Music with Political Studies BA

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

If you’ve ever wondered how music shapes politics — or how politics shapes the world of music — Royal Holloway’s BA in Music with Political Studies lets you explore both sides of that connection. You’ll spend most of your time developing your musical talent in performance, composition, or technology, while also diving into how governments, media, and global events influence culture. It’s perfect for creative thinkers who love both the arts and current affairs, and want a degree that builds critical insight as well as creative confidence.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Foundation:
Your first year introduces the essentials of both disciplines. In politics, you’ll study Introduction to Politics and Government, unpacking how power and representation work in today’s world. On the music side, you’ll explore Theory and Analysis and Creative Composition Techniques, strengthening your ability to write, interpret, and perform music with purpose.

Year 2 – Expanding Your Creativity and Perspective:
Now that you’ve got the basics, you’ll deepen your craft with modules like Studies in Composition or Music Analysis, learning how different musical styles express ideas and emotions. In politics, courses such as Political Communication or Contemporary Political Theory help you understand how messaging, ideology, and culture intertwine — a fascinating mix for those interested in music’s role in society.

Year 3 – Expressing Your Voice:
Your final year is all about showcasing your growth. You’ll take on performance or composition projects such as Solo Performance or Composition Portfolio, creating original work that reflects your artistic identity. Alongside that, you might explore Gender and Political Representation or European Union Public Policy, tying your music and politics knowledge together to address real-world issues.

Focus Areas:

Performance, composition, music technology, political communication, global policy, contemporary political thought

Learning Outcomes:

You’ll graduate with a rare mix of creative artistry and political awareness — able to perform and compose with confidence, analyse complex ideas, and communicate them effectively through music and writing.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Royal Holloway’s Department of Music holds a Regius Professorship — a royal mark of academic excellence — and offers access to world-class facilities, ensembles, and performance venues.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Ranked 1st in the UK for research intensity (Complete University Guide 2020) and 6th in the UK for Performing Arts (QS 2019), Royal Holloway has a strong record of employability — with graduates thriving in performance, teaching, media, public policy, and creative industries

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Royal Holloway, studying Music with Political Studies is all about bringing ideas to life — whether that’s composing an original piece, debating global policy, or performing in front of an audience. You’ll spend your degree not only learning theory, but doing what professionals in both music and politics actually do — writing, recording, performing, analysing, and engaging with the world around you. From day one, you’ll work in world-class music spaces, collaborate with peers, and apply political theory to real issues and communities.

Here’s how that hands-on experience comes together:

Recording & Production Studios – Create and mix your own music in professional studios equipped with Logic Pro, MIDI controllers, and digital sound desks.
Performance Venues – Showcase your work in iconic on-campus spaces like the Victorian Picture Gallery, Boilerhouse Auditorium, and Windsor Building Concert Hall.
Rehearsal & Practice Rooms – Access over 20 dedicated rooms featuring Steinway pianos, percussion suites, and specialist spaces for ensemble rehearsals.
Global Music Suite – Experiment with instruments from around the world — from Indonesian gamelan to Korean drums — while exploring how music connects with culture and politics.
Politics in Action – Participate in Model United Nations, debating societies, or research placements with the Politics Department, where you’ll study real policy challenges and international institutions.
Digital Learning Tools – Use Moodle and music-specific software for collaborative projects, virtual rehearsals, and multimedia research — preparing you for modern creative and analytical work environments.

This degree is designed to make you think critically and create boldly — helping you graduate with not just a degree, but a portfolio of meaningful, real-world experiences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Music with Political Studies from Royal Holloway, University of London, opens doors to an incredible mix of creative and professional futures. Graduates go on to shape the worlds of music, culture, and politics — taking their skills into roles where communication, creativity, and analytical thinking truly matter. Many have built careers as Music Producers, Arts & Cultural Policy Officers, Political Communications Specialists, or NGO Programme Coordinators — roles that value both artistic insight and global awareness.

You’ll be supported every step of the way through Royal Holloway’s strong career network and industry connections:

Personalised Career Support – The university’s Careers & Employability Service offers 1:1 coaching, networking events with employers, and mentoring programs to help you navigate the creative and public sectors confidently.
Outstanding Graduate Outcomes – The Music Department ranks 3rd in the UK for graduate prospects, with a large majority of graduates employed or pursuing postgraduate study within 15 months of graduation.
Prestigious Reputation – Royal Holloway’s Music Department is ranked #1 in the UK for research quality, giving your degree global recognition and long-term professional credibility.
Industry & Policy Links – Through partnerships with the creative industries, cultural institutions, and political organisations, students have access to internships, work placements, and collaborative projects that build real-world experience.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA, you could continue to deepen your expertise with postgraduate options such as:

MA in Music, focusing on composition, performance, or research;
MA in Cultural Policy or Creative Industries, perfect for those pursuing arts leadership roles;
MSc in Public Policy and Administration, ideal if you want to influence cultural or governmental strategy.

Each path helps you refine your voice — whether that’s as a creative professional, policymaker, or academic researcher — and positions you for impactful, globally relevant careers.