Our BA (Hons) Popular Music degree is designed for bold performers ready to craft their own sound, develop their artistry, build a sustainable career and make a lasting impact on the music industry.

September 2027

Duration: 3 Years /

4 years (with Foundation)

UCAS Course Code(s): Popular W302

W3W2 Popular (with Foundation Year)

W305 Popular (Top-up)

UCAS Institution Code: L30

Apply Via: UCAS

Study Mode: Full time

Validated By: University of Hull

Course Overview

Whether you dream of touring in a band, working as a solo artist or session musician, or becoming an instrumentalist or multi-instrumentalist producer, this course will give you the practical and technical tools, artistic confidence, and industry insight to make it happen.

You’ll develop advanced instrumental and/or vocal skills, refine your performance identity and cultivate your stagecraft through tailored one-to-one tuition and taught group sessions with professional performers. You’ll have the creative freedom to collaborate with other musicians, focus your own creative practice, and work in our Apple Mac labs where you will learn the skills required to realise your ideas and performances into recordings using industry-standard software and facilities.

You’ll explore the cultural, social and industry context of popular music and will learn how to analyse songs and performances, empowering you to become an informed and adaptable musician. Through expert tuition and a regular series of visiting masterclasses and Q&A sessions, you will also learn the music industry skills that prepare you for the realities of a portfolio career.

From the rehearsal room to the main stage or recording studio – this course will help you grow as an artist and thrive as a professional and cultivate a successful career in the music industry.

Industry Collaboration

Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, live sessions, and input from alumni and industry guests provide insight and mentorship.

Creative Opportunities

You’ll get to perform on campus and off campus, collaborate with songwriters, producers and artists, and build a performance showcase portfolio for the industry.

Facilities

You’ll have access to rehearsal suites, industry-standard studios, Mac Labs, and fully equipped performance spaces for band practices, showcases and recording sessions.

Graduate Destinations

Graduates go into live performance, session work, music education, artist development, writing, journalism and creative production. Progression to our postgraduate music degrees in performance, songwriting and production will be available.

“I launched myself as an artist in first year. I then recorded my debut EP, recorded sessions for BBC Introducing, played at Sound City Festival in Liverpool, supported artists on tour including Newton Faulkner and even had my own headline tour, and that was all in the first two years of studying at Leeds Conservatoire!”

– Lauren Rycroft, Popular Music graduate

Course Structure

Apply, Audition & Fees

Course Facts & Documents

Top-Up and Transfers

What You Will Study

Foundation Year (L3) - 4-year option only

History of Popular Music

Credit value: 20

You’ll explore how popular music has evolved from the early 20th century to today, examining major genres, artists, and cultural movements. You’ll investigate how technology and society shape musical trends, while deepening your understanding of musical forms and concepts. This module encourages you to link theory with practice through your own compositions, allowing you to creatively respond to key developments in music history.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. Assessment includes a portfolio of work.

Learning and teaching hours: 30 (15%)

Directed study hours: 170 (85%)

Musicianship Foundations 1: Theory and Tools

You’ll gain a solid grounding in music theory, aural perception, and digital musicianship. Through hands-on learning, you’ll explore core elements like melody, harmony, and rhythm, developing the fluency needed for performance and composition. The module also equips you with essential digital tools to express musical ideas clearly and confidently across different creative and academic contexts.

This module is delivered through a combination of seminars, practical workshops, and digital skills sessions. Assessment includes an online portfolio of theory coursework.

Musicianship Foundations 2: Applied Theory

You’ll build on your theoretical and practical knowledge by applying musical concepts directly to creative tasks. This module develops your fluency in key areas like melody, harmony, and rhythm, while enhancing your aural and digital musicianship skills. You’ll actively engage with theory to support composition and performance, gaining confidence in using digital tools to convey and refine your musical ideas.

This module is delivered through a combination of seminars, practical workshops, and digital skills sessions. Assessment includes a theory portfolio.

Popular Music in Context

You’ll explore how popular music reflects and shapes identity, politics, and culture. This module investigates the broader social, historical, and economic forces behind music production and consumption, including media and technology. Through listening, analysis, and discussion, you’ll develop your ability to interpret music in context, and you’ll be encouraged to apply your insights in your own compositional work.

