Program Overview

Overview

The Popular Music Practice MMus course aims to develop students as pop music practitioners, allowing them to develop their performance alongside study in either songwriting or production. This Master’s level course is designed for both music and music technology graduates, as well as learners from alternative industry or practitioner backgrounds who are looking to develop their popular music practical skills and knowledge.

Key Information

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree from a recognised University or equivalent institution.
• Application materials (or previous qualifications) and live audition (or documentation of your performance) should demonstrate a strong understanding of performance and instrumental/vocal/other technique.
• Auditions should comprise of two contrasting pieces, one of which should relate to the proposed specialism in performance.
• If the first language is not English, students will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification, with a minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall and no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent.

Start Dates

• 22 September 2025

Duration

• 1 year full-time
• 2 years part-time

Course Detail

Modules

• Core modules:
  • Researching Music: Introduces students to significant and contemporary scholarship relating to the study of music, including music production, composition, and sonic arts, and all kinds of performance.
  • Performance 1: Explores and performs a range of repertoire and skills appropriate to the instrument/voice or specialist route.
  • Creative Project: Undertakes a substantial independent creative production project, which can involve composition, performance, and/or production work.
• Optional modules:
  • Advanced Desktop Music Production: Professionalises techniques in computer-based music, focusing on modern approaches to music production.
  • Advanced Song Writing: Develops knowledge and voice as a songwriter, creating fully realised arrangements of new songs.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching takes various forms, including lectures, seminars, and workshops, led by leading performers and academics in their field.
• Assessment criteria are detailed in the module specification/course handbook.

Fees and Finance

• Tuition Fees - full-time: £8,900 (Band 2) for UK postgraduate students in 2025/26.
• Tuition fees for UK students cover the cost of study at the University.
• Fees for subsequent years of study may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).
• International students should visit the International Fees and Finance pages for full details.

Career Support

• The course prepares students for careers in professional music making, where performance might play a part, such as portfolio careers including performing, teaching, and other pedagogical contexts.
• Support is provided to assist students with transferring to another university if needed, and students may be eligible for an exit award depending on their progress.

Research Excellence

• The University of Huddersfield is in the top 50 UK universities for Research Power.
• Three-quarters of all research is world-leading and internationally excellent.
• The department is actively involved with numerous ensembles and record labels, and staff perform regularly at festivals and concert halls.

Student Support

• The school has dedicated Academic Skills Tutors (AST) who deliver a range of generic skills.
• Support is available for students with disabilities, and the University aims to make reasonable adjustments to ensure full access to courses.
• A student protection plan is in place in case of changes to courses or discontinuation.