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Popular Music Performance BMus(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement

UCAS Tariff

120-104


Recent Awards For Excellence

Ofsted outstanding provider logo Performing Arts - QS 2025
Find out more about these awards
About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Access world-class music facilities anytime, including rehearsal rooms, studios, and concert halls.
  • Build your skills and confidence through one-to-one tuition, ensemble coaching and performance-focused training.
  • Collaborate with musicians, engineers and performers across a diverse Performing Arts community.

If you love performing popular music and want to take your skills to the next level, this course is for you. You’ll get one-to-one tuition, work with other musicians, and be mentored by experts. Over three years, you’ll not only focus on performing, but also learn about songwriting and the music industry.

You’ll collaborate with students from across the performing arts, gaining real-world experience and building confidence as a versatile musician. The School is internationally recognised, and you’ll have access to amazing facilities—concert halls, studios, rehearsal spaces, and top-quality instruments. There’s plenty of time to rehearse and create, with expert support always available.

You’ll be part of a creative, supportive community, with opportunities to join bands, choirs, and ensembles, or to start your own group. Music at Huddersfield is ranked 8th in the UK (Daily Mail University Guide 2026), and Performing Arts is 37th in the world (QS World University Subject Rankings 2025). By the end of your degree, you’ll be ready to launch your career in the music industry with confidence and real experience.

By joining us, you’ll become part of a vibrant, creative community where you can join bands, choirs, and ensembles or start your own group. Music at Huddersfield is ranked 8th in the UK (Daily Mail University Guide 2026), and Performing Arts is 37th in the world (QS World University Subject Rankings 2025), and you’ll have the chance to perform, collaborate, and grow as a musician. When you graduate, you’ll leave with real experience, a strong network, and the confidence to launch your career in the music industry.

Career opportunities after the course *

Performer

Musician

Audiovisual Technician

Theatre Technician

Music Teacher

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BCC at A Level.
120-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Merit at T Level.
Merit in UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Merit in RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
120-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.
Practical and theory music grades 6-8 will be accepted in the total points.


Offers will be subject to an audition, at which you will have the opportunity to meet staff and current students. Read more about the audition process on our Interviews, auditions and portfolio pages.

You should have an advanced standard of technical achievement and excellent overall potential as a performer (roughly equivalent to the standard of grade 8 practical music making, where applicable).

Entry is also possible for applicants who don't hold standard UK qualifications.

International and mature applicants who don't hold standard UK qualifications can provide a portfolio to demonstrate skills relevant to the course. We audition all applicants for this course and ask you to send us video links performing two contrasting pieces. You should have advanced technical ability and excellent potential as a performer (roughly equivalent to the standard of grade 8 practical music making, where applicable).

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Music and Performing Arts Foundation Pathway Degree.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module will introduce you to a range of approaches to studying music and music technology. You will develop research, source-handling, evaluation, and critical-thinking skills and apply these to repertoires, cultures, and issues appropriate to your degree course. Linked lectures and seminars will increase your knowledge of key themes and concerns in music studies, give you opportunities to debate your ideas with others, and develop your confidence as an increasingly independent researcher.

You will explore the building blocks of music in all its forms, developing an understanding of how music ‘works’ through the use of key theoretical principles such as melody, harmony, rhythm, form, timbre, and so on. This will allow you to investigate a number of key works from a wide range of musical styles and histories in detail, engaging with music in ways that will also develop your creativity as a performer or composer.

You will gain hands-on experience of a variety of key musical skills: improvisation; aural awareness; ensemble performance; and evaluating your own and others' performances. A wide range of styles and genres will be explored, and you will work with musicians relevant to your specialism as a pop, classical, or jazz performer.

This module equips you with the skills needed for success as a contemporary songwriter. You will learn about lyric and melody writing, chord progressions and song structure. Using different arrangements, and a variety of compositional and vocal techniques, you will explore a range of songwriting styles and genres, helping you to develop your own individual creative voice.

This module takes a hands-on approach to various aspects of using technology as a musician, giving you the skills to feel confident working in today's creative industries. You will learn how to use music notation and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, alongside video and sound recording techniques aimed at content creation.

You’ll work one-on-one with an instrumental or vocal tutor throughout the year to strengthen your technical skills and deepen your musical understanding. This will prepare you for both solo and group performances in Year 2 and 3. Alongside regular assessment and feedback from your specialist tutor, you’ll explore improvisation in a small group setting and create a solo recital (live or recorded) as part of your assessment.

Inside the Music Business will introduce you to a range of issues relevant to the current music industry, from copyright, contracts and economics through to the role of the media in marketing, reviewing, and representing music. You will explore the production, distribution and revenue models of the global music business and develop the critical and analytical skills to understand these working practices and the ways they relate to your own practice as a musician. On completion of the module, you will have created the assets to represent yourself to industry as a musician and have a digital portfolio of activity related to your chosen aspect of the music industry.

