A comparison of the University of Huddersfield and Liverpool Hope surveys Understanding the transition from school to university in music and related subjects

Which qualifications did you complete before you came to university? Similarities Both have a wide range of entry qualifications, largely A levels and BTEC Diplomas Students of Music and Music Technology all have different starting points Differences A small number of Liverpool Hope students had no formal music qualifications and had been accepted because of their performing experience.

Are there any aspects of the course that you have found difficult? Similarities Most made specific mention of course modules and both mentioned Analysis Music Technology Music Theory Differences Huddersfield students found essay writing skills difficult but Liverpool Hope students put essay writing at the top of their list. Over a quarter of Liverpool Hope students found Composition difficult, many more than the Huddersfield students.

Are there any aspects of the course that you feel particularly well-prepared for? Similarities Huddersfield Music – mostly performance Huddersfield Music Technology – mostly recording Liverpool Hope – mostly performance and recording Both ranked Composition high in the list No significant differences

Course choice Similarities Both put course content, particularly variety of modules, at the top of the list Similar numbers had been recommended or were attracted by the atmosphere of the respective departments. Differences No students had been drawn to Huddersfield by the town, but 21% of Liverpool Hope students had chosen their course because of the city. A large number of Huddersfield MT students mentioned the impressive facilities, but Liverpool Hope facilities were only mentioned by a small number.

Is the course what you expected it to be? Similarities Of those who wrote ‘No’, most expected more performance or practical and less theory. Differences Small numbers of Huddersfield students had not found the course to be as they expected in comparison with over half of the Liverpool Hope students.