Course summary
Why study BMus Popular Music at Goldsmiths This ground-breaking degree embraces popular music in its many forms, and centres on exploration and experimentation in creative practice.
- This programme will allow you to acquire and develop a variety of skills, both individually and collaboratively, including musicianship and ensemble playing, songwriting, production and recording (at Goldsmiths Music Studios), composition and making music for film, and alternative sites for music.
- We have strong links with the music industry, employing professional musicians, producers, and artists as lecturers.
- We also present frequent, high-profile speakers from the music industry at our talks and events. Recently, these have included Dave Okumu, Nigel Godrich, Darkstar, Mica Levi, Matana Roberts, and Arts Council Music Relationship Managers.
- You’ll be very well set-up for the world of work. Employers look for initiative-driven graduates who think critically about their actions, work well with others and adapt quickly and creatively to new ideas. These ideas are written into the DNA of the degree, which will help you develop these skills.
- Through a collaboration with Matthew Herbert's Accidental Records we have created NX Records, an independent record label based at Goldsmiths, giving us the potential to promote our students' work on an international stage.
- You'll be within easy reach of South East London's many venues, as well as those across the capital, which provide a connection to music, art, dance, and theatre with an international focus, but also to local promoters, labels and the London-based music industry.
- You'll have the opportunity to perform at student-run showcases, in department ensembles, and at PureGold, our annual music festival that celebrates music created and performed at Goldsmiths.
- Please note the BMus Popular Music only accepts applications for first year entry and does not accept applications for deferred entry.
Modules
Year 1 (credit level 4) In your first year you study a range of areas including creative and practical music studies, textual and contextual analysis of popular music, and an introduction to music technology. All modules are compulsory at this level as we feel it is essential that all our students develop the necessary key skills and knowledge base before further specialisation. The modules are: Songform Popular Music Performance Artistic Practices Contemporary Music Industries Popular Music Cultures Year 2 (credit level 5) In your second year, you'll study the following compulsory modules: Performance: New Contexts Songwriting You'll then choose 2 optional modules (30 credits) from the following list: Ensemble Performance Studio and Production Skills Pitching Creative Businesses The Goldsmiths Elective The Goldsmiths Project You'll also choose a further 2 modules (60 credits) from the following list: Creative Jazz Studies Music and the Moving Image Global Musics Sonic Art: Contexts and Practices Year 3 (credit level 6) In your final year, you will complete the following compulsory module: Music: Major Project You'll then choose 1 or 2 optional modules from the following list: Creative Performance Work Placement You as Your Future: Developing Creative Careers Psychological Approaches to Music You'll then choose a further 2 options from the following list: Audiovisual Composition and its Contexts Sculpting Electronic Sound Capturing Music and Practice Music Education, Outreach and Inclusion Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work, solo recitals, improvisation and group performances.
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
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
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBBC
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 33 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2
T Level - M
You should be able to demonstrate skills and experience in both practical musicianship and music creation. Although we consider each application on its individual merits, we favour students who demonstrate clear experience of and/or commitment to music-making. Music A-level (general, theoretical, music technology, popular music), BTEC ND in Popular Music, Music or Performing Arts is preferable, but not essential.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview day. This allows us to meet potential students and find out more about their interests and abilities. If you're invited for an interview, you will participate in a short workshop and be asked to present examples of your creative work (live and recorded). If you are unable to attend an applicant day we may invite you to submit a portfolio of work. This is usually followed by an interview via Skype.
Portfolio
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | With a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 |
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
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW