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Course review
Review by: Natalie P
University: The University of Edinburgh
Course: Music
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
9
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Music is essential but also maths or physics may be useful on this course as there are areas of music technology and musical acoustics covered in first year. A language may also be useful to translate writing on musical scores.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
The music course at Edinburgh covers a wide range of different areas of music.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
I wish I had known more about the technology and physics aspects of the course because I did not really expect there to be so much of it in first year.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
The course consists of lectures, tutorials and a performance seminar. Tutorials are a much smaller group.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
There is a bit of background reading but for music you are expected to practice out of lectures as well.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The performance seminars, because you have the opportunity to practice performing in front of the other students and have a chance to hear others play.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
During first year I least liked the musical acoustics course. This was because it was physics based and I therefore felt it was the least useful part of the programme.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
I think the lecturers and tutors are very helpful. The facilities in the music department are OK; there are practice rooms but I think there needs to be a few more as they are often all in use. There is a good computer lab in the building.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
There are eight different courses which make up the programme for first year covering performance, analysis, keyboard skills, technology, acoustics and history. The lectures involve the students answering questions and giving thoughts on the subject as well as listening and taking notes. Tutorials often consist of a group discussion on a topic or going over parts of the course in more detail in a smaller group.
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Other reviews for Music
Kathryn K, 3rd Year doing Music at Edinburgh Napier University
Dominic S, 2nd Year doing Music Production at Leeds College of Music Nick G, 2nd Year doing Music Production at Leeds College of Music Oliver B, 2nd Year doing Popular Music Studies at Leeds College of Music
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University review
Review by: Natalie P
University: The University of Edinburgh
Course: Music
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Edinburgh University is a great place to study because of the beautiful city it is in and all the great facilities on offer. This includes the huge variety of societies and a very extensive library and also the concert halls owned by the uni.
What is the academic life like at your university?
It varies according to your course but you have to work hard especially around exam time. The library is always full in the run up to exams and deadlines.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Fresher's week was even better than I had expected! There was loads going on everyday and night and it was a great opportunity to get to know people in your halls and on your course.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
One is the huge variety of societies available to join as well as a well equipped gym and very big library with a lot of study space.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
There is almost every sport you can think of on offer as a society. There are also orchestras, bands and choirs you can join.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
The nightlife is very good, there are lots of different clubs and bars to go to to suit your taste. The nightlife is fairly alcohol orientated if you are out in the centre of Edinburgh. However, most people are also part of the many societies which is a great way to socialise.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Edinburgh is a great city to live and study in. There's very good social life as well as lots of culture to explore. It is a beautiful city and there are open outdoor spaces such as holyrood park and arthurs seat to enjoy.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
In first year halls of residence is definitely the best way to meet the most people.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Catered, I would say this is better for first year because it is the biggest student residence area for the university so you meet more people.
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