Popular Music Performance BA Hons | University of Chester

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Course Summary

Develop your talent as a musician and performer through the practical and theoretical study of popular music. Be prepared to study and perform everything from Billy Eilish to Metallica, Stevie Wonder to the Spice Girls, and everything in between. Alongside your musical performance skills, you will have the opportunity to develop further essential aspects of being a musician such as songwriting and arranging, recording techniques, and live music mixing – all of which are essential for working in the current music industry.

Our very practically based course provides a unique opportunity for you to excel in performance while developing a critical mind and becoming an intelligent, multi-skilled and employable musician.

You will study in our fantastic, state of the art rehearsal and performance studios which are kitted out with professional level equipment from Fender, Marshall, Engl, Blackstar, Ampeg, Markbass, Yamaha, Hartke, Mapex, Gretch, Zildjian, Paiste, Mesa Boogie, Shure, Allen and Heath, Sennheiser, Audix, AKG, and many more. Keyboards, Drum Kits, Guitar Amps, Bass Amps, Microphones and PA systems are all available in every room as standard. We also have a large stock of loan equipment for you to use outside of the university which also includes busking amps, lighting systems and many other useful items.

Additional enhancements to the course include links with live music venues, musicians and professionals within the region, as well events such as Creative Futures, where you will gain invaluable insights into the industry from industry professionals, musicians and academics through the delivery of performances, masterclasses and workshops.

A group of music students performing on stage.

Music at the University of Chester

What You'll Study

In Year 1 (Level 4), you will begin developing your knowledge of performance, popular music studies, music theory and music technology, including recording and live PA systems for performance.

Modules

This module provides you with the necessary foundations for studying music. Key areas include popular music studies essentials, music harmony and composition basics, live sound set up, digital audio workstation fundamentals, essential performance skills (for students on the Popular Music Performance and Commercial Music pathways), recording techniques (for students on the Commercial Music and Music Production pathways) and music production. Study of these areas will prepare you for more advanced learning in these areas at Level 5.

You will have an opportunity to apply some of the skills developed in Music Undergraduate Fundamentals to a live performance and / or recording and production context. For example, if you are on the Popular Music Performance pathway you may perform in a choir, and if you are on the Music Production pathway, you may record and mix the choir performance. Students on the Commercial Music pathway may either perform or record and mix. This all may be in a studio context, and/or in a larger room with the recording being undertaken on portable studio equipment.

You now have the opportunity to pick an optional module to learn a new language or build on your existing language skills as part of your degree. You can choose:

Subsidiary Language for Beginners (choice of German, Italian or Spanish)
French: Intermediate Language Development
Spanish: Intermediate Language Development
Chinese: Intermediate Language Development
German: Communication in Practice
French: Communication in Practice
Spanish: Communication in Practice

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Year 2 (Level 5) builds on the foundation of performance and broadens the learning to include additional areas of study, including songwriting and composition and the music industry. You will have opportunities to show off your performance skills in local, live city-centre music venues and undertake a substantial practical, public-facing professional project for a substantial proportion of the year.

Modules

Developing from the introduction of music fundamentals, this module introduces students to a further range of important areas that are central to the music industry. These include compositional techniques associated with a variety of music styles and genres, aspects of the music industry, and remixing and/or live performance techniques. Amongst other things, you will learn about important considerations for working in the music industry, such as staying within the law, making money from music, the relationship between music and artificial intelligence and using harmony and melody to create innovative yet commercially relevant music compositions. This module provides specialist skills that enable students to progress onto 'Songwriting and Composition Portfolio' at Level 6.

This is an experiential learning opportunity that incorporates, 20 teaching contact hours/lectures to prepare for the150 contract hours where L5 students can use all their skills learned to date on an actual real-world (external business) client driven project, working in teams and produce an artefact.

Students are also expected to undertake around 30 hours of self study.

This module not only gives them enhanced skills but the opportunity to work for a real client thus giving them a valuable CV and LInkedIn entry as work experience that can contribute to their employability portfolio.

Students will collaborate in teams and produce full client documentation alongside a reflection of their expereince and this all give some much needed contemplation of their skills to date and how to use them.

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. industry apprioprate sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement

Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work.

criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The Level 5, 40-credit modules require a basic foundation of knowledge of your chosen language e.g. GCSE or equivalent, a Level 4 module in the same language or equivalent previous learning. This module includes an optional placement abroad, such as an intensive course at a partner university. You can choose:

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (choice of German, French or Spanish)
Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (choice of Chinese, French or Spanish)
Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (choice of German, Italian or Spanish)

The module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a 140-hour work placement*. This placement is complemented by a number of school-delivered sessions designed to develop their employability, professional practice, and students' understanding of their career options. Students learn to reflect on the nature of creativity within their studies, and gain awareness of how this is valued and relevant in modern workplaces.

*in some cases, evidence of considerable relevant graduate-level work experience may be accepted as an alternative to completion of the stipulated placement.

This module will provide you with the practical and theoretical underpinning of professional practice in your specific subject, enabling you to identify and develop key employability attributes and skills in preparation for your future career.

You will spend several weeks working collaboratively with other students across the School for the Creative Industries on one major project or several smaller projects in a professional ‘simulated real world’ working environment. Projects will be contemporary, topical, externally focussed and often involve partnership with outside agencies. The module will provide you with opportunities for immersive learning and the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.

