About this course
BA Music (Popular Music) is a variant of the BA Music programme. So you’ll share the same modules as other BA Music students. But when it comes to options within modules, you’ll focus on popular music.
To thrive in today’s popular music culture, you’ll need a mix of musical and technical skills. And to be able to work confidently with others across professional contexts. You'll study a range of technical skills to help you realise your best work. Project management, and rehearsal techniques. Music theory and lyric analysis. Fluency with key pieces of music software. Research skills, and social media skills for promoting your work. As well as festival programming.
You'll receive training in the critical and contextual dimensions of music. Working with expert staff to explore and challenge received wisdom about the value, status and significance of music in our society. Your practical work will culminate in a large-scale project: a stepping stone into your career.
And you can tap into our partnerships with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) and Opera North. RPO hold masterclasses and offer career advice. As well as ensemble coaching, one-to-one tuition, and work experience.
Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.
How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.