Program Overview

MA Popular Music

Overview

The MA Popular Music course is designed for those interested in exploring all aspects of performance. This degree will develop your creative skills and theoretical understanding to an advanced level.

Course Details

• Level: Postgraduate
• UCAS Code: N/A
• Start date: Oct 2025, Oct 2026
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Creative Campus, Kingsway, Chester
• UK fees: £9,630 for the full course (2025/26)
• International fees: £15,000 (2025/26)

Course Structure

• Year 1:
  • Research Methods and Critical Thinking (20 Credits) Core: Learn about a range of research methodologies appropriate to the development of analytical and critical research skills.
  • Research Project (60 Credits) Core: Develop a substantial research-led project, which can take various forms, such as practical work, performances, live shows, exhibitions, workshops, lectures, or presentations.
  • Creative Practitioner 1 (20 credits) Core: Investigate and develop your own personal and creative practice, including performance, composition, arrangement, exhibition, recording, film, production of coursework, or a portfolio.
  • Creative Practitioner 2 (20 credits) Core: Expand upon and develop greater knowledge and depth of inquiry within your own personal and creative practice.
  • Creative Practitioner 3 (40 credits) Core: Continue to develop your personal creative practice, with an emphasis upon developing a more distinctive and original synthesis.
  • The Mechanics of Music (20 Credits) Core: Examine methodological approaches to the analysis of Popular Music.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: Honours degree, typically 2:2 in Music or similar field. Professional experience and expertise may be taken into account. Applicants will be expected to attend an audition and/or interview.
• International/EU Students: Honours degree, typically 2:2 in Music or similar field. Professional experience and expertise may be taken into account. Applicants will be expected to attend an audition and/or interview.

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where You'll Study

• Creative Campus, Kingsway, Chester: Home to courses in Art and Design, Music, Media, and Performance, offering fantastic opportunities for collaboration between artists, designers, writers, producers, and performers alike.

Facilities

• Specialist Studio and Workshop Spaces: Access a range of traditional and contemporary facilities, including art and photography studios, a metal casting foundry, sound and video editing suites, dark rooms, a reprographics room, lighting studio, and specially designed workshops for printmaking, textiles, digital art, and sculpture.
• Music Rehearsal and Recording Facilities: Benefit from sound-proofed rehearsal spaces, equipped with the latest technology for recording and live sound, as well as four fully equipped rehearsal and performance studios, an outdoor performance space, and a smaller indoor space for intimate performances.
• Contemporary Art Space Chester (CASC): We have our own Contemporary Art Space (CASC) Foyer Gallery, which offers onsite exhibition space for internal and external formal shows, in addition to informal exhibition spaces across the campus for student and staff interim exhibitions.
• Equipment Loan Provision: Along with our recording spaces and post-production facilities, the University has an extensive loan provision, which includes a range of video cameras, audio recording devices, and specialist kit, so that students can continue to perform and practice outside of their studies.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,630 for the full course (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,000 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips, and software.
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Graduates have gained employment as education professionals, lecturing in further and higher education, as well as becoming peripatetic teachers for county music services and private schools.
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service, which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences, through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice, and guidance.