Music Performance Degree: BA (Hons) Music Performance
Put yourself centre stage with our inspiring music performance course. Hone your performance portfolio for professional music.
UAL Accreditation: Our degrees are accredited by the University of the Arts London (UAL), a leading authority in arts education known for nurturing creativity and innovation.
Course Overview
- Location: Northbrook College, Worthing, West Sussex, England
- UCAS code: W313
- Duration: 3 years full-time
- Application deadline: 29 May 2026
- Start date: September 2026
- Fees: £16,500
The BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree at Northbrook College offers a comprehensive education designed for both instrumental and vocal specialists. This program allows students to engage in project work and regular access to a performance workshop that hones their creative and technical skills, preparing them for careers in the music industry. A significant portion of the course focuses on ensemble performance, allowing you to collaborate with peers across a wide range of genres and styles.
Students will also gain experience through video recordings, enhancing their professional portfolio while showcasing their talent to a global audience. These recordings are crucial for building a professional profile, leading to further performance opportunities.
International students are welcomed and encouraged to apply, bringing diverse perspectives that enrich the overall learning environment. The program offers UCAS points upon completion, supporting progression into postgraduate studies or various high-level career paths within the music industry. Whether you're a performer or a composer, our bmus hons popular music performance degree will prepare you for the next step in your musical journey.
Entry requirements
2 A-Levels and 3 GCSEs in other subjects grade 9-4 or A-C (or equivalent)
OR
1 A-Level, a Foundation course (or equivalent) and 3 GCSEs in other subjects grade 9-4 or A-C (or equivalent)
A portfolio of work or audition is also needed to demonstrate ability in the specialist area.
Contact us to compare overseas qualifications to the UK education system.
English language requirements
IELTS certificate or equivalent with an overall score of 6.0, 6.0 in the writing element and 5.5 in all other sub-elements.
Your application will be assessed based on grades, interview, portfolio/audition, and experience.
Course Information
This music degree program combines expert lecturers, live performances, industry visits, and real-world skills to prepare you for a music career.
Course Content
Course Content
The degree program offers guidance from lecturers with expert knowledge and industry experience. It focuses on building a significant recorded music portfolio and emphasises live performances and collaboration with other creative departments. Visits from prominent figures in the music industry offer crucial insights, and students can gain real-world skills and build a network through various experiences, such as working at festivals, providing music tuition, and participating in recording sessions with professional bands.
Teaching Method
Teaching Method
We use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- practical and creative studio-based workshops
- discussions
- lectures/seminars
- tutorials
- small group study
- self-directed study
- study trips
Key Features
Key Features
- Guest lectures by industry experts and professional musicians
- The course includes live projects and opportunities for work experience (subject to student visa regulations).
- Perform in our professional on-site theatre.
- Extensive state-of-the-art recording studios and practice spaces.
- Study specialist units in music theory, including harmony and arrangement.
Course Structure
Year One
Year One
The first year of the BA course dives into the world of music creation, equipping you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to navigate the music industry. You'll begin by building a solid understanding of music theory through chords, scales, and notation courses. Alongside this theoretical grounding, you'll gain hands-on experience using Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) to record and edit your music while also developing basic keyboard skills.
The Artist Development unit explores different music industry roles and equips you with the knowledge and skills you need, regardless of your career path. You'll learn about the music industry structure and develop essential teamwork and collaboration skills while covering the importance of well-being for musicians.
The Ideas in Context: Why Music Matters unit equips you with analytical and critical thinking skills through research methods and refines your writing and presentation abilities.
The capstone Music Project unit lets you apply your year-long learnings to a creative project, whether a composition, performance, or music product. Explore trends, consider your audience, and unleash your creativity.
- Unit 1: Standards and Conventions
- Unit 2: Artist Development
- Unit 3: Ideas in Context: Why Music Matters
- Unit 4: Tools and Techniques
- Unit 5: Context and Application
- Unit 6: Music Project
Year Two
Year Two
Year 2 takes your musical skills to the next level and prepares you for the professional music industry. You'll delve into advanced arranging and orchestration, crafting complex harmonies and exploring diverse instruments within popular music genres like rock, pop, and jazz. But music isn't just about following the rules - innovation is critical. A dedicated section of the course explores how fresh ideas drive the industry, teaching you to develop your creative sounds and marketing strategies. This unit even delves into immersive audio techniques, pushing the boundaries of music production.
You'll explore various techniques used across different cultures and musical styles, gaining a deeper understanding of how chords, scales, and rhythm all play a role.
Equally important is the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. The course equips you with these skills through analysing texts and music, applying critical theory, and confidently presenting your ideas through essays, presentations, and debates.
The year culminates in a year-long Individual Project, your chance to explore your musical interests and experiment with new ideas. This project encourages you to take creative risks, collaborate with others, and potentially influence the music culture.
- Unit 7: Advanced Arranging
- Unit 8: Innovation
- Unit 9: Improvisation
- Unit 10: Ideas in Context: Musicking
- Unit 11: Individual Project
Year Three
Year Three
In your final year of the BA Music program, the focus sharpens to prepare you for a thriving music career. You'll delve into collaboration, budgeting, and team management to tackle projects effectively alongside others. This year also fosters independent research through a chosen dissertation topic, culminating in a written paper or oral presentation. This process hones your research, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Transitioning beyond your studies becomes a key theme. You'll assess your skills, build your professional network, and craft a personalized career development plan. This plan can encompass exploring opportunities to sell your music, secure jobs in the industry, or even start your music business. Finally, you'll explore the development of your unique artistic identity. You'll develop your style through performance and creation by analysing your influences and exploring contemporary music trends. This final year provides a comprehensive foundation, preparing you to launch a successful and fulfilling career in the music industry.
- Unit 12: Collective Practice
- Unit 13: Music Dissertation
- Unit 14: Professional Practice
- Unit 15: Personal Voice
