The Foundation Degree/BA Honours in Popular Music is an exciting and innovative programme of study that investigates popular music through a focus on performance, music technology and production, and 'world' musics. You will explore the history, genres and cultures of popular music and acquire practical experience of current techniques in live and studio production. This 'hands-on' learning is supported by contextual studies relating to the industrial, aesthetic and cultural frameworks of contemporary popular music. If you are a talented pop musician seeking to develop creative skills in composition, performance and music technology, then this degree is for you.
We understand the value of 'learning by doing' and an important feature of the course is the performance of student work in public venues, both in Cambridge and further afield. We provide opportunities to experience, at first hand, examples from the range of music studied throughout the course. The vibrant student atmosphere and rich cultural environment of Cambridge includes première gig venues such as The Junction with whom we have longstanding and extremely productive links.
Individual instrumental and vocal tuition is included within the course for students enrolled on Performance modules, delivered by a large team of visiting tutors of international reputation.
We are especially proud of our extensive and stimulating programme of public concerts, theatrical performances and workshops. On campus, we host a series of weekly lunch-time concerts given by professional musicians, and visiting artists and performers are regularly invited to give master-classes and workshops across the degree programmes.
Large-scale concerts are mounted at venues throughout the city, together with a variety of smaller ensembles, from jazz bands to live laptop ensemble, MEME.
Outstanding facilities offer you the chance to gain the sort of skills much valued by prospective employers. Accommodation includes a purpose-built Music Centre with lecture and teaching rooms, a recital hall, five state-of-the-art computer music studios, recording facilities, media support and individual practice rooms.
Module guide
Course content will vary depending on the choice of available options. As a guide, modules might include:
Year one modules
Performance 1
Composing and Improvising
Introduction to World Musics & Ethnomusicology
Popular Music Contextual Studies
Musical New Media
Introduction to Creative Music Programming
Laptop Musicianship
Learning and Skills Development for HE and Work
Understanding the Work Sector
Work-Based Learning 1
Year two modules
Students graduating at the end of stage two are awarded a Foundation Degree (FdA) in Popular Music.
Performance 2
Composing & Improvising 2
Music in Context
World Music Regional Studies
Cover Versions
Songwriting Workshop
Production and Recording for Musicians
Creative Music Programming
Music for Digital Media
Work-Based Learning 2
Year three modules
All students are able to complete a final year of study, leading to the award of BA (Hons) Popular Music.
Performance 3
Composition 3
Intertextuality in Music
Radiophonica
Sonic Art
Art, Music and Performance
Enterprise in the Creative Arts
Major Project
Pop Video Production
Marketing, Promotion and Publicity
120 tariff points Non-Academic Conditions: interviews GCSE(s) required 5 GCSEs including English grade C or above and Maths grade C or above equivalent For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk