23Nov
UndergraduateBIMM University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
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Course summary
About the course Our BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Music Production degree is ideal for performing and recording music while simultaneously building a broad range of supportive skills. Once you graduate, you’ll have the tools needed for a successful and sustainable music industry career. You’ll leave here as a highly-skilled, versatile performer with an extensive portfolio of skills. You’ll learn core topics of performance, technique, musicianship, recording skills, theory and technology – and how to apply them creatively. You’ll also be able to further tailor your course to your artistic and career aims via our optional modules. Our optional modules mean you can specialise in a variety of areas. These include creative performance, technology (DAW and on stage), session skills, improvised music, global music styles, composing, arranging and learning complementary instrument skills. By the end of the course, you’ll have a portfolio that showcases your performances in the style, genre, or context of your choosing. Whichever route you choose, you’ll graduate with a wide range of skills to champion any professional opportunities that come your way. Your day to day learning will take place in large live rooms, recording studios, smaller studio settings, lecture-based classrooms and Mac suites. Our highly experienced lecturers will also guide you through your studies. And, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to collaborate with talented students from different disciplines to bring your artistic, academic and industry goals to life. The BIMM University Graduate We make sure that when you graduate, your attributes and skills mirror the employment and creative needs of the music industry – both today and in the future. We aim to equip graduates with the following qualities, so they have a long lasting career.
- Employable and Entrepreneurial
- Creative, Collaborative and Connected
- Resilient and adaptable
- Globally Aware
- Professional
- Intellectually Curious
- Self-aware
Modules
Students can expect to study the following core modules: YEAR 1:
- The creative industries and you 1: Finding your path
- Context and culture of the creative industries
- Core instrument skills
- Applied instrument skills
- Audio fundamentals
- Audio capture methods and equipment
- Mixing multi-track audio
- Creative technology
- The creative industries and you 2: Creative Collaboration
- Creativity, identity and agency
- Interpretive instrument skills
- Digital Performance portfolio
- Studio practice and engineering
- Practical Acoustics
- The creative industries and you 3: Professional Portfolio
- Final project
- Performance showcase
- Answering a creative brief.
Assessment method
Assessment methods are varied and balanced to suit a wide range of students and may take practical, written, portfolio or other form. Students are given the opportunity to work collaboratively with those studying other music related disciplines, representative of the way in which the Music and wider Creative Industries also require collaboration. All written and portfolio assessments are submitted electronically by way of a Virtual Learning Environment and where possible, feedback is delivered in audio and/or video form, as well as written. Examples of methods used:
- Practical Exams
- Written exams
- Practical coursework
- Multimedia coursework
- Written coursework
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
BIMM University welcomes applicants from International countries that will require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Applicants must meet requirements set by UKVI. Upon acceptance of an offer you will be required to attend a consultation with a member of the International Admissions team.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 32 points
A level - EE
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
We accept recognised graded music exams at level 6-8, in place of an audition for all Music Performance courses. For the production element of the course, we will accept a Level 3 qualification in a similar subject area in place of a portfolio.
Additional entry requirements
Audition
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an audition in person or by a demo submission. Full guidelines on what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Interview
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an interview in person or by phone/skype Full guidelines on what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Portfolio
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an audition in person or by a demo submission. You will be required to present a portfolio of your work, full guidelines of what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Other
Our auditions and interviews are conducted in a relaxed and supportive manner. They are as much about you assessing us and making sure BIMM Institute is the right place for you to study. The audition or interview also gives you another opportunity to learn more about the course you have applied for. Auditions, Interviews and Portfolio Submissions Depending on which course you choose, you may need to attend an audition, interview or submit a portfolio of work as part of your application. We have plenty of handy resources online to help you prepare for your audition or interview. The BIMM Institute Admissions Team will also send you preparation guidelines, which will be specifically for the course you have applied for. Undergraduate Courses including Joint Hons Requiring an Audition*: • Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals and Keyboards) • Songwriting (supporting material also required) Non-Performance Undergraduate Courses and Interviews*: • Music Business • Event Management • Music Marketing, Media and Communication Undergraduate Courses Requiring a Portfolio and Interview*: • Music and Sound Production • Electronic Music Production *Auditions/Interviews can be completed virtually by Zoom, or in person.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | a minimum of 5.5 must be achieved in each band (Reading, writing, listening, speaking) |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Level B2 | A minimum overall score of 170, and no lower than 165 in each band |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | the minimum points must met in each band: Listening - 19 Reading - 19 Speaking - 21 Writing - 21 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | A minimum score of 50 overall. At least 42 must be achieved in all four skills |
We also accept the following qualifications: - ESOL Skills for Life Level B2 (Higher B2 on CEFR Scale) - IGCSE English Language (First Language) at C/4 or above - IGCSE English Language (Second Language) at B/3 or above - International Baccalaureate English Language at 5 or above in English A or B Applicants must have met the minimum requirement and be in receipt of results prior to enrolment.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £15950* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| International | £15950* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fee shown is for year 1 of study only.
Fees may be subject to increase on an annual basis, and do not cover additional costs such as:
Visa application costs
Living costs (rent/bills/travel)
Equipment required for your course
(computer and software/instrument/books)
Sponsorship information
Each year we offer various bursaries and scholarships. For further information, please view details on the BIMM University website
Provider information
BIMM University
38-42 Brunswick Street West
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1EL
Course contact details
Visit our course page Enquiry Form