man playing drums on stage

Available with:

  • Foundation Year


Course Summary

Develop your talent as a musician and performer through the practical and theoretical study of popular music.

On this very practically based programme, you will also have the opportunity to develop extremely useful skills such as recording techniques, live PA mixing, songwriting and arranging – all essential for working in the music industry.

Our course provides a unique opportunity for you to excel in performance while developing a critical mind and becoming an intelligent, multi-skilled musician.

Popular musicians learn in different ways, so the course uses accelerated learning techniques to ensure that all students progress in areas of musicianship, making clear links between performance, context, theory and professional practice. The Department is committed to this holistic method of study, helping you to understand the value in what you are learning as you become confident, creative musicians. As a Department, we also have excellent links with industry professionals and visiting professors.

A group of music students performing on stage.

Music at the University of Chester


What you'll Study

Module content:

  • Reading and writing critically.
  • Constructing and evaluating an argument.
  • Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
  • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Introduction to reflective practice.
  • Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
  • Referencing and citation.
  • Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
  • Literature searching.
  • Report writing.
  • The culture and expectations of higher education.
  • The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
  • The nature of research journal publishing.

Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.


Module aims:

1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.

2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.

4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.  

Module content:

  • Research and planning skills.
  • Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
  • Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
  • Identifying areas of interest.
  • Application and development of critical analytical skills.
  • Development of self-directed study.
  • Use of learning resources.

Module aims:

1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.

2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.

3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.

4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.

5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.

Module content:

 

  • Introduction to semiotics and visual language
  • Emerging trends: environment and interiors
  • The birth and evolution of cinema
  • The human commodity: advertising, celebrity and reality television
  • Introduction to postmodernism and popular art
  • Photography as social commentary
  • The internet and digital spaces

 


Module aims:

1. To develop students' understanding of western civilization through an understanding of that civilization's visual texts.

2. To develop students' abilities to communicate orally, visually and through academic writing.

3. To develop students' interpretative abilities through the promotion of skills of visual interpretation.

 

 

Module content:

This module introduces students to the key concepts concerning performance techniques, skills application and the technical skills needed for progression to level 4. The module contains the following: 

  • Introduction to performance techniques
  • Introduction to the application of performance skills
  • Introduction to performance research and analysis
  • Introduction to performance and technology

Module aims:

  • To introduce students to a range of performance techniques.
  • To develop students understanding of performance skills and techniques
  • To introduce students to the expected requirements of a performer in the rehearsal process.
  • To present a performance that is informed by research.

Module content:

This module introduces students to the key concepts concerning production techniques, skills application and the technical skills needed for progression to level 4. The module contains the following: 

  • Introduction to production processes and procedures.
  • Introduction to production equipment and technologies.
  • Introduction to production, space, and place.
  • Apply production and technological skills to develop a production.

Module aims:

  • To develop students understanding of how to apply  production skills when working towards a production.
  • To develop students understanding of the production process and procedures.
  • To develop students understanding of production, space, place, and technology through discussion, research, and analysis.

Module content:

  • Introduction to the ways that narrative and stories are important in different cultures and contexts
  • Introduction to methods of interpreting narratives and stories
  • Introduction to key stories and narratives that have shaped cultures
  • Introduction to how stories and narratives can change or influence cultures
  • Introduction to how stories and narratives are constructed and reconstructed in the twenty-first century
  • Introduction to skills in reading texts

Module aims:

  1. To develop an awareness of a number of key narratives and stories that have influenced cultures
  2. To understand the various roles that narrative and story-telling have in different cultures and contexts
  3. To understand the ways that cultures construct meaning through narrative and story-telling
  4. To develop skills in reading and interpreting narratives and stories
  5. To develop skills in the close reading of texts

In Year 1, you will begin developing your knowledge of performance, popular music studies, music theory and music technology.

Module content:

This module serves as an introduction to the academic study of popular music.

Throughout this module, study skills will be embedded into the module at an appropriate level for undergraduate studies.

