BACHELOR OF MUSIC

When you study music at Maynooth University, you have access to academic expertise and unparalleled choice. MH103 is a dynamic programme for music specialists that blends performance, composition, and academic study.

November Open Days Download our Prospectus
Qualification
Bachelor Of Music Degree
CAO Points
000
CAO/MU Apply code
MH103
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 February 2027
Jump to
CAO Hub

Overview

This dynamic programme for music specialists blends performance, composition, and academic study.

By choosing to study music with us, you can access academic expertise and unparalleled choice in areas such as:

  • Irish traditional music
  • contemporary creative practices
  • plainchant performance
  • musical theatre
  • histories of European art music
  • popular music studies

You can focus on your preferences and strengths in final year, with major/ minor specialisations in performance, composition, or musicology (music research). Further optional modules available include ‘Music and Film’, ‘Opera in Context’, ‘Electronic Music Composition’, and ‘Popular Music Studies’.

Students develop their performance skills through access to individual tuition.

Participate in ensembles such as:

  • Choral Society
    Chamber Choir
    Jazz & Blues Band
    Musical Society
    Traditional Music Group
    Pop & Rock Band

Music is also available as a subject in the MH101 Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Entrance Scholarship for MH103 Music Applicant:

The Department of Music continues to offer its Entrance Scholarship for one entrant to MH103 Music for September 2027. The top scoring applicant, based on the MH103 online video audition, will be offered the scholarship of €1,000. The successful applicant will be informed following registration.

Course structure

Duration: 3 years (BMus) or 4 years (BMus International)

First year

  • 45 credits of Music
  • Choose 1 other Bachelor of Arts subject or Critical Skills from the 4 groups available (1, 3, 4 or 6)

Second year and Final year

  • Concentrate on Music only
  • Optional 10 credit Elective in second year

Students may apply to study overseas after second year (on Erasmus or Study Abroad) and graduate with a BA (International) after 4 years.

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

MU1F45 - Music

Credits: 45  |  Compulsory

Music modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MU156

7.5

2

Y

MU155

7.5

1

Y

MU102A

5

1

Y

MU101A

2.5

1

Y

MU101B

2.5

2

Y

MU153

7.5

1

Y

MU154

7.5

2

Y

MU102B

5

2

Y

AC1F15 - Accounting

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Accounting modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AC152

7.5

2

Y

AC151

7.5

1

Y

AN1V30 - Anthropology

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Anthropology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN169

7.5

2

Y

AN167

7.5

1

Y

AN170

7.5

2

N

AN171

7.5

1

N

CN1F15 - Chinese Studies For Non Beginners

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Chinese Studies For Non Beginners modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CN181

7.5

1

Y

CN182

7.5

2

Y

CL1F15 - Classical Studies

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Classical Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GC151

7.5

1

Y

GC152

7.5

2

Y

EC1F15 - Economics

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Economics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EC103

7.5

2

Y

EC101

7.5

1

Y

EN1V30 - English

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

English modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EN106

7.5

1

N

EN107

7.5

2

N

EN101

7.5

1

Y

EN102

7.5

2

Y

FN1F15 - Finance

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Finance modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EC103

7.5

2

Y

EC101

7.5

1

Y

FR1F15 - French For Non-Beginners

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

French For Non-Beginners modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FR181

7.5

1

Y

FR182

7.5

2

Y

GY1V30 - Geography

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Geography modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GY161

7.5

1

N

GY162

7.5

2

N

GY151

7.5

1

N

GY152

7.5

2

N

GN1F15 - German For Non-Beginners

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

German For Non-Beginners modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN181

7.5

1

Y

GN182

7.5

2

Y

KD1V30 - International Development

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

International Development modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

KD156

7.5

2

Y

KD158

7.5

2

N

KD159

7.5

1

N

KD157

7.5

1

Y

LW1V30 - Law

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Law modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

