Popular Music Birmingham City University

Overview

The Popular Music BA (Hons) degree at Birmingham City University is meticulously crafted to provide students with the essential training and skills required for a multitude of careers within the vibrant music industry. This course enables students to gain a deep understanding of the global commercial music sector, encompassing musical output and techniques. Throughout the programme, students will enhance their creativity, professionalism, and practical musicianship, ensuring they are well-prepared for graduate employment. This full-time three-year Honours degree is structured to develop both practical and transferable skills, making graduates industry-ready. The course is underpinned by academic rigour and contextual understanding, essential for high-level study. Students will benefit from a holistic approach to musical education, allowing them to explore various disciplines within the field. Awarded by Birmingham City University, the Popular Music programme boasts experienced faculty and exceptional resources. Students will have access to three state-of-the-art recording studios, seven rehearsal rooms, two sequencing suites, and a 600-capacity working venue, all located on-site. This environment fosters exciting and creative opportunities, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education in music. The curriculum allows students to specialise in key areas such as performance, music technology, live sound, or composition. Every student will develop a broad skill set necessary for success in the music profession. Assessments are diverse and innovative, often reflecting real industry practices. Students will delve into the theory, broader contexts, and contemporary issues surrounding the global music industry, with regular visits from industry experts and artists enriching their learning experience.

Why Popular Music at Birmingham City University?

Birmingham City University is renowned for its commitment to practice-based learning and has a strong focus on employability. The university's advanced facilities, including a 440-seat auditorium and specialist recording studios, provide students with a professional environment from the outset. The course is designed to prepare students for various roles within the music industry, with an emphasis on collaboration with current industry professionals and opportunities for relevant commercial placements.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the Popular Music BA (Hons) programme are set at £9,535 per year for both domestic and international students. This fee applies to the first year of study, and the university reserves the right to adjust fees for subsequent years in line with inflation or changes in government funding policies. Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The course syllabus is structured over three years, with a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of music. Key modules include:

• Year One:
  • MAST (MIDI, Audio, Studio Techniques)
  • Working Live
  • Contextual Study in Action
  • The Music Industry
  • Technical Development
  • Creative Portfolio
• Year Two:
  • Production Cycle
  • Music Business and Personal Development
  • Technical Development 2
  • Music Critique and Analysis
  • Promoted Showcase/Product
• Year Three:
  • Music as Art
  • Advanced Techniques for Emerging Artists
  • International Music Business Realisation
  • Major Project

Students will learn through a combination of workshops, lectures, recording sessions, seminars, and tutorials. Regular one-to-one instrumental sessions with highly qualified specialists will further enhance their learning experience. The course encourages collaboration, allowing students to explore their artistic identities while gaining insights into the contemporary music industry.

Careers with Popular Music

Graduates from the Popular Music BA (Hons) programme will find themselves well-equipped for a diverse range of career opportunities. Alumni have successfully secured positions with notable organisations such as BBC Radio 1/1Xtra, BBC Introducing, and Sydney Opera House, among others. Potential career paths include studio engineer, live sound engineer, stage manager, session musician, and media music composer. The transferable skills developed during the course also open doors to graduate placements in education, finance, and public services, showcasing the versatility of a degree in Popular Music.