BA (Hons) Popular Music, Songwriting and Performance.

This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of music theory, allowing you to become familiar with a range of songwriting approaches and techniques. You’ll focus on melodic form, harmonic structure, rhythm and meter and different arrangement techniques. These musical elements will be explored across a variety of genres of popular music with analysis of key artists and songwriting teams. The skills of lyric writing will also be explored through analysis, with case studies utilised to identify innovative practice in this key element of popular music songwriting.

Assessment: Online exam, composition and portfolio practical. 40 credits.

This module will focus on the development of practical skills in environments where live musical performances are staged. You will develop skills through practical workshops in our venue, which will focus on the technical aspects of live performance such as the use of PA systems, sound reinforcement, backline and control of front of house and monitoring systems. You will also explore the different types of microphones and their different on-stage applications. The module will also cover performative aspects in a live environment building your knowledge of effective stagecraft and performance skills.

Assessment: A practical performance and written evaluation. 20 credits.

This module will introduce students to recording techniques in a studio environment. Microphone types and uses will be explored in detail, as will specific recording technologies, both hardware and software. You’ll be taught signal paths and audio routing within the studio, and develop safe working practices within the recording studio.

Assessment: Practical signal path test and recording. 20 credits.

This module explores the evolution of popular music in relation to key social, political, and cultural developments. Through case studies and musical analysis, you’ll examine how external influences and technological advancements have shaped songwriting and production techniques across popular genres from the twentieth century to the present day. Critical listening and textual analysis techniques will be used alongside contextual study skills to support your understanding of popular music theory.

Assessment: Presentation and written essay. 20 credits.

Through a variety of lectures, workshops, case studies and tutorials students will engage with a range of subjects related to the various sectors of the music industry, such as record labels, copyright, marketing and promotion. This module will combine a range of themes and topics connected to current development of the music industry, establishing a context for emerging trends and established business practices.

Assessment: Written report. 20 credits.

This module focuses on the continued development and refinement of your songwriting skills and production techniques, building on the practical and theoretical foundations established during Year 1. During year 2 you’ll continue to explore melodic forms and advanced harmonic structures, whilst studying production concepts and arrangement techniques used by influential artists and songwriting teams supporting you to develop your unique songwriting voice.

Assessment: Composition, demo pitch and portfolio. 40 credits.

This module will focus on further development of your live performance skills and ensemble arrangement techniques to create an engaging live show. The classes will cover technical requirements and stagecraft concepts across different ensemble sizes and performance styles. You’ll also study effective technical planning strategies, such as call sheets, technical riders, and stage plots along with secondary assets, such as lighting, projections, and props being incorporated into your final performance.

Assessment: A practical performance and technical specification. 20 credits.

This module focuses on specific production and mixing techniques connected to a chosen genre, style, and intended production values. You’ll continue to develop your recording skills and theoretical knowledge to produce effective audio mixing in both analogue and digital domains.

Assessment: Presentation and applied production techniques practical. 20 credits.

In this module, you’ll explore how to present yourself professionally in the music and creative industries. From marketing and promotion to digital content creation and social media strategy, you’ll analyse real-world examples and current trends to develop the skills needed to build an authentic brand identity within a competitive landscape.

Assessment: Creation of promotional pack. 20 credits.

This module offers you the opportunity to explore a topic that reflects your own musical interests and professional practice. You’ll design and undertake a personal research project that supports your individual creative direction. Throughout the module, you’ll develop independent learning strategies and enhance your ability to critically analyse your work within a broader musical and cultural context.

Assessment: Essay or part essay/part practical. 20 credits.

This module will focus on songwriting and arrangement skills alongside applied production techniques. Continuing the study of the use of melodic forms, harmonic structure and rhythm/meter, bringing their knowledge to create their own original compositions.

Assessment: A production portfolio and written commentary.

This module will focus on the study of key contemporary and historical practice across a range of performance venues and cultures. Students will analyse a variety of practitioners and performers as well as build their knowledge of different performance theories and strategies. They’ll also study event programme and technical management of live performances.

Assessment: Technical specification and performance. 20 credits.

In this module students will consolidate their learning from the past two years, applying it to pre and post production workflows, facilitating the creation of professional standard recordings made in the studio.

Assessment: Production portfolio and written commentary. 20 credits.

Exposing you to the range of career opportunities across the creative industries, you’ll gain a range of key skills relevant to entrepreneurship and self-employment. Concentrating on preparing you for work as soon as you graduate, this module will help you understand how different businesses function in the creative industries, and how you can find your place as a professional artist within it.

Assessment: Project proposal and negotiated project. 20 credits.

This self-guided module puts you in charge. You’ll define your dissertation topic in an area of your interest. Under the guidance of your tutor, you’ll create a regularly updated work plan, analyse primary and secondary data and complete an extended essay.

Assessment: 4000 word essay. 20 credits.