Introduction to Popular Music BA (Hons)

The University of Liverpool has a particular specialism in popular music, having established the world's first specialist centre for its study - the Institute of Popular Music - in 1988. Recent investment in teaching facilities has provided state-of-the-art studios, practice rooms, a games research lab, and a large rehearsal space.

About this Course

In addition to practical areas, this programme focuses on developing an in-depth and critical historical understanding of popular music repertoires, cultures, and practices. Practical modules are concerned with musical performance, song-writing, or creative music technology, although none of these are compulsory; while other modules focus on popular music history topics or the music industry. There are also options in areas such as music psychology and audio-visual media (films and videogames). Throughout, you will learn to write about popular music from a historical, critical, sociological, or philosophical viewpoint.

Course Content

• A critical understanding of music from a wide range of aesthetic, cultural, and social perspectives
• A detailed understanding of Western Popular (and some other) music repertoires
• Advanced proficiency in performance, and composition
• Academic research skills
• Critical and cultural awareness
• The ability to devise and sustain complex arguments
• Written and oral communication and presentation
• Creativity
• Time management and organisation skills

Year One

You will take three compulsory modules:

• MUSI140: Introduction to Popular Music History
• MUSI121: Making Music in Culture
• MUSI150: Music as an Industry And five optional modules (the majority from popular music modules).

Year Two

Your second year is made up entirely of optional modules. There may be some restrictions on which modules can be taken in conjunction with others.

Final Year

You will undertake a major independent project in research, performance, composition, or technology. The rest of your modules will be chosen from a range of options.

Course Options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course:

• Global opportunities
• Year in China
• Year abroad
• Semester abroad
• Summer abroad
• Year in industry
• Language study
• Combine this subject

Your Experience

Much of your teaching will take place in the Department of Music. Our recently renovated facilities include studios, teaching spaces, and industry-standard equipment.

Careers and Employability

Studying Music opens up many career opportunities, including composing, performing, music therapy, community arts, and teaching.

Fees and Funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider:

• Tuition fees
  • UK fees: £9,790 per year
  • International fees: £27,000 per year
• Additional costs
• Scholarships and bursaries

Entry Requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course:

• A levels: ABB
• T levels: Considered in a relevant subject
• GCSE: 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
• Subject requirements: No specific subject requirements
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: BTEC applications are encouraged
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall with no score less than 4
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

Alternative Entry Requirements

• If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
• If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education, or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities, and social sciences programmes
• Applications from mature students are welcome

English Language Requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you're from a majority English-speaking country.

• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
• TOEFL iBT: 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17, and speaking 19
• Duolingo English Test: 125 overall, with speaking, reading, and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100
• Pearson PTE Academic: 61 overall, with no component below 59
• LanguageCert Academic: 70 overall, with no skill below 60

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

• The length of Pre-sessional English course you'll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability

Changes to Popular Music BA (Hons)

Changes to information such as course content, entry requirements, and how you'll be taught:

• Updated modules
• Explanatory text regarding optional modules simplified
• Duolingo English test requirements updated

University of Liverpool