It will place popular music studies in the context of cultural studies and examine current theoretical approaches to the study of popular music.

The module examines questions of production, dissemination and consumption across a variety of styles and forms, along with providing a historical context for the development of popular music in the 20th Century.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To encourage a critical evaluation of popular music in context.
  • To engage in an investigation of culturally located popular-cultural musical forms and styles.
  • To examine the relation between performer and audience in  a variety of culturally specific contexts.
  • To introduce and explain the idea of a scholarly apparatus, its means and methods, and the ways in which it might be used and tested.
  • To describe a variety of means of expressing argument from draft to rehearsal, from essay to performance.

Module content:

Within this module the students will develop the basics of a range of skills important to being a musician. Key concepts that may be covered are: 

Playing music of different genres within the broad heading of Popular Music.

Listening Skills

Instrumental Technique

Performance Skills

Communication and rehearsal techniques


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To advance and diversify the student’s instrumental/vocal skills 
  • To develop the student’s understanding of the etiquette of playing with other musicians.
  • To encourage effective rehearsal and practise skills.
  • To enable the students to use musical skills to interpret and perform music of varied styles.
  • To develop the student’s basic understanding of the application of music theory in popular music practice.

Module content:

This module will introduce music theory, and the way in which we listen to and understand what we hear. It will help students to develop aural perception skill and ability to apply the fundamentals of music harmony. Lectures and seminars will enable students to understand the place of theory within popular music studies. In addition, the module will teach students how to transcribe music effectively.  

Key concepts that may be covered are:

  • Music theory
  • Chord construction
  • Harmonic progressions
  • Musical analysis
  • Aural perception
  • Transcription

Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To enable students to understand the place of theory within music
  • To introduce music analysis and the way in which we listen to, and understand, what we hear
  • To help students to understand, in the context of the popular styles of music that they are familiar with, the place of theory that they may have previously only associated with more traditional forms of music

Module content:

Students are guided in their development of professional practice on their instrument or voice in weekly tutorials. 

This will include content such as scales, arpeggios, chords, rudiments, technical exercises, improvisation, vocal harmonisation, grooves, and set repertoire.    


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:

  • To introduce the concept of studying and performing music at this level of study.
  • To develop the student's understanding of their instrument/voice.
  • To develop the student's technical ability
  • To enable the student to make appropriate decisions regarding the selection of repertoire in a range of musical contexts
  • To help students to understand the importance of practising regularly and efficiently.

Module content:

Within this module the students will develop further skills important to being a self sufficient music industry practitioner. 

Key aspects are:

Using digital recording technology.

Using P.A systems and other associated technology for music performance.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To enable the students to develop their understanding of PA technology
  • To enable students to record music for the purposes of publicity, composition and backing tracks
  • To encourage students to understand the importance of technology within live performance
  • To develop the students understanding of health and safety issues related to performing live music

In Year 2, you will further develop performance and theoretical skills, alongside exciting new options including the opportunity to go on tour.

Module content:

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

  • The multiple facets of Global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Theories and models Intercultural competence
  • Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
  • Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
  • Experiential learning models
  • Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

  • Enhanced independence
  • Improved command of multicultural behaviour
  • Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development
  • Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 


Module aims:

The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:

  • To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
  • To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
  • To increase students Global Citizenship skills
  • To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.

To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.

Module content:

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
  • Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

  • Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.


Module aims:

  1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
  2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
  3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
  4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
  5. To foster critical evaluation.

Module content:

This module allows students to spend several weeks working on one major project working in a professional, 'simulated real world' working environment. Students will plan, execute and evaluate their work for the selected context appropriate to the programme of study.

The experiences gained in this module are invaluable to those students who see themselves working in their chosen field in the future. The staff teaching on this module bring a wealth of professional experience which they use when supervising the project work of the students.

