Popular Music BA (Hons)

• Overview

  Our Popular Music course will help you to develop your musical creativity, critical analysis and recording skills, giving you the opportunity to become a fully equipped musician for the 21st century.

  We will give you all the skills you need to become a creative music practitioner, helping you to understand how to work in a range of areas in the music and media industry, as well as the teaching profession and other related areas.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  Course

  Highlights

  • Accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES)
  • Work placements in the industry
  • Learn new instruments for free
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.*
  • Dedicated record label
  • Innovative and exciting performances in a variety of venues
  • Taught by industry professionals
  • Opportunity to have your work professionally mixed and mastered for release
  • Specialised extra-curricular masterclasses for music production, Choir and instrumental and jazz performances

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Apply Now Open Days

  
• Course Details

  Our degree in Popular Music equips you with the skills your need to compose, record and produce music. You will graduate with a 360° view of the music industry, your place within it and how you can move forward from here. The course follows three strands:

  • Performing and Composing
  • Recording and Producing
  • Thinking and Writing

  When you graduate you will be more than a performer and engineer, you will understand why music is important culturally and economically and understand how the music industry fits together. With the changes to music distribution and marketing that have taken place over the past ten years, musicians need to be a part of this change rather than pursuing old ideas of labels and deals.

  Partnerships and Accreditation

  This course is accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES).

  The Popular Music course at the University offers students incredible opportunities to succeed after graduation. This stems from the support and guidance of academics, who have worked with global icons and international artists within the music industry.

  To find out more about this innovative course please watch this brief video:

  Our choir perform the Requiem Macabre
  The BA Popular Music Chamber Choir from the University of Northampton recently presented a programme of classical music with a dark postmodern edge. Including music by Saint-Saens, Grieg, Mozart, Delibes, Puccini and Gounod.

  Changing Futures Week

  Our annual Changing Futures Week is an exciting event and an excellent opportunity for our students to explore the potential of their course and understand where their university experience can lead them beyond graduation. It offers a unique chance to network with high profile industry professionals from the arts, TV, film, fashion and more.

  Methods of Learning

  You will be taught through, small group lectures, seminars, tutorials, online tutorials, workshops, independent and group study, one-to-one supervisions.

  Assessments

  Assessment includes practical project work, seminar presentations, essays, and examinations. All performance assessments take place in a public venue in Northampton in front of a live audience.

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Industry Equipment

  Your teaching will take place at Waterside Campus, specifically our newly renovated Development Hub.

  In our recording studio, our mixing console is an Audient ASP8024 DLC with full patchbay. This truly analogue desk with an embedded computer control surface sounds fantastic and introduces you to recording as quickly as possible.

  Within six weeks we expect you to start using the recording studio to capture your music in a format that you can then use to promote yourself.

  The software we use includes ProTools HDX, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live 10. Check out Facilities and Special Features for more information.

• Careers and Events
  • The Northampton Employment Promise.

    *We promise to secure paid experience for you, if you need it.

    We work with employers to understand what they’re looking for and we’re confident that if you follow one of our structured awards, as well as committing to your studies you’ll be in a competitive position when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.

    We’re so confident, that we promise to secure a paid 3-6 month internship for you, if you need it. Find out more about the Northampton Employment Promise, including how it works and who is eligible.

    
  • Open Day

    See for yourself

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying at The University of Northampton.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    This course is an excellent foundation for careers in all parts of the music industry including: musician, performer, producer, songwriter, artist liaison and more.

    
  • Research

    We are committed to delivering outstanding research that makes a difference to society. Our Research Institutes and Centres work closely with external partner organisations, locally, nationally and internationally. We produce internationally renowned and relevant research and disseminate knowledge on an international scale.

    Visit our Research Hub page for more information.

    
• Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer is BCC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC. All qualified applicants will be invited for interview. We welcome international applications and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  Foundation Study Framework Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation programme is normally DEE at A-Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.

   

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Contacts

  Course Enquiries

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3
  • Foundation

  Students must take the compulsory modules.

