Overview

The Music and Culture programme at University of California, Riverside provides students with a comprehensive scholarly and critical framework for studying music through the lenses of research, interpretation, and criticism. This degree emphasises historical and ethnographic methodologies to understand how music functions as a vital cultural expression. By integrating academic study with performance, the curriculum explores the complex connections between musical traditions and broader social contexts.

Why Music and Culture at University of California, Riverside?

Choosing this major allows students to engage with music from a predominantly analytical perspective within the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Unlike many performance-heavy degrees, this track does not require an audition for entry, making it accessible to those focused on the intellectual and social impact of the arts. The university provides a diverse environment where students can participate in unique ensembles, such as Javanese Gamelan, Taiko, and Mariachi, to ground their theoretical studies in practical experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 52536 per year
National fee: USD 52536 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to balance academic inquiry with diverse performance opportunities. Modules may include:

Music and Culture
Musicology
Ethnographic Approaches to Music
Music and Dance Performance
Historical Music Analysis
Cultural Research and Interpretation
Interdisciplinary Performance Studies

Careers with Music and Culture

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for diverse professional paths that require strong analytical, research, and communication skills. Many students pursue careers in arts administration, cultural consultancy, or music journalism. The degree also provides a robust foundation for those looking to enter postgraduate study in musicology, ethnomusicology, or cultural heritage management. By understanding the social role of music, alumni can work effectively in community arts organisations and global cultural institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music and Culture

World Music

Popular Music Cultures of the United States

Popular Musics of the World

History of Western Music: Middle Ages to 1700

Opera

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Riverside, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Music Musicology View 2679 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

You must have a GPA of 3.0 or better (3.4 for nonresidents) in the A-G courses, with no grade below a C.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You will need your:

Test scores

Annual income (optional)

Social Security number (if you have one)

Citizenship status

Statewide student ID (optional)

Credit card (or check)

Order Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to be sent.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Out-of-State

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Riverside

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music and Culture.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Riverside

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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