This module will build on prior knowledge and understanding with regards to enhancing performance skills. Aspects such as improvisatory techniques, advanced listening and analytical skills will be developed in order to enhance focus on improved communication and rehearsal techniques in preparation for live performance events. Students will also draw on their skills and knowledge to develop the strategies required to be able to facilitate and lead inclusive, participatory workshops in applied contexts. Students will develop a better understanding of how applied practice utilises performing arts practices such as music to make a difference or change in peoples’ lives.

Year 3 (Level 6) is focused on the mastery of your specialism, such as songwriting in addition to performance skills. The focus at this level is the your own artistry and this will be achieved through session musicianship, collaboration, focus on professional and graduate skills, and research projects.

Modules

This module creates the opportunity for you to consider the nature of the performed musical event and associated professional practices. You will develop skills to analyse the evolution of the performance event, the development of a musician’s performance persona and the impact of video technology in the field. You will also reflect on your existing skillset and hone your professional competencies and skills in readiness for careers in the creative industries. You will consider how best to promote yourself, through the development of an employability portfolio most appropriate to their career trajectory, which may include, developing websites; content and profile creation for the use of social media, and writing and developing curriculum vitae and cover letters.

This module aims to introduce you to practical aspects of industry standard session work, focussing on the skills needed to become a working musician or engineer, either in recording or live context, typically via a simulated real session environment.

This module gives you the opportunity to identify and independently pursue a suitable research area and integrate this within your own portfolio of work. You will apply appropriate methods and theories within your own writing style to undertake a substantial body of musical composition within your own area of specific interest.

This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study. Students at this point in their studies are often very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module helps them to gain 'graduate trajectory' to enable them to better move into their chosen profession as seamlessly as possible when they have finished their studies.

In this module you be guided in your development of a professional regime of practice on your instrument or voice through a series of masterclasses. You will focus on the development of an advanced performative and professional self-awareness culminating in a professionally aware performance.

This module aims to introduce you to practical aspects of industry standard session work, focussing on the skills needed to become a working musician in a live context, typically via a simulated real session environment.

How You'll Learn

Sessions are delivered via lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials in lecture theatres, and performance spaces, which are equipped with professional equipment.

You will submit a variety of work for summative assessment, including solo and group performances, practical assessments, presentations, recordings, composition portfolios and written essays.

As part of your studies you may take our Work Based Learning module, where you will be fully supported in securing a work placement. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience.

Alternatively, take our Experiential Learning module, where you may have the option of organising, managing, promoting, rehearsing and performing on your own mini tour.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate. Teaching is likely to be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers.

Entry Requirements

104UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff	104 points
GCE A Level	Typical offer – CCC-BCC
BTEC	BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
International Baccalaureate	28 points
Irish / Scottish Highers	Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H4 H4 Scottish Highers - BBBB
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
T Level	Pass (C or above on the core)
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
Extra Information	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. We accept the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma. Applicants will be required to attend an audition. ABRSM Grade 8 or equivalent on your instrument (or voice), and the ability to read music, would be preferred. Do not let this put you off applying; reading music is not essential and if you don't have grade 8 we will probably still offer you an audition. Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry requirements, or who have non-standard qualifications and relevant music experience, are encouraged to apply and will be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate ability through their audition.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Study the final year of an undergraduate degree

If you have successfully completed a Level 5 qualification, e.g. a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Foundation Degree in a relevant subject, then we may be able to consider you for the final year (Level 6) of one of our degrees. Topping up your HND or Foundation Degree will typically take one further year of study and will lead to a full BA (Honours) degree.

To apply for the final year of a degree on a full-time basis you will need to submit an application through UCAS.

For international applicants, please refer to the entry requirements listed on the "Your Country/Region" pages. To be considered for advanced entry into relevant degree programmes, you must have completed a qualification equivalent to a Level 5 or Level 6 in the UK, in a related subject area

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Course specific additional costs

You will be expected to pay for travel to concerts and gigs that will be organised as part of course requirements.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Who You'll Learn From

Dr Ruth Dockwray

Associate Professor

Kristian Rozells

Senior Lecturer

Jim Mason

Senior Lecturer

Ben Broughton

Head of Division

Where You'll Study Creative Campus, Kingsway

Join our Creative Community

Connect with Experts

Specialist Studio and Workshop Spaces

Art and Design female student in art studio workspace with various art materials.

Music Rehearsal and Recording Facilities

Contemporary Art Space Chester (CASC)

A man looking at photography printed artwork in gallery space

Equipment Loan Provision

Our Facilities

Study at our Creative Campus, Kingsway, home to some outstanding art, design and performance-based courses for the University’s School for the Creative Industries. Scroll through our 360 tours to explore our state-of-the-art facilities.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Our course develops skills that equip you for a portfolio career as well as other professions; self-discipline; research and analytical skills; organisation and time management; communication skills; drive and motivation; and working independently and collaboratively. Graduate jobs you may go into include: musician; songwriter, music promotions manager; sound engineer; music teacher; or events organiser.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Popular Music Performance BA (Hons)

Course Summary

Music at the University of Chester

What You'll Study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How You'll Learn

Entry Requirements

Study the final year of an undergraduate degree

Fees and Funding