This degree combines Music with the study of Portuguese, the most widely spoken language in the southern hemisphere. The political importance of countries like Angola and Brazil means that Portuguese speakers are increasingly in demand. The course offers an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges and a range of options that will allow you to pursue your own interests.
Music offers a broad range of units in musicology, composition and performance across diverse styles and genres. These are complemented by weekly concerts, regular masterclasses and performances in the department, and opportunities to get involved in the dynamic music scene in the city of Bristol. The department has a track record of international academic excellence and is exceptionally friendly and welcoming, with several of the staff running ensembles and performing with students.
You will follow a structured language course in Portuguese, as well as explore the rich literature, cinema, history, thought, politics, and visual culture of Portuguese-speaking countries and communities. You will spend your third year abroad in a Portuguese-speaking environment, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge.
Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, as well as stimulating performance opportunities in music, resulting in a vibrant learning environment as staff respond to new research in their teaching.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.
Our course will ensure you practise a range of skills, which will make you attractive to future employers in the globalised workplace and in the sector of your choice.
Portuguese can be studied from beginners' level only. As a modern languages student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art Multimedia Centre. You can also access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers, and talent shows.
Music teaching and music-making take place in the magnificent 19th-century Victoria Rooms, a familiar Bristol landmark with a 530-seat auditorium, a recital room, extensive studio facilities and a suite of practice rooms. Several organ and choral scholarships are available with our local churches and with Bristol Cathedral.
