BA (Hons)Popular Music

The BA (Hons) Popular Music program at the University of Liverpool offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary popular music. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, performance, composition, and production aspects of popular music.

Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to cover a wide array of subjects related to popular music. It includes modules on music theory, music technology, songwriting, music production, performance techniques, and the socio-cultural context of popular music. Students engage in practical sessions, workshops, and collaborative projects, developing their musical skills and knowledge.

Research Focus: The program encourages a strong research focus, enabling students to explore various aspects of popular music through research projects. Students investigate topics such as music industry trends, fan cultures, music marketing, or the impact of technology on popular music, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Industry Engagement: The University of Liverpool emphasizes industry connections, providing students with opportunities for industry engagement. Through partnerships with music labels, studios, festivals, and music-related businesses, students gain practical experience, internships, and networking opportunities within the popular music industry.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Popular Music program integrates a global perspective by examining popular music within various cultural, social, and global contexts. Students explore diverse musical traditions, global music markets, and the influence of globalization on popular music, understanding its role in a globalized world.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70 to 85% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 78, with at least 19 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Liverpool offers a range of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits and help make higher education more accessible. These scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, including academic merit, financial need, and specific eligibility requirements. 

Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for international undergraduate and postgraduate taught students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. The Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship provides a reduction in tuition fees for the duration of the program.

Liverpool International College (LIC) Excellence Scholarship: The LIC Excellence Scholarship is available to international students who are progressing from Liverpool International College to an undergraduate degree program at the University of Liverpool. It offers a reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study.

Sports Scholarships: The University of Liverpool offers sports scholarships to talented athletes who have achieved a high level of sporting excellence. These scholarships provide financial support, access to training facilities, specialized coaching, and other resources to help athletes balance their academic and sporting commitments.

Subject-specific Scholarships: Various academic departments at the University of Liverpool offer subject-specific scholarships to outstanding students in particular fields. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence and support students in their chosen disciplines. Examples include scholarships for Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Social Sciences.

Merit Scholarships: The University of Liverpool offers merit scholarships to high-achieving undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and provide a reduction in tuition fees for each year of study.

Widening Participation Scholarships: The Widening Participation Scholarships are designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds who may face barriers to accessing higher education. These scholarships aim to promote social mobility and provide financial assistance to eligible students.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Popular Music program at the University of Liverpool possess diverse skills suitable for various roles within the music industry, entertainment, media, and related fields.

Musician/Performer: Many graduates pursue careers as musicians or performers, utilizing their talents in live performances, tours, studio recordings, and collaborations with other artists or bands.

Music Producer/Sound Engineer: Graduates skilled in music production and technology can work as music producers or sound engineers, managing recording sessions, mixing, and producing music for artists or media projects.

Songwriter/Composer: They may become songwriters or composers, creating original music compositions for artists, television, films, commercials, or video games.

Music Business Professional: Some graduates enter roles within the music business, such as artist management, talent scouting, music marketing, A&R (artists and repertoire), event management, or working for record labels and music distribution companies.

Music Educator/Instructor: Graduates interested in education can pursue careers as music educators or instructors, teaching in schools, music academies, or offering private lessons in performance, composition, or music production.