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. On this very practically based programme, you will also have the opportunity to develop extremely useful skills such as recording techniques, live PA mixing, songwriting and arranging – all essential for working in the music industry. Our course provides a unique opportunity for you to excel in performance while developing a critical mind and becoming an intelligent, multi-skilled musician.

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 students 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, you will begin developing your knowledge of performance, popular music studies, music theory and music technology.

In Year 2, you will further develop performance and theoretical skills, alongside exciting new options including the opportunity to go on tour.

In Year 3, alongside performance, you will focus on professional and graduate skills through modules such as song writing, session musicianship, professional practice and independent research projects.

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

You will submit a variety of work for summative assessment, including solo and group performances, 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.

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.

Fees and Funding

£9,250per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

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. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.

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

Programme Leader in MA Popular Music

Jim Mason

Programme Leader for BA Music Production and Co-Programme Leader for BA Music Production & Performance

Associate Professor Ben Broughton

Head of Communications, Screen and Performance

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)

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Equipment Loan Provision

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)