LW158

5

2

N

LW152

5

1

N

LW157

5

2

Y

LW155

2.5

1

Y

LW156

2.5

2

Y

LW153

2.5

1

N

LW151

5

1

Y

LW177

2.5

2

N

MP1F15 - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP110

7.5

1

Y

MP112

7.5

2

Y

MS1F15 - Mathematical Studies

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MT105A

7.5

1

Y

ST122

5

2

Y

MT112A

2.5

2

Y

MD1FF15 - Media, Film & Cultural Studies

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Media, Film & Cultural Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MD160

7.5

1

Y

MD161

7.5

2

Y

SG1F15 - Medieval Celtic Studies

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Medieval Celtic Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SG151

7.5

1

Y

SG152

7.5

2

Y

MU1TF15 - Music Technology

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Music Technology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MU159

7.5

2

Y

MU158

7.5

1

Y

NG1V30 - Nua-Ghaeilge

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Nua-Ghaeilge modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

NG154

7.5

1

N

NG153

7.5

2

N

NG151

7.5

1

Y

NG152

7.5

2

Y

PH1F15 - Philosophy

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Philosophy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PH157

7.5

2

Y

PH156

7.5

1

Y

PO1F15 - Politics

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Politics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PO151

7.5

2

Y

PO152

7.5

1

Y

PS1F15 - Psychological Studies

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Psychological Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PS150

7.5

1

Y

PS151

7.5

2

Y

ML1SK - Language And Culture

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Language And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CN171

7.5

1

N

CN172

7.5

2

N

FR171

7.5

1

N

FR172

7.5

2

N

GN171

7.5

1

N

GN172

7.5

2

N

SPA171

7.5

1

N

SPA172

7.5

2

N

SK1US2 - Universal Critical Skills

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Universal Critical Skills modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK105X

7.5

2

N

SK105Y

7.5

2

N

SK1USK - Universal Critical Skills

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Universal Critical Skills modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK1051

7.5

1

N

SK1061

7.5

2

N

SK2USK - Universal Critical Skills

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Universal Critical Skills modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK1052

7.5

1

N

SK1062

7.5

2

N

SK3USK - Universal Critical Skills

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Universal Critical Skills modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK1053

7.5

1

N

SK1063

7.5

2

N

SK4USK - Universal Critical Skills

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Universal Critical Skills modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK1054

7.5

1

N

SK1064

7.5

2

N

SK5USK - Universal Critical Skills

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Universal Critical Skills modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK1055

7.5

1

N

SK1065

7.5

2

N

SK6USK - Universal Critical Skills

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Universal Critical Skills modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK1056

7.5

1

N

SK1066

7.5

2

N

SK7USK - Universal Critical Skills

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Universal Critical Skills modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK1057

7.5

1

N

SK1067

7.5

2

N

Year 2

MU2SSM - Music

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Music modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MU209

5

2

Y

MU207

5

1

Y

MU224

5

2

N

MU254

5

Year-Long

Y

MU218

5

2

Y

MU265

5

1

N

MU217

5

1

N

MU266

5

2

N

MU226

5

2

N

MU261

5

1

N

MU263

5

2

N

MU219

5

2

N

MU255

10

Year-Long

Y

MU348

5

2

N

AC2EL - Accounting In Society

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Accounting In Society modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AC210

5

1

N

AC211

5

2

N

GC2MEL - Ancient Mythology - Epic And Tragic Tales

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Ancient Mythology - Epic And Tragic Tales modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GC231

5

1

N

GC232

5

2

N

AN2EL - Anti-Racism

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Anti-Racism modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN215

5

1

N

AN216

5

2

N

CN2BEL - Beginning Chinese

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning Chinese modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CN261

5

2

N

CN260

5

1

N

FR2BEL - Beginning French

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning French modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FR260

5

1

N

FR261

5

2

N

GN2BEL - Beginning German

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN260

5

1

N

GN261

5

2

N

SPA2BEL - Beginning Spanish

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning Spanish modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA260

5

1

N

SPA261

5

2

N

CAT2EL - Catalan Language And Culture

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Catalan Language And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA225

5

2

N

SPA215

5

1

N

PHY2EL - Climate Change And Sustainable Energy

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Climate Change And Sustainable Energy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PHY260

