Program Overview

---

Popular Music - FdA

Overview

The Popular Music Foundation Degree course provides the training and skills necessary for a wide range of careers within the music industry. You will develop understanding of the commercial music sector, study musical output and techniques, and improve your creativity, professionalism and practical musicianship to a level needed for music industry employment.

What's covered in this course?

Awarded by Birmingham City University, this is a high level course with experienced staff and excellent resources. With 3 recording studios, 7 rehearsal rooms, 2 sequencing suites and a 600-capacity working venue on site, you will enjoy the exciting, creative opportunities and supportive environment.

Your principal study can be in performance, music technology, live sound or composition. Additionally the course takes a holistic approach to musical study, with every student developing a broad range of skillsets required to become a successful music professional. Assessments are varied and innovative, and often modelled on real industry practice.

You will study the theory, wider contexts and contemporary issues surrounding the modern day music industry and there will be regular visits from industry experts and artists. You will also develop the musical and creative skills required by a performer, composer or producer, learn how to work well in teams and demonstrate leadership, organisation and decision-making skills.

This programme will help you to develop a profile suitable for an artist looking for employment within the music industry and reflect on individual progress as an artist, learning how to improve along the way.

Why Choose Us?

• South and City College Birmingham’s advanced facilities put you in a professional working environment from day one.
• The college has Customer Service Excellence status, and is one of only a handful of training providers to achieve the government’s Training Quality Standard in three or more sector areas.
• With a highly supportive and experienced staff team, excellent levels of contact time and quality resources, you will feel valued, encouraged and stimulated to do your best.
• The industry focus of our training prepares you well for a career in music, or for a wealth of graduate opportunities.

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

• 48 UCAS Tariff points.
• Applicants will also need to complete an audition for this course; see audition arrangements below.

GCSE and other level 2 requirements

This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.

A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements

• A Level / AS Level:
  • A Level: 48 UCAS Tariff points / DD (or equivalent)
  • AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels
  • A maximum of three subjects will be considered
• Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate):
  • 48 UCAS Tariff points
  • Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
• T Level: Pass overall (E or above on the core) All subjects accepted
• Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Publishing subjects preferred but other subjects also considered
• OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 48 UCAS Tariff points
• NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 48 UCAS Tariff points
• WJEC Level 3 qualifications:
  • 48 UCAS Tariff points
  • Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
• Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
• Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 48 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD)
• Welsh Baccalaureate: 48 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass overall
• Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Pass overall

Audition arrangements

This is a franchise course at South and City College and applicants are auditioned by the college. You will be asked to prepare two pieces for live performance and/or recorded tracks of music technology work.

Mature students

Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.

International qualifications

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall

EU / International students

Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course.

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: FdA
• Starting: Sep 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 2 years
• Fees: £9,535 in 2026/27

International students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: FdA
• Starting: Sep 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 2 years
• Fees: £9,535 in 2026/27

Included in your course fees

• Access to computer equipment
• Printing
• Field trips
• Access to Microsoft Office 365
• Key software
• Key subscriptions

Not included in your course fees

• Excess printing (optional)
• Personal stationery and study materials (optional)
• Personal equipment (optional)
• Software (optional)
• Accommodation and living costs (optional)

Course in Depth

Year one

• MAST (MIDI, Audio, Studio Techniques) 20 credits
• Working Live 20 credits
• Understanding Style 20 credits
• Show Me The Money 20 credits
• Technical Development 20 credits
• Creative Portfolio 20 credits

Year two

• Production Cycle 20 credits
• Personal Development Portfolio 20 credits
• Technical Development 2 20 credits
• Final Showcase/Product 20 credits
• Professional Music Practice 40 credits

How you will learn

You will learn through workshops, lectures, recording sessions, seminars and tutorials.

All students receive weekly one-to-one instrumental sessions, delivered by our highly qualified visiting instrumental specialists on vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards.

Much of your work will be geared towards the development of professional products, such as performances, tours, album production or radio shows.

The course will help you to develop your own professional profile and explore your individual artistic identity. You’ll also collaborate with others and explore all aspects of the contemporary music industry.

Employability

Graduates from this degree course benefit from a wide range of career opportunities through professional graduate training programmes, and by demonstrating high-level employability through the academic, creative and transferable skills developed during the course.

In the music industry itself, SCCB graduates have progressed successfully to work with BBC Radio 1/1Xtra, BBC Introducing, Craig David, Sydney Opera House, X-factor, the Royal Variety Performance, Urban Audio, Blitz Games, music management and a range of ongoing corporate and independent music opportunities.

Graduate Opportunities

Graduate opportunities include studio engineer, live sound engineer, stage manager/tour staff, session musician, media music composer, independent freelance musician. Also you can progress to graduate placements/training in education, finance, public services etc. utilising the transferable and creative skills developed on the course.

Facilities & Staff

Facilities

This course is delivered at South and City College Birmingham's Digbeth Campus.

Staff

• Dr Simon Lesley PhD MMus BMus (Hons) FHEA: Graduate of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the University of Birmingham.
• Nils Edstrom BA (Hons) PG Cert Ed: Three-time gold disc winner for million-selling records, producer of 100 professional albums and audio technician for TED and Channel 4.