18Jun
Undergraduate This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
Leeds Arts University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
This course breaks down barriers between performance, production, and composition, empowering versatile musicians to thrive in today’s dynamic popular and modern music industry. Designed for passionate performers, it focuses on developing technical skills, professional delivery, and creative artistry to succeed in an ever-evolving musical landscape. Students specialise in vocals, keyboard, guitar, bass, or drums, developing the skills and confidence needed to create original music and achieve professional success. Through individual tuition, band workshops, and sessions with industry professionals, they refine their technical ability, creativity, and professional delivery while building a portfolio of songs, recordings, and visuals. Small group sizes encourage collaboration and foster valuable creative networks. Purpose-built facilities replicate industry environments, including a performance auditorium, a dedicated songwriting studio, four individual production rooms, two music production labs, a drum room, a mirrored practice room, and three ensemble spaces, including a 24-hour rehearsal space. A state-of-the-art recording studio further enhances the professional learning experience. A vibrant community of over 2,000 creatives, spanning disciplines such as music production, photography, and film, fosters collaboration and innovation. Students work alongside producers, filmmakers, and designers, creating unique portfolios featuring music videos, promotional photography, and compositions while shaping their distinct artistic identity. This course nurtures ‘360-degree musicians’—skilled performers, producers, songwriters, and arrangers in modern and popular music. By integrating performance, production, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students gain the skills, confidence, and networks to thrive in today’s dynamic music industry. Workshops and guest speakers have included Skin OBE, Jason Bowld (Bullet for My Valentine), Imogen Heap, West End performers, composers, agents, publishers, and industry experts across labels, management, and promotion.
Modules
Year one – You will develop performance, production, and composition skills through one-to-one tuition, ensemble workshops, and solo, stage, and studio performances. Students explore songwriting, arranging, stagecraft, and music production while building their artistic identity and entrepreneurial skills, alongside a broader understanding of popular music culture. Year two – You’ll continue one-to-one tuition while building a professional portfolio of songwriting, performances, recordings and visuals. Focus shifts to employability, covering artist development, contracts, rights, finance, strategic planning, networking, and AI skills. You’ll also explore music’s societal impact, consumption trends, and monetisation strategies, preparing for industry success. Year three – You’ll complete a music-focused project showcasing your specialism while building a professional EP and promotional assets. You’ll organise a DIY live event, explore bespoke study areas, and refine your professional identity. By graduation, you’ll have the tools, skills, and confidence to monetise your music and launch your career.
How to apply
29Jan
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:
- W315
- Institution code:
- L28
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
Leeds Arts University encourages applications from talented and motivated students. The University uses a wide range of methods to assess applications, these can include: • personal statement • predicted grades • contextual information • reference • examples of your work • digital auditions or interview If you are successful in your application an offer will be made to you, if conditional we will ask for between 104 and 120 UCAS tariff points from any combination of A Levels/T Level/Extended Diploma/Foundation Diploma. The expected subjects will depend on the course you are applying for. All applicants must have GCSE English Language or Literature at Grade 4/Grade C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 at Pass. For BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance you will also need a level of performing ability equivalent to ABRSM/Rockschool/Trinity Grade 8, and music theory understanding to Grade 5 level. - Examples of work Performing ability and theoretical understanding will be assessed through a practical performance of (1) a set piece relative to a specific instrument or voice and (2) an original song, instrumental composition, or arrangement of an existing song that has been uploaded to a suitable video sharing platform (YouTube, Vimeo or Weibo) for remote review. Guidance on what to include in your examples of work can be found on our website at www.leeds-art.ac.uk/ug-entry-requirements. - English You’ll need to have passed GCSE English Language or English Literature at Grade 4/Grade C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 at Pass. For mature students, an Access to Higher Education qualification in art and design will also be acceptable to demonstrate English language ability. Currently studying a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design? If you are currently studying a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, you will have already achieved level 3 qualifications which carry UCAS tariff points. When considering your application, we will, collate your achieved tariff points with those you are predicted. You will also need a GCSE grade 4/ Grade C or above in English Language or English Literature or equivalent, or Functional Skills level 2 at a pass. Studying for Access to Higher Education or any other qualifications? We accept several other qualifications, please contact us to discuss before you apply.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/undergraduate-entry-requirements
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
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 | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| International | £18900 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18900 | 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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Leeds Arts University
Blenheim Walk
Leeds
LS2 9AQ