Foundational Performance 1

You’ll develop essential skills in popular music performance through one-to-one tuition, workshops, and seminars. This module supports your technical growth and musicianship while encouraging a collaborative, personalised approach. You’ll strengthen your instrumental or vocal technique and explore your performance identity, laying the foundation for confident, expressive, and adaptable musical practice.

This module is delivered through a combination of individualised tuition, workshops, and seminars. Assessment includes a performance.

Learning and teaching hours: 50 (25%)

Directed study hours: 150 (75%)

Foundational Performance 2

You’ll continue developing your performance skills, building on the techniques and experiences from Foundational Performance 1. Working closely with your tutor, you’ll refine your individual style and strengthen your adaptability in a collaborative music environment. The module deepens your musicianship and enhances your confidence as you integrate technical development with expressive, performance-focused creativity.

This module is delivered through a combination of individualised tuition, workshops, and seminars. Assessment includes a band performance.

Year 1 (L4)

Performance 1: Skills

You’ll build a solid foundation in performance by blending technical development with your own musical expression. Through one-to-one tuition, workshops, and lectures, you’ll enhance your musicianship, part-writing, and instrumental or vocal technique. This module supports your creative growth through structured exercises, helping you become a more confident and adaptable performer ready to engage with collaborative music-making.

This module is delivered through a combination of individualised tuition, workshops, and lectures. Assessment includes a performance portfolio and an audio/video presentation.

Learning and teaching hours: 55 (27.5%)

Directed study hours: 145 (72.5%)

Performance 2: Technique

You’ll deepen your technical and artistic development, strengthening your individual performance style through tailored tuition and collaborative learning. This module supports your growth as a creative professional, combining workshops, lectures, and practice to improve your musicianship and stage presence. You’ll explore performance from technical and expressive angles, preparing for real-world creative and industry expectations.

This module is delivered through a combination of individualised tuition, workshops, and lectures. Assessment includes a performance portfolio.

Creative Environments 1 (Pop and Folk)

You’ll develop key skills in collaborative performance and digital production using industry-standard tools. Through band rehearsals and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) sessions, you’ll enhance your stagecraft, musical communication, and technical fluency. This module provides a hands-on introduction to creating, performing, and producing within a digital environment, helping you realise your musical ideas with confidence and precision.

This module is delivered through a combination of practical collaborative band workshops and DAW-based recording sessions. Assessment includes a DAW submission and a collaborative performance video.

Creative Environments 2 (Pop and Folk)

You’ll build on your collaborative and technical skills by refining your rehearsal strategies and deepening your understanding of DAW-based production. Through live performance and digital workshops, you’ll develop your musicianship, explore arrangement techniques, and learn how to shape ideas into strong demo recordings. This module strengthens your creative process in both live and studio settings.

This module is delivered through a combination of practical collaborative band workshops and DAW-based recording sessions. Assessment includes a collaborative performance and a DAW processing skills.

Musical Analysis (Pop, Folk, Songwriting)

You’ll explore the structures, techniques, and creative decisions behind influential songs and records. Using analytical tools, you’ll study arrangement, songcraft, and form—then apply these insights to your own music. Through lectures and peer discussion, you’ll sharpen your technical vocabulary, deepen your compositional understanding, and develop a more focused and reflective creative approach.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment includes a written or audio/video presentation analysis.

Musical Contexts (Pop, Folk, Songwriting)

You’ll examine how music operates within social, cultural, and industry frameworks. This module introduces musicological and theoretical approaches that help you understand music as both an art form and a commercial product. By analysing repertoire and musical discourse, you’ll gain the tools to critically evaluate your work and position your creative output within wider contexts.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment includes a research project.

Year 2 (L5)

Performance 3: Artistry

You’ll take a more focused approach to developing your unique performance identity. Through personalised tuition, workshops, and lectures, you’ll refine your instrumental or vocal skills while exploring artistry in recorded and live performance. This module supports your growth as a creative performer with a distinct musical voice, ready for collaborative professional environments.

This module is delivered through a combination of individualised tuition, workshops, and lectures. Assessment includes a performance portfolio and written or audio/video reflective presentation.

