Course summary
Follow in the tradition of some of the UK’s greatest musicians and start your creative music career at an art school. We nurture students to develop their own voice and practice and then connect them to the ever expanding opportunities in the world. It’s a well-known secret that some of the greatest musicians studied music at arts school. Some of our best-known original thinkers and innovators have developed their musical creativity in an inspiring environment that allowed them to think differently. At HCA we support you to do the same. We’ll support you to be musically curious, to break down barriers and amaze yourself with your own daring. In a collaborative environment of like-minded individuals, in a community that allows you to develop at your own pace due to small group tuition. We give you the opportunity to discover your authentic voice while studying a wealth of musical styles. Music at HCA will equip you with the skills and experience to allow you to enter the industry on a professional level: as a performer, songwriter, event producer, soundtrack designer, to name a few. Popular music at HCA is a vocational course designed for performers, songwriters and producers who wish to graduate with all the creative skills, knowledge and experience needed to have a successful career in the music industry. From mainstream to underground, this degree embraces music in its many forms – from rock, pop, folk, urban, jazz and to the experimental. Study on an industry-focused program in an inspiring art school environment Industry Links Herefordshire has a vibrant community of musicians, producers, recording studios, venues, music festivals and community music outlets that contribute to an exciting live scene. The course will enable you to connect with the rich music ecology within the city and the wider region. After this Course This dynamic, innovative, industry-facing course is designed for students whose ambition it is to work in the music industry. Throughout your journey at HCA you will have the opportunity to develop innovative ways of achieving a portfolio of skills that are relevant to employment opportunities within music and the allied creative industries. Career destinations of a BA (Hons) graduate might include performing, producing, song writing and the wider creative industries such as digital marketing, live event management and publishing. Highlights 1. You will be taught by a strong team of industry focused lecturers combined with regular masterclasses from professionals that are designed to educate, stimulate, and motivate. 2. Access to rehearsal rooms, acoustically designed and fully equipped. Whether it be high-end digital or retro analogue, you will be able to produce and create a diverse range of professional sound recordings. 3. Develop an expertise in a business relevant to your musical interest and discover opportunities for industry based internships and graduate placements. 4. Small class sizes provide highly personalised levels of supervision and support. This will enable you to develop your own specialist practice you need for working within this dynamic sector. 5. Opportunities to collaborate with other creatives in a dynamic arts school environment.
Modules
From your first day at HCA you will work as a creative, developing your skills and your own voice through a series of projects. You will develop your creative practice, practical skills alongside your critical awareness and theoretical knowledge. You will study a range of modules that build your knowledge and confidence and total 120 credits each year. YEAR ONE/Level 4: Live Performance Workshop (40 Credits), Popular Music Culture & Identity 1 (20), In The Studio (40) , Song writing Studies (20). YEAR TWO/Level 5: The Creative Musician (40), Popular Music Culture & Identity 2 (20), Music Events & Promotion (40), Sound & Vision (20). YEAR THREE/Level 6: Specialist Practice (40), Practice in Context (20), In The City (20), Professional Portfolio (40).
How to apply
This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.
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:
- W341
- Institution code:
- H18
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
International applicants
We are unable to accept applications from international students (including EU/EEA) for this course.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points
Mature applicants with relevant experience will be considered.
Additional entry requirements
Audition
Hereford College of Arts invites all Popular Music applicants to submit an audition video. You should prepare one solo song or piece: 2-3 minutes that you feel confident and enjoy performing. This may be an original piece or a cover. You will receive an email with full guidance on this after we have received your application. In some cases, we may contact you to arrange a further chat. Don’t worry, this will be an informal meeting either face-to-face or online, to find out more about you and your work.
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
England | £9275* | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9275* | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9275* | Year 1 |
Wales | £9275* | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9275* | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9275* | 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
Provider information
Hereford College of Arts
Folly Lane
Hereford
HR1 1LT