The exact role of each student will vary according to the project undertaken, (and often with outside agencies) under staff supervision or direction. All work created will be designed to emulate best professional practice.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To provide opportunities for students to engage with the processes necessary for the realisation of practice based work, drawing on and further developing skills gained in previous modules.
  • To approximate the demands of professional practice in making and delivering the work created, in order to prepare students for the greater autonomy expected at Level 6.
  • To enable students to contextualise their experiences in relation to current theoretical debates
  • To encourage students to consider longer term plans for their own career development as makers and producers of collaborative work in diverse contexts.

Module content:

Applied practice embraces a wide-range of performing arts practices in dance, drama and music that share a common purpose, to make a difference or change in peoples’ lives. Whether it is in education, a social or recreational setting or other community environment, the module develops the skills and strategies required to be able to facilitate and lead inclusive, participatory workshops and where appropriate, include a performative element to accompany a workshop with understanding and confidence.

Content will include theoretical frameworks within which to contextualise the practice by exploring and studying case studies, practitioners and their processes in the fields of education, participatory arts, therapy, and politics.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To examine the historical contexts of community based work and the defining and redefining of notions of community.
  • To enable the investigation of the work of a number of key community companies and practitioners.
  • To enable the development and practice of workshop facilitation and leadership.
  • To engender an understanding of the applications of performance forms and practices within diverse communities and cultures.
  • To facilitate an understanding of the client group needs.

Module content:

This module develops students’ awareness and appreciation of repertoire within Musical Theatre. 

It enables students to explore the cultural, social and historical significance of Musical Theatre in the history of 20th/21st century performance and to apply what they have learnt in a performance context.

In this very practically focussed module, students have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with one or more of the triple threat skills of Acting, Singing and Dancing. 


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:

  • To provide students with the essential technical and artistic skills required to develop as a performer in musical theatre
  • To reinforce students' understanding, awareness and appreciation of the different styles/genres and contexts in the world of musical theatre

Module content:

This module will provide students with an overview of the development of popular music in the 20th, and early 21st Centuries. 

It will introduce students to the main movements in the field, and to the critical and theoretical debates that have grown up around the study of popular music over the period.

Topics covered may include: the transition between popular musical forms (for example, between Jazz and Rock/Pop) and the historical/cultural the development of a discourse of;

  • authenticity in some forms of popular music;
  • popular music and ethnicity;
  • the reception of popular musical forms;
  • the mediation of popular musical forms;
  • the influence of new technologies on the development of the field.

The module will also contain information on the organisation of the music business, both as it relates to the development of various genres, but also as an object of study in its own right.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To provide students with a set of critical and analytical tools through which to study the history of popular music.
  • To develop the individual student’s critical awareness of the conventions of popular music.
  • To enable the student to contextualise a series of approaches to the practice of popular music.
  • To make students aware of the contexts in which they will be establishing careers in music
  • To make students aware of the roles and purposes of established organisations such as, for example; MU, PRS, MCPS and PPL.

Module content:

In this module students will consider philosophical, theoretical and practical approaches to improvising.  

A range of genres and contexts for Improvisation will be covered in which a variety of approaches and techniques will be introduced, such as; 12-bar blues, modal soloing, soloing over chord changes, II-V-I progressions, extended and altered harmony, call and response, imitation and chromatic approach tones.  

Performance Skills, Listening and Analytical Skills will be developed during the second part of the module with an enhanced focus on improved Communication and Rehearsal Techniques.

Students will also develop a high degree of stylistic accuracy in their performances as well as developing their interpretative sensibilities.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To enable the students to develop advanced listening and analytical skills
  • To encourage students to successfully use musical skills to interpret, improvise and perform music of varied styles
  • To enable the students to develop advanced skills for performance
  • To introduce students to a range of different styles and genres of popular music
  • To enable the students to develop an advanced understanding of the etiquette of playing with other musicians

Module content:

This module will introduce students to a range of compositional techniques associated with a variety of music styles and genres. Students will analyse different genres and examine composition within its historical context. 

In addition, lectures will challenge mainstream views of what is generally considered to be “popular” music and encourage students to intelligently utilise a wide range of compositional techniques within their own writing.

