Senior Lecturer in Popular Music
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology
Popular Music BA (Hons)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Get in touch with us as we may be able to offer you a place for September 2024 through Clearing.
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Key Facts
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UCAS Code
BA: W340
BA with Foundation: W341 -
Level
UndergraduateUG BA (Hons)
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Duration
Full Time: 3 years
Full Time Foundation: 4 years
Part Time: 4 - 6 years
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Starting
September
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BCC at A-Level or,
DMM at BTEC -
Full Time: £9,250
Part Time: £1,540 (per 20 credits)
Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 -
Full Time: £15,200
Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200 -
Development Hub (Waterside)
Updated 23/09/2024
Updated 23/09/2024
Get in touch
For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:
UK/EU STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
The Popular Music BA (Hons) course at the University of Northampton is designed and run to invest you with a variety of skills, knowledge and experience. When you graduate, you’ll have the know-how to navigate an ever evolving 21st Century music industry.
You’ll have the skills for wider employment, including in the teaching profession and further study should this be something you wish to pursue.
This course is Industry Accredited by JAMES representing APRS, MPG and associate industry bodies. Accreditation of a course by relevant industry bodies provides assurance to students and employers of its potential and value.
Ask a staff member. Senior lecturer in popular music, Tim Smart, is now available on Unibuddy to answer any questions you may have about this course.
Highlights
- Opportunities to perform live on stage, including at Northampton Music Festival and Open Mic Nights
- Learning to use a professional grade recording studio
- Accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES)
- Introduction to a network of music businesses
- One-to-one instrument/vocal coaching sessions (on your main instrument in year 1)
- Innovative and exciting performances in a variety of venues
- Taught by industry professionals and highly trained academics
- Specialised guest lectures and masterclasses for popular music and composition
- Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.*
- HP Laptop and software included with this course. Terms and Conditions apply
Student sitting at a desk in a UON music studio in front of various pieces of music production equipment.
A student uses the sound desk in the University of Northampton music suite.
Photo shows a student seated at a production desk in a UON music studio
A student adjusts controls on a rack of audio equipment in a UON music production suite.
A student adjusts a drum while holding a drumstick.
A student adjusts drum equipment in a UON recording studio.
Seminar group in a UON music studio
Student with an acoustic guitar in a UON music studio.
Entry Requirements
A typical offer for Popular Music is:
- BCC at A-Level or,
- DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Pass (C and above) at T Level
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
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.
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Admission to this foundation programme is normally:
- DEE at A-Level or,
- MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Pass (D or E) at T Level
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
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.
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Once your application has been reviewed, you may be invited to attend an interview with us.
Prior to your interview, you will be required to send in a video of yourself, which will serve as your audition. The video should be footage of you performing on your strongest instrument – this can include playing an instrument or signing, live or produced etc. We’ll review your video during your interview.
We interview will include a one-to-one chat with a member of the programme team, and it will be your chance to ask any questions you might have about the course.
We hold our Popular Music interviews online and it will take around 30 minutes.
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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.
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
Upcoming Open Days
Open Days give you the best experience and insight to courses, people and facilities that interest you. Make your choice easier and come meet us.
Course Content
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Our Popular Music BA (Hons) degree equips you with the skills your need to perform popular music, read and write music, compose songs and make tracks, use music technology equipment including recording and producing music in our professional grade studios. As well as starting you off as a self-reliant musician working in an ever-evolving music industry.
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 several strands:
- Performing, solo, technical work and live on stage.
- Composing, songs and for media.
- Music technology, including Logic Pro X, Musescore, Ableton and Pro Tools.
- Recording, mixing and producing.
- Researching, thinking and academic writing.
- Develop music industry insights and skills.
When you graduate, you’ll have the skills to understand why music is important culturally and economically as well as know how the popular music industry operates in relation to your own artist persona.
Our popular music graduates have the skillset to take advantage of the incredible opportunities the future holds. And to succeed after graduation. This stems from the support and guidance of academics, some of whom have worked with global icons and international artists within the music industry.
Open Mic Nights
List of Modules
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.
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Professional Music Studies (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS1125Status: CompulsoryThe purpose of this module is to introduce students to the field of Professional Music Studies. The module focuses on production, consumption, and understanding of popular music and students will engage with a variety of approaches that help us to understand popular music?s cultural, social and economic value.
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Performance 1 (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS1127Status: CompulsoryThis module develops general musicianship in a variety of contexts such as popular music, genre and performance. It includes ensemble playing, improvisation and performance work and practice based composition/arrangement. The emphasis of this course is in the development of practical skills in music making.
