and 12 (received 95% and 85% respectively), grade 7 aged 14 (got a distinction at 97%) music GCSE aged 15 (thrilled to get a 9!) and now I'm taking the A level, with the hope of getting a place at Cambridge. So I'm doing all the options even though it isn't strictly necessary. GCSE music is a bit of a waste of time if you already know a bit about music (hence why you don't need it to do the A level). I would recommend you take the A level though - it challenges and stretches your power of critical thinking and essay writing. The upshot being: take what you want, but unless you're doing another essay subject, I would advise taking music as an A level if that's the direction you want to head into!
I took the music theory grade 5 and 6 at the end of 11 and 12 (received 95% and 85% respectively), grade 7 aged 14 (got a distinction at 97%) music GCSE aged 15 (thrilled to get a 9!) and now I'm taking the A level, with the hope of getting a place at Cambridge. So I'm doing all the options even though it isn't strictly necessary. GCSE music is a bit of a waste of time if you already know a bit about music (hence why you don't need it to do the A level). I would recommend you take the A level though - it challenges and stretches your power of critical thinking and essay writing. The upshot being: take what you want, but unless you're doing another essay subject, I would advise taking music as an A level if that's the direction you want to head into!
(Original post by Tudor1234)
If I want to apply to a music uni, should I take a music gsce, or is that too much, and an A level in music is enough? (I would prefer to take a music gsce since I am very good at it, but I don't know if universities will accept it if I will have an A level in this subject as well)
If I want to apply to a music uni, should I take a music gsce, or is that too much, and an A level in music is enough? (I would prefer to take a music gsce since I am very good at it, but I don't know if universities will accept it if I will have an A level in this subject as well)
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