Performance 4: Creativity

You’ll continue to develop your expressive range, performance strategies, and artistic direction. Alongside technical and stylistic refinement, you’ll explore the songwriting process and how your influences shape your creative identity. This module supports professional practice and experimentation, helping you evolve as a disciplined, original performer with an understanding of your place in the industry.

Creative Environments 3 (Pop and Folk)

You’ll strengthen your band performance and DAW production skills, focusing on rehearsal efficiency, stagecraft, and stylistic interpretation. In parallel, you’ll gain confidence with mixing techniques like track organisation, gain staging, and balancing. Through feedback and workshops, you’ll refine both your musical performance and your technical execution in a studio environment.

Creative Environments 4 (Pop and Folk)

You’ll further develop as a versatile performer and producer by engaging with live performance techniques and DAW-based creativity. This module explores advanced stagecraft, sound manipulation, and digital effects, helping you shape your identity as a contemporary artist. You’ll prepare compositions for live delivery while aligning your work with industry standards and expectations.

This module is delivered through a combination of practical collaborative workshops and DAW-based production sessions. Assessment includes a mix submission and performance video.

Industry 1: Infrastructure (Pop, Songwriting, Folk)

You’ll explore the structure and workings of the UK music industry, gaining insights into income streams, management, legal frameworks, and professional bodies. This module provides the essential knowledge to start building a career as a songwriter or performer. You’ll learn to navigate industry mechanics and develop transferable business skills for long-term sustainability.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment includes music industry research.

Industry 2: Portfolio Skills (Pop, Songwriting, Folk)

You’ll explore three complementary disciplines—Journalism, Pedagogy, and Musicology—to broaden your career prospects. This module helps you develop skills that can support or extend your creative practice. Through lectures and practical tasks, you’ll gain the tools to deliver work in one of these areas, strengthening your employability and portfolio as a music professional.

This module is delivered through lectures. Assessment includes a project in which you can choose a specialism.

Year 3 (L6)

Major Performance Showcase

Credit value: 40

You’ll consolidate your artistic voice and professional identity through a high-level performance project. Supported by tuition and workshops, you’ll refine your technique, stylistic fluency, and creative control. This module gives you the platform to demonstrate discipline, individuality, and professionalism as you prepare for a career in the music industry.

This module is delivered through a combination of individualised tuition and workshops. Assessment includes a performance portfolio.

Learning and teaching hours: 110 (27.5%)

Directed study hours: 290 (72.5%)

Focus 1 (Pop, Songwriting, Folk)

You’ll design and deliver a specialist project that aligns with your professional goals in ensemble performance, collaborative songwriting, or research. This module lets you showcase the skills and insights developed throughout your degree. You’ll refine your creative or academic approach while producing work that meets professional industry standards and reflects your artistic identity.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars or workshops. Assessment includes a project in which you can choose a specialism.

Focus 2 (Pop, Songwriting, Folk)

You’ll continue to develop your chosen specialism—whether performance, songwriting, or research—through a major project. Building on Focus 1, you’ll deepen your expertise and creative focus while demonstrating originality and professionalism. This module supports your transition into industry or further study by encouraging self-direction and high-level project delivery.

Industry 3: Strategy (Pop, Songwriting, Folk)

You’ll learn how to promote and position yourself in the music industry using strategic tools like marketing, branding, and digital presence. Through case studies and practical work, you’ll explore how artists build sustainable careers. You’ll develop networking skills and gain the knowledge to release music, build an audience, and navigate industry landscapes.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment includes a written or audio/video presentation case study.

Industry 4: Implementation (Pop, Songwriting, Folk)

You’ll bring together everything you've learned in your industry studies to shape your unique career path. This module helps you develop your creative vision, visual identity, and professional presentation. You’ll gain experience in branding, career planning, and income strategies, preparing you to secure employment or launch yourself as a self-employed music professional.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment includes a submission of a graduation pack with evidence of your skills as a music practitioner.

BA (Hons) Popular Music with Foundation Year - 4 Years

If you know that conservatoire study is for you, but you don’t think that you’ll meet the academic or musical entry requirements, our four-year courses are an excellent opportunity to start studying your degree while you focus on your musical development.