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Cultural Theory 1 (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS1129Status: CompulsoryThis module introduces students to theoretical approaches afforded by cultural studies. Students will experience a range of complementary and competing theoretical positions related throughout the module to popular music and culture more broadly. The skills learnt here will act as a foundational scholarly base for analysis in later modules.
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Digital Audio Workstation: Implementation (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS1143Status: CompulsoryThis module introduces students to the fundamentals of digital audio workstation use through the application of Logic Pro and/or Ableton 10 software. The module teaches students the skills required to use a DAW effectively and professionally. It introduces MIDI, audio, and navigation of the DAW.
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Digital Audio Workstation: Creation (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS1144Status: CompulsoryThis module allows the students to creatively apply the fundamentals of digital audio workstation use through the creative application of Logic Pro X and/or Ableton 10 software. The module teaches students creative and musical applications within the DAW.
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The Recording Studio: Driving Test (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS1145Status: CompulsoryThis module introduces students to the recording studio. Its focus is on safe and accurate use of the analogue mixing console, and on the effective use of microphones and communication between musician and engineer in a professional recording studio.
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The Recording Studio: Basic Recording (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS1146Status: CompulsoryThis module continues in the recording studio. Now the students have completed the Driving Test, the focus is on completion of a recording session in small groups. The groups must demonstrate good microphone placement, routing, gain structure, dynamics processing, and basic approaches to mixing a session. This module will equip all students with the ability to use the recording studio flexibly and effectively to capture, process and mix sound.
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Composition and Theory: Basic Music Theory (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS1147Status: CompulsoryThe module introduces students to the foundations of music theory and composition. Given the inherent diversity within student cohorts abilities, this module will be subject to APL for students with Grade 3 already. Students that are exempted are still required to attend these Mac Suite sessions. All students are supported in this module by weekly instrumental lessons.
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Composition and Theory 1: Application of Theory (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS1148Status: CompulsoryThe module continues to develop the students foundations within music theory and composition. It builds upon students' knowledge of music theory, developing it to the equivalent Grade 5 standard. Students continue to be supported in this module by weekly instrumental lessons.
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Professional Music Studies (20 Credits)
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Performance 2 (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS2127Status: DesignateThis module allows the students to deepen their performance skills, composing and/or arranging of music in a practical context. This module seeks to strengthen the performance skill of students within contemporary context across sub-cultural traditions and develop their instrumental skills, techniques and approaches related to the performance of contemporary music.
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Cultural Theory 2 (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS2129Status: DesignateThis module seeks to develop skills in interpretation, criticism and evaluation of musical practice. The module examines theoretical and musicological analytical models and provides students with a context for developing their understanding of musical debate.
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Composition and Theory 2 (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS2130Status: DesignateThe Composition module will develop students understanding of techniques and processes in music composition. Our focus is on developments in composition from the 20th Century onwards and how these innovations relate to music in the present day.
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Performance With Technology (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS2132Status: DesignateThis module introduces the student to approaches to performance with technology including the application of music software such as Ableton?s Live combined with mapped MIDI controllers. The module also considers approaches to music making beyond the DAW including working with analogue synthesis, drum machines and hardware effects.
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How Music Works (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS2140Status: DesignateUnderstanding how music ? sound ? behaves both acoustically and psychoacoustically is a necessary requisite for a successful career in music performance, music production and sound engineering. Many areas of work within the music industry require knowledge of sound processing and acoustic principles including studio recording, live sound engineering, the design of musical instruments, music production studios and synthesis. This module is therefore one that will underpin everything you do during this course. The module will enable the musician to understand the science behind their craft so as to better navigate their musical careers.
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The Creative Practitioner (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS2141Status: DesignateThis module develops professional skills relevant to working both in the music industry and further afield. With a focus on enterprise, entrepreneurialism and professional development, students will explore a variety of ways by which they might manage their professional careers. Students undertake an industry placement.
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Digital Audio Workstation 2: Synthesis (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS2150Status: DesignateStudents are introduced a crucial production method found in popular music production and sound design: synthesis. The advanced use of a digital audio workstation is integral to the completion of the production tasks, where students will develop their knowledge and understanding of synthesis and sound design.
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Digital Audio Workstation 2: Sampling (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS2151Status: DesignateStudents are introduced to a key production method found in popular music production: sampling. The advanced use of a digital audio workstation is integral to the completion of the production tasks, where students will develop their knowledge and understanding of digital audio and sampling.
