The MA Popular Music course is designed for those interested in exploring all aspects of performance. This degree will develop your creative skills and theoretical understanding to an advanced level.
Our course offers you the opportunity to shape your learning through a series of modules that will enable you to integrate scholarly work with your personal experience as a musician. You will be taught by industry professionals, as well as highly respected academics, to ensure your studies remain current and relevant. Our modules consider current theoretical and practical debates in the subject area, and will guide you through the research methodologies required at Master's level. You will have the opportunity to negotiate the most effective approach to your subject, before carrying out an in-depth study of your specialism.
You will study at Creative Campus, Kingsway, which features multiple soundproof rehearsal rooms, state-of-the-art recording studios and Mac-based computer suites. All our facilities are equipped with professional equipment and are available to book throughout the year. Additionally, there is a large selection of loan equipment, including drum kits, guitar amplifiers, PA systems, and more, all available for you to reserve as part of your studies.
Our modules cover areas of research strategy, analysis, documentation and management, and will require you to engage with and develop your skills to an advanced level. The final phase of the MA will result in the production of a substantial piece of work – for example a large-scale performance, workshop, lecture or event.
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.
Contact time is 3-4 hours per week, and the workload is 40 hours per week. Assessment can take the form of performances, essays, practical presentations, lecture demonstrations, oral assessments, and the submission of portfolios of original music.
In addition to professional work as performing musicians, graduates have gained employment as education professionals, lecturing in further and higher education, as well as becoming peripatetic teachers for county music services and private schools.
The course requires students to work independently on large-scale projects, allowing them to define their unique position within the industry. Our PULSE week of visiting industry professionals provides an excellent networking opportunity for students developing their emerging career.
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 .
Honours Degree | 2:2 honours degree in any relevant discipline or an equivalent qualification |
Audition | Applicants will be required to attend and audition/interview |
IELTS | 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band) |
Honours Degree | 2:2 honours degree in any relevant discipline or an equivalent qualification |
Audition | Applicants will be required to attend and audition/interview |
£9,990 for a full-time course (2026/27)
The tuition fees for home students studying courses in 2026/27 are £9,990 per year.
£15,500 (2026/27)
The tuition fees for international students studying courses in 2026/27 are £15,500 per year.