An extra year of access to our creative and collaborative environment, excellent facilities, expert staff and rich performance opportunities will build your confidence as a conservatoire musician.

See 'Foundation Year (L3)' tab above to see what you'll study in your Foundation Year.

Find out more about BA (Hons) with Foundation Year.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

BA (Hons) - 3 Years

96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.

A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).

BA (Hons) - Top-Up

Foundation Degree, HND or equivalent in a relevant subject.

Performance and Musical Theory Standard

Read our full entry requirements to see more detail on musical performance and theory standards.

How to Apply

How to Apply via UCAS Guide

Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)

Auditions

Applicants will need to audition, interview and/or submit a portfolio of work.

Exact requirements vary depending on which programme you are applying for.

Find more detailed audition information for applicants.

Leeds Conservatoire does not charge audition fees for any Undergraduate or Postgraduate course.

In many cases, if you prefer to submit your audition online rather than attend in person, this is an option. However, we don't want travel costs to be a barrier to attending in-person auditions at Leeds Conservatoire, so help is available for many applicants where finances are an issue. Eligibility and bursary application information is available on our audition information page.

Fees & Funding

For detailed information regarding tuition fees, payment options, and financial support:

Please visit our Fees and Funding page.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:

How To Apply

International Entry Requirements

Fees & Funding for International Students

Study Mode: Full Time

Validated by: University of Hull

Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours

Duration: 3 years

UCAS Course Code: W302

BA (Hons) Popular Music with Foundation Year

Duration: 4 years

UCAS Course Code: W3W2

Programme Specifications

BA (Hons) Popular Music Programme Specifications

Top-Up (Year 3) and Year 2 and 3 Transfers

If you are looking to apply for our Popular Music Top-Up (Year 3) or transfer to Leeds Conservatoire for Year 2 or Year 3, you will be enrolling on to our BA Music (Popular) course which has different module specifications to our new BA Popular Music course.

For relevant modules, please refer to our Module Specifications page.

Alumni Profile

Mali Hayes

Course Studied: BA (Hons) Music (Popular)

Year of Graduation: 2015

Mali’s music takes influence from jazz, neo-soul and R’n’B. The resultant, unique sound has been compared to that of Jill Scott and Erykah Badu.

Accompanied by either 4-piece or full 9-piece band, she was recently chosen to be part of the Gilles Peterson and Brownswood’s Future Bubblers programme, has performed at Manchester Jazz Festival and received notable support from the likes of Jamie Cullum.

Meet our alumni

Tutor profiles

Meet all course Tutors

Dr Jack HarbordAcademic Manager - School of Popular Music and Voice

Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Popular), BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting)

Read more

about 'Dr Jack Harbord'

Anna UhuruAcademic Manager - School of Popular Music and Voice

Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Popular), MA Music

about 'Anna Uhuru'

Caroline BoadenSenior Lecturer: Popular Music

Courses taught: 1:1 drum tuition to Specialist Study students in Foundation Year (Popular), BA (Hons) Music (Popular)

about 'Caroline Boaden'

“I was so excited to be selected for the Leeds Conservatoire touring scheme. You get the chance to plan out the whole package, the whole product. It’s not just a one-off show, it’s a series of live performances that allowed me to bring my sound to a wider audience.”

– Lucy Whittaker, Popular Music graduate

Performance Opportunities

Students on our Popular pathway play at our regular showcase, ‘Crosswire’, and perform at venues throughout the city, including the Brudenell Socal Club, Belgrave Music hall, Oporto and Nation of Shopkeepers. In addition, many of our students join the Contemporary Pop Choir and other extra-curricular ensembles that the college run.

Recently, students have performed at:

Sound City Festival (Liverpool)

Eurosonic Festival (Netherlands)

The Royal Festival Hall (London)

Crosswire (a regular night for Leeds College

of Music Pop and Production students)

BBC One’s Pitch Battle (Winners) – made up of singers from our Contemporary Pop Choir

Find out more

We have over 70 teaching rooms, practice rooms and bespoke ensemble rehearsal spaces, as well as a comprehensive library of instruments, mics and recording equipment, that are all available until late during term-time.

LCOM-EDGE-OVERLAYS

Find out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days.

As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.

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