5

1

N

PHY261

5

2

N

CN2CEL - Continuing Chinese

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing Chinese modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CN281

5

1

N

CN282

5

2

N

FR2CEL - Continuing French

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing French modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FR281

5

1

N

FR282

5

2

N

GN2CEL - Continuing German

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN281

5

1

N

GN282

5

2

N

NG2CEL - Continuing Nua-Ghaeilge

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing Nua-Ghaeilge modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

NG211

5

2

N

NG201

5

1

N

SPA2CEL - Continuing Spanish

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing Spanish modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA281

5

1

N

SPA282

5

2

N

PD2DEL - Eden Entrepreneurship Design And Innovation

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Eden Entrepreneurship Design And Innovation modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD217A

5

1

N

PD218A

5

2

N

MD2EL - Film And Screen Studies

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Film And Screen Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MD240

5

1

N

MD216

5

2

N

MU226

5

2

N

SPA223

5

2

N

SK2EL - Foundations In Science Writing And Communication

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Foundations In Science Writing And Communication modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK252

5

2

N

SK251

5

1

N

GN2GEL - Gender And Sexuality In Society And Culture

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Gender And Sexuality In Society And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

IS201

5

1

N

IS202

5

2

N

TH2GEL - Good And Evil

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Good And Evil modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

TH251

5

1

N

TH252

5

2

N

EN2BEL - Great Books

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Great Books modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EN280

5

1

N

EN281

5

2

N

EC2EL - Influential Ideas In Economics

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Influential Ideas In Economics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EC216

5

2

N

EC222

5

1

N

PH2LEL - Introduction To Philosophy In The Digital Age

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Introduction To Philosophy In The Digital Age modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PH221

5

2

N

PH215B

5

1

N

TESL2EL - Introduction To Teaching English Language

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Introduction To Teaching English Language modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

TESL201

5

1

N

TESL202

5

2

N

NG2IEL - Irish Cultural Heritage

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Irish Cultural Heritage modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

ID001

5

1

N

ID001X

5

2

N

ID013X

5

2

N

ID013

5

1

N

POR2EL - Portuguese Language And Culture

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Portuguese Language And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA216

5

1

N

SPA226

5

2

N

KD2AEL - Prioritising People And Planet

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Prioritising People And Planet modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN261

5

2

N

KD212

5

1

N

FR2REL - Refresh Your French

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Refresh Your French modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FR271

5

1

N

FR272

5

2

N

PD2SEL - Service Innovation

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Service Innovation modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD201

5

2

N

PD264

5

1

N

EX2EX - Skills For Success:professional Development

Credits: 5  |  Not compulsory

Skills For Success:professional Development modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EX202

5

2

N

EX201

5

1

N

MN2EQEL - The Growth And Development Of The Irish Equine Industry

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

The Growth And Development Of The Irish Equine Industry modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MN232

5

2

N

MN230

5

1

N

SG2EL - Wondrous People And Places: An Introduction To Celtic Literature

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Wondrous People And Places: An Introduction To Celtic Literature modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SG228

5

2

N

SG256

5

1

N

Year 3

MU3CSM - Music (Composition)

Credits: 60  |  Not compulsory

Music (Composition) modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MU359

5

Year-Long

N

MU383

5

2

N

MU367

20

Year-Long

Y

MU360

5

Year-Long

N

MU265

5

1

N

MU318

10

Year-Long

N

MU385

5

2

N

MU263

5

2

N

MU327

5

Year-Long

N

MU309

5

2

N

MU343

5

Year-Long

N

MU348

5

2

N

MU382

5

1

N

MU319

10

Year-Long

N

MU370C

5

1

N

MU386

5

2

N

MU320

5

2

N

MU3PSM - Music (Performance)

Credits: 60  |  Not compulsory

Music (Performance) modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MU359

