MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BA Hons Popular Music
Park, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) Popular Music program is designed to cultivate well-rounded musicians equipped for diverse and sustainable careers within the dynamic creative industries. This forward-thinking degree emphasizes the development of practical music-making skills across various disciplines.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Popular Music program provides a comprehensive exploration of the modern music landscape. Students can expect to engage with modules covering a range of essential areas, including creative music production, songwriting, and performance. The course also incorporates the creation of audio-visual content for various platforms, providing a holistic understanding of the contemporary music industry. Additionally, students examine the cultural, economic, and political contexts of music, developing a critical and informed perspective on the field. Modules may include "Music Video Production," "The Music Business," "Music Cultures and Economies," "Songmaking and Production," and "Songwriting and Performance" in the initial year. Later years build upon these foundations with modules such as "The Future Professional," "Songwriting & Context," "Music Performance," "Music Production," and "Music and Sound Studies," culminating in a final year with options like "The Research Project," "The Live Music Event," and "The Major Music Project," alongside modules focused on professional development like "Sustainable Music Practice" and "The Music and Sound Professional."
Research Focus: While the program has a strong practical focus, it also integrates a crucial research element. Students develop research skills throughout the course, enabling them to critically analyze and understand the music industry and its various facets. This is evident in modules that encourage students to explore and challenge conventional ideas about the significance and value of music in society. The final year often includes a significant individual research project, allowing students to delve deeply into an area of particular interest, whether it be a critical analysis or a more practice-based inquiry with accompanying written work.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of the University of Gloucestershire's Popular Music program is its strong emphasis on industry engagement. Students benefit from the expertise of award-winning tutors who are actively involved in the music industry as songwriters, producers, performers, and researchers. These industry connections facilitate guest speaker sessions featuring professionals from various sectors, including talent booking agencies and music publishing companies. The program provides opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through industry projects, such as collaborations with the BBC Introducing team. Furthermore, students may have the chance to enhance their CVs through client briefs and potential placements with companies like Universal Music, Sony ATV, and independent labels, providing invaluable practical experience and networking opportunities. The university also provides 24-hour access to industry-standard music studios, production labs, and rehearsal spaces, alongside film, TV, and VFX studios, fostering a collaborative environment with other creative media students.
Global Perspective: The program incorporates a global perspective by considering the diverse cultural, economic, and political contexts in which popular music operates. While specific modules may delve into "Global Popular Musics" at a more advanced level, the broader curriculum encourages students to think about music within a wider societal framework. The opportunity for students to perform at an annual European Capital City Showcase in cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, or Berlin provides a direct and immersive experience of the international music scene, broadening their understanding and professional network beyond the UK. This international exposure, coupled with the study of diverse music cultures, helps to cultivate a global perspective on the popular music industry.
Location
Park, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
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 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
The University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) Popular Music program is designed to equip graduates with a diverse skillset, opening doors to a wide array of career opportunities within the dynamic music and creative industries. The practical, industry-focused nature of the course prepares students for both creative and business-oriented roles.
Performing Musician: Graduates can pursue careers as professional performing musicians, either as solo artists, band members, or session musicians across various genres of popular music. The course’s emphasis on performance skills and stagecraft directly supports this path.
Songwriter/Composer: With a strong focus on songwriting and composition, graduates are well-prepared for careers as professional songwriters, composing music for artists, as well as for various media such as film, television, and video games.
Music Producer: The program's comprehensive training in music production, recording techniques, and studio technology enables graduates to work as music producers, either in commercial studios or in a freelance capacity, shaping the sound of recordings.
Audio Engineer/Sound Technician: Graduates can specialize in audio engineering, working in recording studios, live sound reinforcement for concerts and events, or in post-production for film and television, ensuring high-quality audio.
Music Business and Management: The course often includes modules on the music business, preparing graduates for roles in artist management, music publishing, record labels, and music marketing, handling the commercial and administrative aspects of the industry.
Live Events and Tour Management: Graduates with an interest in the live music sector can pursue careers in event management, stage management, or tour management, coordinating and executing live performances and tours.
Music Educator: With their in-depth knowledge and practical skills, graduates can also move into music education, teaching music in schools, colleges, or within community settings.
Music Journalist/Blogger: Graduates with strong writing and critical thinking skills can become music journalists, reviewers, or bloggers, contributing to music magazines, websites, or creating their own online content.
Creative Entrepreneur: The program's focus on industry and business skills can inspire graduates to establish their own music-related businesses, such as independent record labels, production companies, or music-based startups.
Related Creative Industries: The transferable skills gained on the course, such as creativity, project management, and technical proficiency, can also lead to opportunities in other creative industries, including film and television production, advertising, and digital media. Graduates of the University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) Popular Music program are well-prepared for a multitude of career paths within the vibrant music and wider creative industries. The diverse skillset developed throughout the degree, encompassing creative music-making, production, business acumen, and critical thinking, opens doors to a variety of exciting opportunities. Here are 10 potential career options for graduates:
Performing Musician: Many graduates pursue careers as professional musicians, performing solo or in bands across various genres. This can involve live gigs, touring, session work, and creating original music. The program's emphasis on performance and industry connections can be a significant advantage for aspiring performers.
Songwriter/Composer: The degree hones songwriting and composition skills, enabling graduates to write original music for artists, their own projects, or for use in other media. Opportunities exist in areas like music publishing, working with record labels, or pursuing a freelance career creating music for various clients.
Music Producer: With a strong foundation in music production and studio techniques, graduates can work as music producers. This involves overseeing the recording and production process of musical tracks, working with artists to shape their sound, and using various software and hardware to create high-quality recordings.
Sound Engineer: The technical skills acquired in the program, particularly in audio and studio technology, prepare graduates for roles as sound engineers. This can involve working in recording studios, at live events, or in broadcast settings, responsible for the technical aspects of sound and audio.
Music Business Professional: The curriculum includes modules on the music business, providing graduates with knowledge of areas like artist management, marketing, PR, and events management. This can lead to careers in record labels, music publishing companies, talent agencies, or setting up their own music-related businesses.
Live Event Manager/Technician: The focus on live music events within the program can lead to careers in event management or as a live sound technician. This involves the planning, organization, and technical execution of concerts, festivals, and other music events.
Composer for Screen Media: With specific modules on composition for screen media, graduates can create music for film, television, video games, and advertising. This requires a unique blend of musical creativity and an understanding of the visual medium.
Music Educator: Graduates can pursue careers in music education, teaching music in schools, colleges, or as a private tutor. The program's focus on both practical and theoretical aspects of music provides a solid foundation for teaching.
Radio Broadcast Assistant/Producer: The university's radio studios and the program's focus on the media landscape can lead to roles in radio broadcasting, such as broadcast assistants or producers, involved in creating and presenting music-based content.
Arts Administrator/Manager: Graduates with a passion for the arts and an understanding of the music industry can also work in arts administration or management, in roles within arts organizations, venues, or managing artists.