Key areas covered include; writing lyrics, musical structures; arranging, as well as other compositional elements.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To introduce the students to a range of compositional techniques associated with a variety of popular music styles and genres.
  • To analyse different styles of musical writing with the students and contextualise them in practice.
  • To examine composition in its historical context, looking at how song writing has developed mainly but not exclusively within the context of popular music.
  • To challenge mainstream views of what is generally considered to be "popular" music, and in turn encourage students to intelligently utilise a wide range of compositional techniques within their own writing.

Module content:

Within this module, students' will be guided in their development of a professional regime of practice on their instrument or voice. 

In this module new content and higher level skills will be developed in relation to scales, arpeggios, chords, rudiments, technical exercises, improvisation, vocal harmonisation, grooves, and set repertoire.

Students' will also be able to choose their own repertoire for solo performance. There is an additional series of masterclasses that focuses on performance skills and professional practice.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To advance the student's understanding of their instrument/voice.
  • To further develop the student's technical ability
  • To enable the student to analyse their decisions regarding their selection of repertoire in a range of musical contexts
  • To refine the student's already established practice regime.
  • To encourage the development of a performance presence in each performer

Module content:

Using music technology, whether in a live or recording scenario, needs to be approached in a sensitive and musical way. This module is designed to not only give students a range of knowledge about equipment, but to ensure that they are able to use this in real situations in a supportive and professional manner.

Within the module the students will develop skills gained in PA4413 Music Technology. They will be covering theory and practice needed to be confident when working as both technician and engineer within live and recording music situations.

Key aspects are:

Live P.A: Working with digital desks, advanced effects (e.g gates and compressors
etc), advanced mixing techniques, complex set ups including lighting and lighting desks

Recording: Advanced recording techniques, production and mastering


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To enable the students to further develop their understanding of PA technology
  • To enable students to operate digital mixing desks for sound and lighting
  • To encourage a greater understanding of mixing music both in live and recording scenarios
  • To develop the students ability to produce high quality live and recorded music with high quality production values.

Module content:

Pre-placement:

  • Structured approaches to researching, selecting and securing a suitable work placement relevant to the student’s interests and career aspirations*.
  • Writing an effective CV. Constructing a letter of application.*
  • Interview skills.*

 *Note: Students are required to undertake these pre-placement tasks during term 1 level 5, as part of the placement acquisition process and will be supported by the Work Based Learning team and the Careers and Employability department.

 Induction Programme and Placement:

  • The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the placement organisation’s aims, structure, culture.
  • Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; positive attitude, resilience, building rapport).
  • Devising a strategy for integrating into the workplace and work based teams
  • Completion of online assignment tasks covering sourcing and obtaining placement; health and safety procedures in general; general workplace integrity; placement requirements. 

During and post-placement: Learning effectively in and from the workplace:- 

  • Devising and implementing strategies to improve own approach and performance
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of approach to skill development and performance in the workplace;
  • Influencing the Placement Provider’s appraisal;
  • Devising an action plan to develop gaps in transferable skills based on the placement experiences;

Module aims:

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment through engagement with a University approved work placement**, which will enable them to:

  • Develop their understanding of workplace practice and lifelong learning;
  • Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through development of transferable skills;
  • Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills;
  • Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.

In Year 3, alongside performance, you will focus on professional and graduate skills through modules such as songwriting, session musicianship, professional practice and independent research projects.

Module content:

This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study. Students at this point in their studies are often very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module helps them to gain 'graduate trajectory' to enable them to better move into their chosen profession as seamlessly as possible when they have finished their studies.  

After the initial lectures, students decide on the content of their module, and pitch this to staff by way of project proposals. Students then receive tutorial support throughout the year and agree the form that their assessment will take. Students are encouraged to work with others, often across subject areas where this works for the project.

This exciting project helps to promote the ideas of student independence, project management and professional practice.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To promote the development of personal discourse and its practice
  • To promote the underpinning of practice by a strong theoretical framework
  • To enable the emulation of professional practice in taking responsibility for small scale projects from conception to realisation.

