Course summary
Why Popular Music? Our forward-thinking Popular Music degree prepares musicians to build sustainable and diverse careers in the creative industries. You’ll develop creative music-making skills including production, songwriting, performance, composition for screen media, studio techniques, marketing, business enterprise and more. If you like playing live, you’ll have opportunities to perform at festivals like Wychwood, Cheltenham Jazz and 2000trees, or at our annual European Capital City Showcase in cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam and Berlin. You’ll also work on industry projects, for example with the BBC Introducing team, and enhance your CV through client briefs and placements with the likes of Universal Music, Sony ATV and independent Grime label, No Hats No Hoods. Our award-winning tutors are all industry active, as songwriters, producers, performers and researchers. They curate independent labels and festivals, and run community and digital music projects. Their extensive connections ensure you get the latest industry insights and hear regularly from guests from organisations like International Talent Booking, Warner Chappell and Keychange. You’ll have 24-hour access to our music studios, production labs and rehearsal spaces, and will make music videos in our film, TV and VFX studios. Working closely with other media students, you’ll create music for film, animation and games, and develop live events and business solutions with students from across the university. Why University of Gloucestershire? At University of Gloucestershire, we’ve been encouraging students to meet every ambition since 1847. Join us and you’ll benefit from our three UoG promises: 1. UoG Career Promise – if you are not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching* (*eligibility conditions apply). 2. UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at. 3. UoG Connections Promise – whilst at UoG, you’ll find the connections to reach your goals. With over 4,000 placements and more than 60 clubs and societies to join, you’ll make connections for life. Our ambition is boundless. Experienced lecturers promote a real-world ethos and treat our students as more than just a number. Alongside our strong support system, guest speakers, networking events and influential partnerships will help you prepare for life after graduation, whether that be in a successful career in your field or onto further study. Students never tire of finding inspiration here in the unique county of Gloucestershire – innovation and bravery thrive here. Cheltenham and Gloucester offer the best of city and country living, with the rolling hills of the Cotswolds paired with vibrant nightclubs and stunning parks in the bustling town and city centres. After the course Your story doesn’t end with us at graduation. We support our graduates to balance purpose with ambition, and 95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their course*. *Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers. Experience an open day Book yourself a place at a University of Gloucestershire open day at www.glos.ac.uk/BookAnOpenDay. Our open days have been designed to inform you, inspire you, and help you make the right decision about your next step. It’s your chance to see the university for yourself, get a real insight into what we're about and meet your potential course tutors and lecturers. Our friendly student ambassadors will also be on hand to show you round your campus. To find out more information about this course, visit www.glos.ac.uk/OurCourses, email us on [email protected] or call 03330 14 14 14.
Modules
Your first year lays the groundwork for building a career in music. You’ll explore creative music production, songwriting, performance and video production, and engage with cultural and critical themes relating to music. You’ll establish your industry mindset and begin the process of identifying relevant career opportunities for yourself as a musician. Year 2 builds a professional framework around your skillset, enabling you to specialise and develop your creativity, both as a commercial songwriter / producer and as a composer for screen media. You’ll strengthen your musicianship as a performer, both on stage and in the studio, and create a portfolio of industry projects that builds your awareness of the employability and freelance opportunities available to you. Your final year gets you ready for industry and to launch your career. You’ll work across key areas of musical creativity, performance, professional experience and industry briefs. You’ll also develop commercial and critical insights via an individual research project.
How to apply
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
- Course code:
- W300
- Institution code:
- G50
- Campus name:
- Park Campus - Cheltenham
- Campus code:
- H
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We welcome international students from around the world. Studying in the UK can be a great experience allowing you to meet new people, try new things and experience a new country. Come and join us: http://www.glos.ac.uk/study/international/Pages/international-students.aspx
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 120 points
A level - CCC - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DDM
T Level - Pass (C and above) - M
Grade 4/C in GCSE English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent) are normally required.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
https://www.glos.ac.uk/interviews/pages/your-interview.aspx
English language requirements
International students will need to produce evidence of an acceptable score on an approved English language test such as IELTS. We run pre-sessional English language courses to help you prepare for undergraduate or postgraduate study.
English Language requirements
http://www.glos.ac.uk/docs/download/International/english-Language-entry-requirements.pdf
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
EU | £16600 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
International | £16600 | Year 1 |
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
Provider information
University of Gloucestershire
The Park
Cheltenham
GL50 2RH