Popular Music BMus(Hons)

About the course

Perfect for songwriters, singers, rappers, and producers wanting to make original music and develop a career in the fast-moving and exciting music industry, this course will help you build your skills in:

• Songwriting
• Performing as a solo artist or as part of a group
• Music production
• Music business

Whether you’re interested in electronica, pop, metal or something in between -or something completely new- you’ll learn everything you need to know to make fantastic music.

Throughout this course, you’ll write songs, perform live, record, produce and remix your music while also studying the history and culture of popular styles. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from, including individual instrumental or singing lessons, global music, film composition, live sound, music business and music education. By the final year, you’ll be putting together a portfolio of your music, ready to burst out onto the music scene as an adaptable music industry professional.

In our state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities, with access to rehearsal spaces, recording studios, concert venues and a huge selection of equipment and instruments, you can choose your own focus, develop your unique sound, and put industry-standard techniques to the test. You’ll also be able to attend masterclasses and workshops given by distinguished visiting performers and producers.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in both year-long and shorter placements, utilising our broad industry links to help boost your employability.

Why study Popular Music BMus(Hons)

We're ranked 27th in the world for Performing Arts QS World University Subject Rankings 2023. Plus, an impressive 90% of graduates from this course are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduating (Unistats 20/21 data, UK domiciled graduates).

You’ll be learning from the best in this course, too, as your teachers are professional songwriters, producers and performers who will help you promote your music within the industry.

Entry requirements

Entry is also possible for applicants who don’t hold standard UK qualifications.

Applicants will be invited to attend an Applicant Visit Day, at which you will have the opportunity to perform and be given feedback on your performance. You should have good technical ability and potential as a performer (roughly equivalent to the standard of grade 7-8 practical music making, where applicable).

International and mature applicants who don’t hold standard UK qualifications can provide a portfolio to demonstrate skills relevant to the course.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

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