Module content:

This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study. Students at this point in their studies are often very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module helps them to gain 'graduate trajectory' to enable them to better move into their chosen profession as seamlessly as possible when they have finished their studies.  

After the initial lectures, students decide on the content of their module, and pitch this to staff by way of project proposals. Students then receive tutorial support throughout the year and agree the form that their assessment will take. Students are encouraged to work with others, often across subject areas where this works for the project.

This exciting project helps to promote the ideas of student independence, project management and professional practice.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To promote the development of personal discourse and its practice
  • To promote the underpinning of practice with a strong theoretical framework
  • To enable the emulation of professional practice in taking responsibility for small scale projects from conception to realisation.

Module content:

This module gives the student the opportunity to research in depth and write at length about a topic/author of their own choice, working with a supervisor from their own discipline.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:

 

• To enable the student to identify and independently pursue a suitable research topic derived from the content of their programme of study;
• To encourage the student to apply appropriate research methods and critical/ theoretical perspectives;
• To provide the opportunity for the student to develop skills in critical thinking and communication;
• To prepare students for postgraduate research and/or develop research-related transferrable skills, and increase their confidence in working autonomously.

Module content:

This module creates the opportunity for students to reflect on their existing skillset and hone their professional competencies and skills in readiness for careers in the creative industries.  

Students will consider how best to promote themselves, developing an employability portfolio most appropriate to their career trajectory. Students will develop an understanding of local, national and international job markets and opportunities for entrepreneurial activity to give students practice in self-promotion, in targeting and networking with relevant employers and understanding the freelance world. 

Students will engage with a range of tasks to develop the content of their portfolio and explore opportunities and career prospects within their chosen industry. Indicative content will include:

  • Developing websites 
  • Profile creation and use of social media 
  • Writing and developing curriculum vitae and cover letters
  • Producing audio/-visual content 
  • Skills assessment

Module aims:

The aims of the module are: 

  • To enable students to market themselves effectively in the competitive creative industries
  • To develop students' knowledge of professional fields of practice within and outside of the creative and cultural industries where their abilities, skills and knowledge may be relevant;
  • To promote the importance of networking in the creative industries
  • To develop students' appreciation of the transferability of their accumulated knowledge, experience and skills;

Module content:

The module focusses on a theoretical exploration of the national curriculum, and pivots around key documents and policy initiatives that students can then use when going on to further study or teacher training such as PGCE or QTS. It is designed to give students a good level of knowledge with regard to teaching in schools and colleges, with a view to them pursuing teaching as a career.

The module will examine the impact of key policies on creative subjects, such as the revised primary and secondary curriculum, the introduction of the English Baccalaureate, GCSE reforms, the STEM and STEAM Agenda and Funding for Schools. It should be noted that the module will engage with new and emerging policies as and when relevant.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:  

  • To provide students with a theoretical perspective of the National Curriculum (historical and present-day)
  • To provide students with an overview of the creative agenda 
  • To offer students the opportunity to examine key policy documents and initiatives, as relevant to the creative agenda
  • To enable students to debate the on-going articulation of creativity, within a solid and secure theoretical framework

Module content:

This module will provide students with a detailed, theoretically informed vocabulary with which to analyse the development of popular music in performance in the time period covered in Popular music: genres and contexts. 

Students are required to consider the nature of the performed musical event; to analyse the evolution of generic performance languages; to assess the role of the audience in shaping the performance event; to examine the development of a musician’s performance persona; to analyse the impact of video technology in the field, and to assess its use by musicians in the creation of generic identities; and to incorporate their understanding in a wider theoretical context, informed both by current theoretical work in the fields of performing arts, cultural studies, and popular music studies.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To provide students with a set of critical and analytical tools through which to study the performed event
  • To develop the individual student’s critical awareness of the conventions of contemporary popular music in performance.
  • To enable the student to contextualise a series of contemporary approaches to popular music in performance.

Module content:

Students will experience staff and student led seminars exploring compositional practice, reflection and analysis which will feed into their own work. 

