BMus(Hons) Popular Music

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0  or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 87, with at least 21 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 24 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 66 with no individual score below 59.
• 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 Huddersfield offers several scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, encourage diversity, and provide financial assistance to eligible students.

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: This scholarship is available for international students and offers a tuition fee discount of up to £4,000 for the first year of study.

International Scholarship: The university offers a range of international scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships provide financial support towards tuition fees and are awarded based on academic merit.

Enterprise Placement Year Scholarship: This scholarship is available for undergraduate students undertaking a placement year as part of their degree program. It provides a bursary of £1,000 to support students during their placement.

International Academic Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. It offers a tuition fee discount of up to £4,000.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: The University of Huddersfield also offers scholarships specific to certain subject areas or departments. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

Graduates of the BMus (Hons) Popular Music program at the University of Huddersfield are well-equipped to pursue diverse and exciting careers in the music industry, performance, education, and related fields. With a strong foundation in popular music theory, performance skills, composition, production, and music business knowledge, graduates have the flexibility to pursue various career paths aligned with their interests and aspirations. 

Professional Musician/Performer: Graduates may pursue careers as professional musicians or performers, showcasing their talents in live concerts, tours, recording sessions, and music festivals. They may specialize in specific genres or styles of popular music, such as rock, pop, jazz, hip-hop, electronic dance music (EDM), or world music. Musicians may work as solo artists, band members, session musicians, or backing vocalists, collaborating with other artists, producers, and music industry professionals to create and perform music for audiences worldwide.

Songwriter/Composer: Graduates with a passion for songwriting and composition may pursue careers as songwriters, composers, or arrangers, creating original music for artists, bands, film, television, advertising, or multimedia projects. They may collaborate with artists, producers, and music publishers to write songs, melodies, lyrics, or instrumental compositions that resonate with audiences and capture the essence of popular music trends and styles. Songwriters may specialize in writing music for specific genres, artists, or commercial purposes, contributing to the creative landscape of popular music.

Music Producer/Engineer: Graduates may work as music producers, engineers, or sound designers, shaping the sonic landscape of popular music recordings and productions. They use recording technology, software, and studio equipment to capture, mix, and master audio tracks, ensuring high-quality sound production and artistic expression. Music producers may collaborate with artists, songwriters, and recording labels to produce albums, singles, EPs, or soundtracks, overseeing the creative and technical aspects of music production from pre-production to post-production stages.

Music Educator/Teacher: Graduates with a passion for music education may pursue careers as music educators, teachers, or workshop facilitators in schools, colleges, universities, community organizations, or private music schools. They may teach instrumental or vocal lessons, music theory, composition, ensemble performance, or music technology to students of all ages and skill levels. Music educators inspire, motivate, and mentor students, fostering their musical talents, creativity, and appreciation for popular music genres and styles.

Music Industry Professional: Graduates may work in various roles within the music industry, including artist management, talent scouting, A&R (Artist and Repertoire), music publishing, licensing, marketing, promotion, distribution, or event management. They may work for record labels, music publishers, talent agencies, streaming platforms, concert promoters, or entertainment companies, supporting artists' careers, promoting music releases, and coordinating music industry activities to maximize artists' exposure and success in the competitive music market.

Sound Designer/Composer for Media: Graduates may pursue careers in media production, creating music and sound design for film, television, video games, advertising, or multimedia projects. They collaborate with directors, producers, and creative teams to compose original music scores, soundtracks, or sound effects that enhance storytelling, evoke emotions, and engage audiences. Sound designers and composers may work in post-production studios, game development companies, advertising agencies, or film production companies, contributing their musical talents and technical expertise to multimedia projects.

Music Journalist/Critic: Graduates with strong writing and communication skills may pursue careers as music journalists, critics, or bloggers, covering popular music trends, artists, albums, concerts, and industry news for print, online, or broadcast media outlets. They write reviews, features, interviews, and opinion pieces that inform, entertain, and engage music enthusiasts, helping audiences discover new music, understand cultural trends, and appreciate the diversity of popular music genres and styles.

Music Entrepreneur/Independent Artist: Graduates may choose to pursue entrepreneurial careers as independent artists, band leaders, music entrepreneurs, or creative business owners, establishing their own music ventures, labels, studios, or production companies. They leverage their artistic talents, networking skills, and business acumen to create and promote their music, build fan bases, distribute recordings, and monetize their creative work through live performances, merchandise sales, streaming platforms, crowdfunding, and licensing opportunities.