  • DAW 1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS1124

    Core Module Y
  • Popular Music Studies 1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS1125

    Core Module Y
  • Performance 1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS1127

    Core Module Y
  • The Recording Studio (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS1128

    Core Module Y
  • Cultural Theory 1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS1129

    Core Module Y
  • Composition and Theory 1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS1130

    Core Module Y

  Students must take six designated modules totalling 120 credits.

  • Digital Audio Workstation 2 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS2124

    Core Module N
  • How Music Works (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS2140

    Core Module N
  • Performance 2 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS2127

    Core Module N
  • The Creative Practitioner (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS2141

    Core Module N
  • Performance with Technology (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS2132

    Core Module N
  • Composition and Theory 2 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS2130

    Core Module N
  • Cultural Theory 2 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS2129

    Core Module N

  Students must take MUS4121 or MUS4125 plus four designated modules.

  • Professional Project 40 (40 Credits)
    Module code: MUS4121

    Core Module N
  • Popular Music Dissertation (40 Credits)
    Module code: MUS4125

    Core Module N
  • Pop and the State (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS3125

    Core Module N
  • The Philosophy of Music (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS3135

    Core Module N
  • Music and Sound Design for Media (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS3127

    Core Module N
  • Performance 3 (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS3128

    Core Module N
  • The Record Label (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS3121

    Core Module N
  • Advanced Recording and Production (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUSC3129

    Core Module N
  • Music Education (20 Credits)
    Module code: MUS3130

    Core Module N

  • Investigations into your Subject Area 1: Arts (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN010

    Core Module Y
  • Investigations into your Subject Area 2: Arts (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN013

    Core Module Y
  • Investigation into your Subject Area 3: Changemaking (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN016

    Core Module Y

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  Your teaching will take place at Waterside Campus, specifically the newly renovated Development Hub.

  Specialist facilities include

  • Two Mac Suites: running Logic Pro X, Ableton 10, Native Instruments Komplete 12, Pro Tools SoundToys bundle, Arturia V studio, Universal Audio Ultimate, Spitfire Audio Hybrid, Steven Slate Drums
  • Two recording studios: running Pro Tools and Audient 8024 mixing console, Neve 1073LB preamps, SSL VHD preamps, Apollo 8P, Apollo Satellite Octo, Rupert Neve Designs 5043
  • Microphones: U87 condensors, AKG414s, Telefunken FET M60s, AKG 451s, Radial DI boxes, Radial SGI and re-amp boxes, and a full range of other industry mics
  • Hardware synthesisers such as Arturia DrumBrute, Novation Circuits, Roland TB303, Behringer Deepmind 12, Roland Juno DS, Novation Bass Stations, Ableton controllers – Launchkey 49s, Launcontrol XLs, Launchpad Mark 1 and Mark 2.
  • Three fully kitted rehearsal rooms.
  • Live performance hardware such as Vox amps, Marshall MG 4×12 amps, Orange Crush Pro amps, Peavey Amps, Ampeg PF500 Bass amplifiers, Yamaha Stage Custom kits, Gretsch Drum Kit, Studio AAX, full PA, three rehearsal rooms.
  • Two grand pianos – Beckstein Boudoir Grand, Steinway Studio B, two Yamaha upright pianos.
  • The BA Popular Music course is supported by a fully ProTools HD enabled recording studio. Students also have access to three digital audio workstation suites and two live rehearsal rooms.

  Special course features include

  • introducing you to a critical engagement with popular music
  • fostering musicianship and studio craft
  • developing performance skills
  • exploring the music industry in the digital age
  • fully equipped recording studios
  • full access to a range of instruments and free tuition on an instrument you don’t play

  Industry expertise

  Tony Platt is the recording studio tutor at the University of Northampton.

  During his career, Tony has worked as a sound engineer and record producer for a diverse mix of artists, ranging from Johnny Cash to AC/DC.

  Tony has been involved within music production since the early 1970s, predominantly within the world of rock. However, his personal discography is impressive working with musical idols such as Bob Marley within his early years, and the likes of Two Tone Club in more recent times.

