BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Chester are required to have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 65% or above.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 overall, with no individual band score below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), with no section below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 61 overall, with no communicative skills score below 59.

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 Chester offers various scholarships and financial support options to international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, support students with financial needs, and promote diversity and inclusivity. 

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is available to international undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,000 for the first year of study. The selection is based on academic achievement and personal statement.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Chester is a participating institution in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program. Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK government to outstanding individuals with leadership potential from around the world. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances for a one-year master's degree.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The university participates in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), offering scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for selected master's degree programs.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships are open to international students applying for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Chester. The scholarships provide a tuition fee reduction of £2,000 for the first year of study. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Chester offers country-specific scholarships to students from selected countries. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application process. They are designed to attract talented students from specific regions and support their educational journey at the university.

Alumni Discount: The University of Chester offers an Alumni Discount to international students who have previously completed a degree at the university and wish to pursue further studies. This discount provides a reduction in tuition fees for eligible students.

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

The BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance program at the University of Chester equips students with versatile skills, industry insights, and practical experience to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in the vibrant field of music. Graduates emerge as skilled musicians, creative professionals, and innovative contributors to the global music landscape.

1. Professional Musician: Graduates of the BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance program are well-prepared to pursue careers as professional musicians. They can work as solo artists, band members, or session musicians, performing at concerts, festivals, events, and recording sessions. Musicians may specialize in specific genres such as rock, pop, jazz, electronic, or classical music.

2. Session Musician: Many graduates choose to become session musicians, providing instrumental or vocal support for recording artists, bands, and music producers. Session musicians work in recording studios, contributing to albums, film scores, commercials, and television productions. This role requires versatility, technical proficiency, and the ability to adapt to different musical styles.

3. Music Producer: Graduates with a strong background in music technology and production can pursue careers as music producers. They oversee the technical and creative aspects of music recording, mixing, and mastering. Music producers collaborate with artists to achieve desired sound aesthetics and manage studio sessions to produce high-quality recordings.

4. Composer and Songwriter: BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance alumni often work as composers and songwriters, creating original music for various purposes, including albums, films, television shows, advertisements, and video games. They develop musical ideas, write lyrics, and arrange compositions, leveraging their creativity and musical expertise.

5. Music Educator: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in music education, teaching at schools, colleges, music academies, or offering private lessons. They share their knowledge of performance, music theory, composition, and music technology with aspiring musicians, helping to nurture the next generation of musical talent.

6. Artist Manager or Promoter: With a solid understanding of the music business, graduates can explore roles in artist management, talent representation, or event promotion. They facilitate career development for musicians, negotiate contracts, organize tours, and promote artists' work through effective marketing strategies.

7. Music Industry Entrepreneur: Graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions may establish their own music-related businesses, such as record labels, production studios, music publishing companies, or event management firms. They leverage their industry knowledge and creative vision to launch successful ventures within the dynamic music industry.

8. Further Study: Some graduates choose to pursue further studies at the postgraduate level, specializing in areas such as music performance, composition, music technology, or music business. Advanced degrees can enhance career prospects and open doors to academic positions or specialized roles within the music industry.