This will include discussions on students’ work-in-progress and feedback will be given from staff and peers on this process.

Tutorial support is offered through the module but most importantly approaching submission of the portfolio and feedback given on compositional drafts. 

Students submit a proposal in the first few weeks of the module outlining the content of their portfolios.  Formative feedback is given on this.  


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To enable the student to identify and independently pursue a suitable research area and to assimilate this within their own portfolio of work.
  • To encourage the student to apply appropriate methods and theories within their own writing style.
  • To provide the opportunity for the student to undertake a substantial body of musical composition within an area of specific interest to them.

Module content:

This module will concentrate on the skills needed to become a working musician, either in recording or live session work. Key areas covered will be; live sessions and recording sessions in a simulated real session environment. 

Students will work individually and in groups of varying sizes and combinations of musicians. A wide range of musical styles will be covered.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To acclimatise students to the environment and fashion in which session musicians work.
  • To enable students to learn to adapt to many different styles of music and working in pressurised situations.
  • To help students to understand the reality of life as a working session musician.

Module content:

Within this module students be guided in their development of a professional regime of practice on their instrument or voice in a series of masterclasses.

The lecture series is focussed on the development of an advanced performative and professional self-awareness needed when working in the music industry.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To facilitate a clear and advanced understanding of professional standards both on and off stage
  • To enhance the students' understanding of their instrument/voice and its uses in a variety of different musical contexts
  • To enable the student to analyse their decisions regarding their selection of repertoire in a range of musical contexts
  • To refine the students' already established practice regime

Who you'll Learn from

Dr Ruth Dockwray

Associate Professor
Dr Ruth Dockwray

Kristian Rozells

Programme Leader in MA Popular Music
Kristian Rozells

Jim Mason

Programme Leader for BA Music Production and Co-Programme Leader for BA Music Production & Performance
Jim Mason

Associate Professor Ben Broughton

Head of Communications, Screen and Performance
Associate Professor Ben Broughton

How you'll Learn

Sessions are delivered via lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials in lecture theatres, and performance spaces, which are equipped with professional gear.

You will submit a variety of work for summative assessment, including solo and group performances, presentations, recordings, composition portfolios and written essays.

Beyond the Classroom

As part of your studies you may take our Work Based Learning module, where you will be fully supported in securing a work placement. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience.

Alternatively, take our Experiential Learning module, where you may have the option of organising, managing, promoting, rehearsing and performing on your own mini tour.

 

 

Entry Requirements

104 UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

104 points

GCE A Level

Typical offer – CCC-BCC

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM

International Baccalaureate

26 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H4 H4

Scottish Highers - BBBB

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

Pass (C or above on the core)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: DMM

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. We accept the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma.

Applicants will be required to attend an audition.

ABRSM Grade 8 or equivalent on your instrument (or voice), and the ability to read music, would be preferred. Do not let this put you off applying; reading music is not essential and if you don't have grade 8 we will probably still offer you an audition.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry requirements, or who have non-standard qualifications and relevant music experience, are encouraged to apply and will be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate ability through their audition.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72 UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A Level

72 points overall, including grade D at A level

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers -  H4 H4 H4 H4 H4

Scottish Highers - CCDD

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall

T Level

Pass (D or E on the core)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.  We also accept the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma.

Applicants will be invited to audition.  

ABRSM Grade 8 or equivalent on your instrument (or voice), and the ability to read music, would be preferred. Do not let this put you off applying; reading music is not essential and if you don't have grade 8 we will probably still offer you an audition.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

Where you'll Study Creative Campus, Kingsway, Chester

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

£13,950 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Course specific additional costs

You will be expected to pay for travel to concerts and gigs that will be organised as part of course requirements.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

 

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Our course develops skills that equip you for a portfolio career as well as other professions; self-discipline; research and analytical skills; organisation and time management; communication skills; drive and motivation; and working independently and collaboratively. Graduate jobs you may go into include: musician; songwriter, music promotions manager; sound engineer; music teacher; or events organiser.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.