5

Year-Long

N

MU383

5

2

N

MU369

20

Year-Long

Y

MU360

5

Year-Long

N

MU265

5

1

N

MU318

10

Year-Long

N

MU385

5

2

N

MU263

5

2

N

MU327

5

Year-Long

N

MU309

5

2

N

MU343

5

Year-Long

N

MU348

5

2

N

MU382

5

1

N

MU317

10

Year-Long

N

MU370C

5

1

N

MU386

5

2

N

MU320

5

2

N

MU3MSM - Musicology

Credits: 60  |  Not compulsory

Musicology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MU359

5

Year-Long

N

MU383

5

2

N

MU360

5

Year-Long

N

MU265

5

1

N

MU368

20

Year-Long

Y

MU385

5

2

N

MU263

5

2

N

MU327

5

Year-Long

N

MU309

5

2

N

MU343

5

Year-Long

N

MU348

5

2

N

MU382

5

1

N

MU317

10

Year-Long

N

MU319

10

Year-Long

N

MU370C

5

1

N

MU386

5

2

N

MU320

5

2

N

After Graduation

For those considering teaching Music at second level, Music in the MH101 degree also satisfies the Teaching Council subject requirements.

Our students have found work as professional musicians in a broad range of roles and genres (performers, composers and conductors).

Music graduates are equipped with a wide range of transferable skills and our graduates also work in adjacent areas such as:

  • music education
  • arts administration
  • multimedia
  • music promotion and marketing
  • journalism
  • radio production and presentation
  • music libraries

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Applicants


MH103 is a CAO restricted-application course (closing date February 1st)

Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, third language. As a CAO restricted-application course, CAO Points are not required (set to 000).

Prospective students must complete an online video audition. Applicants must be able to demonstrate, during the audition, a minimum of Grade 6 standard (ABRSM, RIAM, Trinity College London) on a standard orchestral instrument (excluding percussion), piano, organ, classical guitar, voice or saxophone, or a minimum of Grade 6 standard (Rockschool, Trinity College London) on bass, drums, vocals, keyboard or guitar (electric or acoustic). Traditional Irish instrumentalists and musical theatre vocalists of a comparable fluency are also invited to audition. Please see further details on the Department of Music website. Applicants to MH103 will be sent full details on the assessment process in March annually by the Department of Music. Offers will be made to successful applicants in May, subject to students attaining matriculation requirements in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent examination.

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for the online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

DARE

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is an alternative entry route to third level education for school-leavers whose disability affected their second level education.

HEAR

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a pathway to third level education for school-leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information on these access routes.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

Yes

O6

H7

Mathematics

No

N/A

N/A

Science

No

N/A

N/A

* This course requires 3 additional subjects.

  1. EU / EFTA Applicants - Further information can be found by navigating to our EU/EFTA applicant information page.
  2. International Applicants - International (Non-EU) applicants for undergraduate programmes submit their application online via our online application portal. Applications open on 14th October 2026 and close on 1st July 2027. For further information, please navigate to our International applicant page.

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry.

For part-time degrees the mature age is 21.

Visit our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on this page outlines application steps for this degree.

This is a CAO restricted-application course - apply by 1 February 2027.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) and require support for any required written exercise/interview/online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

Visit the Access Office for more information on available supports and required documentation.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2027

Entrance Scholarship for MH103 Music Applicant:

The Department of Music continues to offer its Entrance Scholarship for one entrant to MH103 Music. The top scoring applicant, based on the online video audition will be offered the scholarship of €1,000. The successful applicant will be informed following registration.

All BMus students:

All BMus students take individual tuition in their instrument or voice with an approved performance tutor. In the final year you have the chance to specialise in performance, composition or musicology. Group piano tuition is an option open to all levels from absolute beginner to advanced. Where possible, the Department of Music arranges instrumental/vocal tuition on campus. Students can also choose to have instrumental/vocal tuition (funded to a maximum amount by the Department) at either DIT or RIAM.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.

How to apply

Apply online to the CAO (Central Applications Office) by 1 February 2027 - CAO restricted-application course

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry/21 years if part-time)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Learn more about undergraduate applications and access routes.

Got a question about this course?

Maynooth University Department of Music
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/music

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