QUALIFICATIONS for a new degree at Newcastle University might include growing a beard, buying a sensible woolly jumper and drinking real ale.

The university has launched a new degree in folk and traditional music, the first of its kind to be offered by an English university.

The department of music has brought together an acclaimed team of folk virtuosos to help teach the four-year course.

Mainly concentrating on performing, the course will also take an academic look at folk musicians from all over the world and their songs.

The university has turned to Folkworks, a Newcastle-based group dedicated to the promotion of folk music, to help put the degree programme together.

University bosses say the academic part of the course focuses on "the folk and traditional music and song of Britain and Eire, set in the context of Europe and the rest of the world". They add: "It is structured to provide a range of skills and background knowledge, challenging students to think about the music and its historical and social context, and to stress traditional music's place in contemporary culture."

Head of the music department, Professor Richard Middleton, said: "Folk music is about a lot more than the Spinners.

"The man in the street tends to think it's about beery, and often bearded, blokes in pubs wearing Arran sweaters. This is really out of date.

"We hope this cause will dispel a few of the myths and bring folk music more into the mainstream."

Competition for places is expected to be hot, with just 25 places up for grabs for entry in 2001. Students are expected to be have achieved Grade VIII on their chosen instrument before they'll be considered for the degree