Popular Music Performance and Songwriting BA (Hons)

This module empowers you to navigate the contemporary music industry independently. It delves into the practicalities of building a sustainable music career in the digital age, moving beyond traditional industry structures. Learn to manage your creative output, from recording and production to distribution and promotion. The module provides a specialist framework for engaging in intellectual debate, emphasising the global and contextual understanding of the discipline. Develop key skills in investigation, research, writing, critical thinking and audience engagement. Additionally, gain comprehensive knowledge of the music industry—including artist branding, digital releases, live performance management, and legal and financial essentials—culminating in the creation of a professional music business plan.

Compulsory

This module builds upon foundational skills, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of songwriting techniques and a more refined artistic voice. It focuses on the practical application of musical principles, encouraging exploration of diverse melodic, harmonic, rhythmic and structural approaches. Collaborative workshops and individual projects should help you develop and refine your original compositions and songs, incorporating constructive feedback and peer review.

Compulsory

This module delves into the essential elements of creating a compelling live performance. It is designed to equip you with the practical skills and theoretical understanding necessary to confidently command the stage. Through hands-on exercises and ensemble work, develop your performance techniques, focusing on instrumental and/or vocal proficiency, stage presence and audience engagement.

Compulsory

Bridge the gap between songwriting and production as you learn to translate ideas into polished recordings. This module focuses on practical application of songwriting principles in the studio, emphasising arrangement, session skills and part creation. Learn to develop songwriting beyond basic structures, crafting musical arrangements that enhance the emotional impact and sonic texture of songs.

Develop practical and professional skills by aligning creative techniques with artistic intent and disciplinary relevance. The module encourages entrepreneurial thinking, career planning and understanding industry pathways while tackling project briefs. Build essential studio etiquette, session skills and proficiency in using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for recording and mixing.⁴

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module focuses on the creative and artistic aspects of modern music production. Explore genre-specific production styles, sound design and advanced arrangement techniques within a DAW/Studio environment.⁴ Critical listening and analysis of successful productions should inform your creative choices, encouraging you to develop a unique sonic aesthetic, emphasising artistic vision and innovative approaches to crafting polished, professional-sounding recordings.

The module encourages responsible research practices, with attention to ethics and sustainability, and the development of personal principles to guide creative work. Explore audience engagement, apply critical thinking in context and experiment with genre-specific music production and creative sound design to shape your unique sonic identity.

Compulsory

This module simulates real-world industry scenarios where you can learn to translate creative briefs into tangible musical outcomes. The module focuses on rapid ideation, efficient production and effective collaboration. Learn to manage time, adapt to diverse styles and deliver professional-quality music under tight deadlines. Emphasis is placed on developing a versatile skillset and a proactive, industry-ready approach.

Challenge your creative assumptions and explore innovative approaches within your discipline. Develop your process-based thinking as you position yourself as a reflective, adaptable creator. Through brief-based projects, apply a range of music production and composition techniques—including improvisation, style emulation, adaptation and collaboration—to expand your creative practice.

Compulsory

This module bridges the gap between academic study and professional practice. Focus on developing the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the contemporary music industry, tailored to your career aspirations. Engage in research, exploration, self-reflection and practical application to define your unique positioning within the industry and develop a comprehensive career plan.

Compulsory

In this module, you will develop and execute a self-directed creative or hybrid project. Cultivating artistic and intellectual independence, you will be challenged to explore unique creative perspectives. You will manage all aspects of your project, from initial conceptualisation to final presentation, demonstrating advanced creative and project management capabilities. Critical reflection and documentation serve to enhance your creative process and professional practice.

Compulsory