Popular Music BA (Hons)
University of NorthamptonWaterside Campus, Northampton
Course overview
Find and develop your own individual route into the music sector with our Popular Music degree. This course is perfect if you’re a creative singer/ vocalist, bassist, drummer, guitarist, keyboardist or singer-songwriter looking to develop your technical, performance, musicianship and technology skills to a professional level. You’ll learn the creative, music technology and study skills necessary to support you in your mission to be a music professional.
In addition, we provide students the skills for wider employment, including in the teaching profession and further study should this be something you wish to pursue. For overall student positivity in the National Student Survey 2025 For satisfied with feedback in the Guardian University Guide 2026 NSS Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score. Guardian Data from the 2026 Music subject table.
This course is Industry Accredited by JAMES representing APRS, MPG and associate industry bodies. Accreditation of a course by relevant industry bodies provides assurance to students and employers of its potential and value.
Key highlights
- Industry accredited by JAMES, representing APRS, MPG and associate bodies
- Suited to vocalists, bassists, drummers, guitarists, keyboardists and singer-songwriters
- Develops technical, performance, musicianship and music technology skills professionally
- Builds skills for wider employment, including the teaching profession
- Prepares students for further study in music
Entry requirements
- A-level: BBC — A typical offer for Music degrees is: BBC at A-Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Merit at T Level You may be invited to attend an audition and chat.
- BTEC: DMM — A typical offer for Music degrees is: BBC at A-Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Merit at T Level You may be invited to attend an audition and chat.
- T-level: Merit — A typical offer for Music degrees is: BBC at A-Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Merit at T Level You may be invited to attend an audition and chat.
Scholarships
ICAEW Foundation Bursary
Three annual payments of £4,000
Up to £12,000John Lowe Accounting and Finance Scholarship
Scholarship is paid as £1,000 in the second and third years of study.
Up to £2,000Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship
This scheme offers the student athlete a support network enabling them to balance the demands of performance sport with academic study.
Reid Science, Engineering, and Computing Bursary
£500 per year of study
Up to £1,500TD Lewis Scholarship
The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.
Up to £100The Chancellor's Fund
Up to £50The University of Northampton International Scholarship
The University of Northampton International Scholarship Scheme is a merit-based scholarship that provides up to a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees.
Wilson Endowment Scholarship
Successful students will receive three annual payments of £500, one for each year of study.
Up to £1,500
Careers this course leads to
- Session musician
- Singer-songwriter
- Performing musician
- Music teacher
- Music producer
- Instrumental tutor
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,000 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Northampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.