Throughout the year, you’ll work one-on-one with your instrumental or vocal tutor to develop your technical skills and musical insight. This will prepare you for a solo performance recital (live or recorded, where you’ll showcase your progress in musicianship, communication, and technical ability.

The module is intended to enhance and develop songwriting skills and to raise questions regarding the notions of identity and authenticity in the contemporary songwriting world. Through the exploration of a range of more advanced compositional and vocal techniques, you will acquire greater knowledge and understanding of an array of vocal styles both historical and contemporary. The importance of accompaniment (including backing vocals) will be discussed in greater detail and students will acquire stronger skills in effective lyric and melodic writing. You will also learn about and explore the role of collaboration when creating songs, culminating in a final collaborative project with student colleagues.

You will choose one practical option from an array of ensembles, bands, and approaches to performance. Options typically range from conducting, music theatre, and improvisation through to groups like orchestra, big band, brass band, classical and pop choirs, and a huge variety of pop, rock, soul, funk, and folk bands. Specialist performance tutors will coach you towards assessed performances that are open to the public.

This module permits students to select an additional group performance activity to broaden their study alongside AIM2412 Performance Skills 2. Please view that module for further details.

As an increasingly confident and independent musical researcher and creative practitioner, you will undertake an in-depth exploration of a particular area of music by choosing one specialist topic from a range on offer. Using research to underpin and inspire both scholarly and artistic activity, you will engage with current debates within musicology, discover new repertoire and methodologies, and investigate music as a cultural text.

The placement year is your chance to gain hands-on experience and build on the skills you’ve developed in your first two years of study. You’ll spend up to 48 weeks (minimum 36 weeks) in a graduate-level role, sharpening your professional skills, exploring career options, and boosting your future job prospects. During your placement, you'll reflect on your performance, develop real-world skills, and learn to approach your role with a critical eye. Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, setting you up for success in your final year and beyond.

The Portfolio Sandwich Year module provides a flexible and tailored approach to professional development. It allows you to create a customised portfolio of graduate-level opportunities if your career aspirations don’t align with a traditional sandwich year placement. This module will help you develop a diverse and adaptable skillset, build professional networks, and enhance your career readiness through a mix of structured and self-directed activities.

You will work individually, or in small groups (of normally no more than six), devising, managing, delivering and evaluating your project. You will be assigned an individual tutor, to whom the project proposal is submitted for approval and who is responsible for supporting your independent work through the module, and overseeing the assessment of your project outcomes.

After an initial lecture and seminar programme covering aspects of professional practice, you will complete a work-related project. Typical work-related projects include: documented placement work (for example, as a classroom assistant in a school; membership, administration or promotion of a non-university music ensemble; assisting in concert management; work as a music copyist and/or editor; music journalism; studio management etc.); researching and building a professional work-related website; releasing music commercially with associated promotion or an industry showcase event . Although there is no requirement for the work-related project to be music-specific, it should provide the student with sufficient opportunity to develop graduate and transferable skills for the workplace and must be agreed with the module leader prior to commencing assessment work.

You will choose one practical option from an array of ensembles, bands, and approaches to performance. Options typically range from conducting, music theatre, and improvisation through to groups like orchestra, big band, brass band, classical and pop choirs, and a huge variety of pop, rock, soul, funk, and folk bands. Specialist performance tutors will coach you towards assessed performances that are open to the public.

This module permits students to select an additional group performance activity and to broaden their study alongside the Performance Skills 3 module. Please view that description for further details.

Throughout the year, you’ll work one-on-one with your instrumental or vocal tutor to develop your technical skills and musical insight. This will prepare you for a solo performance recital (live or recorded, where you’ll showcase your progress in musicianship, communication, and technical ability.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

Students from our Music and Music Technology courses have previously been on placement at Angel Studios, Yellow Arch, Warner Records, BBC, Elstree Studios, Wigwam Audio Group, Chapel Studios, and the Leadmill and many have had the opportunity to work with them following their placement.

Working with professionals and having the freedom to get hands-on with industry-standard gear and software has been paramount when understanding the life of a recording engineer.

- Abigail Swift
Popular Music BMus(Hons), placement at Vibrations Studios

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Popular Music graduates can consider careers in production, songwriting, performance, teaching, composition, arranging, session recording, arts administration, community music, and music therapy. A selection of companies that have employed Huddersfield music graduates in recent years include Abbey Road Studios, BBC, Royal Northern College of Music, Chethams School of Music, Opera North, ITV, and Calderdale Music Services.**
**Source: LinkedIn

95%
Percent of graduates from this subject area were in work or further study 15 months after graduation

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 22/23, UK Domiciled

The highlight of my course was creating music in and out of University with fellow classmates. I now work as a specialist instrument tutor and have a private tuition business. I'm also a British Army Reserve Musician and performed concerts and marches all around the UK and across the world.

- Matthew Townsend
Popular Music BMus(Hons) graduate

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

We offer a range of scholarships for those studying Music

Music Scholarships - University of Huddersfield

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Why Hud

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Media, Humanities and the Arts may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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