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Bring your musical aspirations into the spotlight with our renowned BA (Hons) Popular Music program. Guided by our faculty of accomplished performers, composers, and scholars, discover your unique artistic voice while honing both creative and professional abilities in an inspiring educational setting. Take advantage of top-tier campus resources featuring music production suites (Pro-Tools and Logic), dedicated rehearsal spaces, a professional theater venue, and three cutting-edge Eastlake recording studios with superior acoustics. Showcase your talent through solo performances and group collaborations at prestigious Scottish venues and festivals, while expanding your artistic horizons across all aspects of the curriculum - from songcraft and composition to teamwork and scholarly inquiry. Program Highlights Access premium on-campus facilities including digital audio workstations (Pro-Tools and Logic), dedicated rehearsal spaces, a professional performance venue, and three acoustically optimized Eastlake recording studios Gain practical experience through simulated performance scenarios Instrumental training integrated into the curriculum Features an exceptional roster of guest industry professionals Opportunities for both solo and ensemble performances Chance to connect with and perform at celebrated Scottish venues and festivals Flexible full-time or part-time study options Career Pathways After earning your BA (Hons) Popular Music degree, diverse opportunities in music and media await. Our alumni have established careers across multiple sectors including: Private music instruction Professional performance, composition, and production work for albums, commercials, and video game soundtracks International touring and recording engagements West End theatrical productions For dedicated individuals willing to cultivate their talents through rigorous study in an exceptional environment, these career possibilities become attainable. Program Length: Full-time: 4 years (40 hours weekly) Part-time: 8 years (20 hours weekly) - with flexible scheduling options.
Entry to year one, HNC, is 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above OR
1 A level at grade D or above OR
NC Music
Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply
This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
You will be asked to attend an audition and interview. You should prepare and perform a piece that demonstrates your skillset on your instrument or voice and, for writers, this can be an original composition or song. As a guideline, grade 4/5 is a rough equivalent of performance level for this course. However, consideration will also be given to musicians with similar experience that have not participated in graded repertoire. 
The interview will give you the opportunity to see our campus, meet staff and learn more about the course, including the resources and learning opportunities we offer to support your development.
Advanced entry to year two:
Direct entry to year two may be possible if you have completed the HNC Music, with 15 credits, and a B in the graded unit.
IELTS Academic - Overall score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT4 - Min 78 or above with min 18 in each section.