  Tony is also the Managing Director of the prestigious Music Producers Guild Awards held in London as well as member of the steering group for the APRS/MPG education initiative JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) whilst still undertaking lecturing at the University.

  His depth of knowledge and understanding within music production are vital for students to gain a key understanding of the industry and how to succeed in an extremely competitive environment.

  We are privileged to have Tony’s name associated with the university and are sure he will inspire a new generation of music students in the future.

  Find out more about Tony’s biography and discography.

• Further Studies
  • Postgraduate Opportunities

    Further your study

    Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

    
  • Changing Futures Week

    Industry trips and tricks

    Changing Futures is a five-day, University wide showcase of activities and industry speakers to help students explore skills and activities to develop their academic and personal lives.

    
  • Business and Enterprise

    We are committed to supporting and encouraging business growth and we are involved in a variety of initiatives which seek to benefit the wider community as well as students and staff of the University.

    Discover what businesses we work with and what opportunities may be available to you on our Business and Enterprise pages.

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  Foundation: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Additional Costs

  • 1TB portable hard drive (approximately £50)
  • a good pair of closed back headphones (approximately £60-100)
  • core texts for first year modules:Bennett et al. The Popular Music Studies Reader – £28.99
  • John Storey, Cultural Theory and Popular Culture:  An Introduction – £27.99
  • consumables for individual instruments (jack leads, capos, plectrums, drum skins, drum sticks, reeds, strings etc.)
  • USB Flash drives (data sticks) for submitting coursework (£10-20 for two)
  • £50 towards travel costs across three years

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module
  Foundation: £6,600 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900
  International Foundation Fee: £12,900

  For information on the scholarships available to you as an international student, please see our International scholarships page.

  Additional Costs

  • 1TB portable hard drive (approximately £50)
  • a good pair of closed back headphones (approximately £60-100)
  • core texts for first year modules:Bennett et al. The Popular Music Studies Reader – £28.99
  • John Storey, Cultural Theory and Popular Culture:  An Introduction – £27.99
  • consumables for individual instruments (jack leads, capos, plectrums, drum skins, drum sticks, reeds, strings etc.)
  • USB Flash drives (data sticks) for submitting coursework (£10-20 for two)
  • £50 towards travel costs across three years

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500
  International Foundation Fee: £9,800

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  Sir Thomas White Scholarship

  The Sir Thomas White scholarship will support and acknowledge an academically gifted student, with the proviso that the selection panel is confident that there is…

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

  Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

• Foundation

  Course information

  The Foundation Study Framework offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for Popular Music we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Popular Music programme which includes a Foundation Study Framework Year. The Foundation Study Framework will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

   

  Course Structure

  In your first year of study on the four year Popular Music you will study three 40 credit modules that form the Foundation Study Framework. These are:

  Investigations into your subject 1 – Academic & Investigation skills.

  Introduces the concept of research and provides the tools of how to do it, with short assessment tasks involving identifying resources and describing how they would be used.

   

  Investigations into your Subject 2 – Employability and Professional Context. Provides a framework and opportunity to start relating research to own practice and employability – making connections.

   

  Investigations into your Subject 3: Changemaking, Introduction to Social Innovation.

  Focuses specifically on the generation and development of ideas around our social development aspirations.

   

   

  Upon successful completion of these modules, you will progress to Stage two Popular Music.

  Typical timetabled week of study

  Foundation Study Framework teaching will be a combination of lectures, seminars and/or workshop based sessions. Each module involves a teaching contact time of 12 hours per week and you are also expected to engage in approximately 12 hours of independent study, to support your learning experience.

  Foundation study will help you to build a solid understanding of the study skills and general theoretical and practical aspects that will underpin Popular Music. Throughout all stages of your programme you will also be supported by a Personal Academic Tutor, to guide you through the learning experience and help you make informed study choices.

  Foundation study will enable you to acquire the necessary study skills to succeed in higher education, as well as developing your understanding of key subject concepts delivered through taught sessions, tutorials and online support.

   

  Visit our Foundation Framework page to learn more.

  Read more

*Course data provided by Unistats