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Performance 2 (20 Credits)
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Pop and the State (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS3125Status: DesignateThis module examines the relationship between popular music and the political sphere. In the first instance the focus will be on the role of the state in providing legislative frameworks that inform musical practice. Secondly it will examine how popular music has engaged with protest music, political activism and censorship.
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Music and Sound Design for Media (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS3127Status: DesignateThis module is designed to develop skills in audio production and sound design. Through lectures, seminars and workshops, students will gain an understanding of the context of sound design in media applications including location based media, film and computer games.
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Performance 3 (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS3128Status: DesignateThis module gives the student the opportunity to apply their musical knowledge in areas such as performance, song writing, composition and/or arrangement. The focus is towards collaborative work with accompanying musicological analytic write ups.
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Music Education (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS3130Status: DesignateThe Music Education module has been designed to bridge between undergraduate study and post-compulsory teaching qualifications. Much of the content is drawn from PGCE level accompanied by a placement. This module prepares students for teaching by providing information about a wide range of teaching and learning methodologies, theories and practice.
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The Philosophy of Music (20 Credits)
Module code: MUS3135Status: DesignateContinuing from the work done in Cultural Theory, this module broadens the study beyond the postmodern culture and into the realms of the analytical and the metaphysical. This module explores the lasting legacy of Enlightenment philosophy on contemporary popular music. In particular students will examine how analytical and metaphysical philosophical traditions and approaches have shaped contemporary popular musical practice across a broad range of styles and genres. Critical thinking is the process of active engagement with texts, theories, ideas and information, and it is the basis for any success in the battle of ideas.
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Advanced Recording and Production: Client Demos (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS3143Status: DesignateThe module will enable students to develop their recording and production skills to an advanced level in order to produce recordings which are ready for commercial release on our NN1_Records label. Projects will be achieved by working at the University studio and through working with external partners.
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Advanced Recording and Production: Final Product (10 Credits)
Module code: MUS3144Status: DesignateThe module will enable students to ensure their recording and production skills are to an advanced level by producing recordings which are ready for commercial release on our NN1_Records label. Projects will be achieved by working at the University studio and through working with external partners.
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Professional Project 40 (40 Credits)
Module code: MUS4121Status: DesignateThis module is for students intending to work in practice-based areas of contemporary music and for students interested in developing a project in a related field of popular music that may be either more entrepreneurial or theoretical.
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Popular Music Dissertation (40 Credits)
Module code: MUS4125Status: DesignateThis module provides an opportunity for students to develop, at length, a particular disciplinary interest. This may derive either from study in the first two years of the degree, or from reading and/or practice activities on their own initiative. In either case, they will bring to bear on their subject matter the analytical techniques learnt during their degree.
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Pop and the State (20 Credits)
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At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.
If you join this full time degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home. In addition to this, first year Popular Music BA (Hons) students get free one-to-one instrumental lessons.
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.
To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.
*UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).
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The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) 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 we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.
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.
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How will I be taught on Popular Music BA (Hons)?
You will be taught through, small group lectures, seminars, tutorials, online tutorials, workshops, independent and group study, one-to-one supervisions.
How will I be assessed?
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.
Fees and Funding
2024/25 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,250
- UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
- International – Full Time: £15,200
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
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- Musical instrument & consumables: Price varies.
- Vocalists – microphone: £80 (approx.)
- Portable hard drive: £60 (approx.)
- A good pair of closed back headphones: £60-100 (approx.)
- Batteries for portable recording equipment: £30-50 (approx.)
- Core textbooks and sheet music: £80 (approx.)
- USB Flash drives: £10-20 for two (approx.)
- And/ or SD card (£10-20 max)
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- UK – Full Time: £9,250
- UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
- International – Full Time: £14,750
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750
Staff
Careers and Employability
This course is an excellent foundation for careers in all parts of the music industry including: musician, performer, producer, songwriter, artist liaison and more.
Facilities
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, iZotope, FabFilter
- 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, SoundToys bundle, Arturia V studio, Universal Audio Ultimate, Spitfire Audio Hybrid, Steven Slate Drums
- Microphones: U87 condensers, 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 – Bechstein Boudoir Grand, Steinway Studio B, two Yamaha upright pianos
- The Popular Music BA (Hons) 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:
- One-to-one instrument/ vocal coaching sessions (on your main instrument in year 1)
- Performance, musicianship and theory training
- Learning to use music technology
- Research and academic writing skills
- Exploring the music industry in the digital age
- Using a professional grade recording studios
- Top-notch facilities and equipment
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