BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance at Leeds Arts University

Programme overview

This course breaks down barriers between performance, production, and composition, empowering versatile musicians to thrive. It focuses on developing technical skills, professional delivery, and creative artistry to succeed in an ever-evolving musical landscape. You will have the opportunity to specialise in vocals, keyboard, guitar, bass, drums or songwriting, developing the skills and confidence needed to create original music and achieve professional success.

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year | Study mode: full-time (optional placement/sandwich year) | Intake: September | Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one: You will develop performance, production, and composition skills through one-to-one tuition, ensemble workshops, and solo, stage, and studio performances. Year two: You’ll continue one-to-one tuition while developing a professional portfolio of songwriting, performance, recordings and visuals through cross-course collaboration, situating your music within a professional context. Year three: You’ll complete a music-focused project showcasing your specialism while building a professional EP and promotional assets.

Career pathways

Graduates are equipped for diverse careers as artists, musical directors, session, touring, and theatrical musicians, arrangers, songwriters, and producers. Many also pursue postgraduate study to further enhance their expertise.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104-120 UCAS tariff points from any combination of A Levels/T Level/Extended Diploma/Foundation Diploma (expected subjects depend on the course); GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4/C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 Pass. International: A-levels 104-120 UCAS points including an art/design-related subject; IB Diploma 26 points; European Baccalaureate 70%; BTEC Extended Diploma DMM; BTEC Diploma DD; UAL Extended Diploma Merit; UAL Foundation Diploma Distinction; IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5; one reference. Applicants may be assessed through personal statement, predicted grades, reference, examples of work and digital audition or interview. Course requirement: Audition video with two contrasting pieces and a brief spoken commentary on one of them; performing ability equivalent to ABRSM/Rockschool/Trinity Grade 8 and music theory to Grade 5.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Home fee per year for years one to three; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; rises to £10,050 in 2027/28. Home students who already hold a degree pay £10,540 in 2026/27. Source

International applicants: GBP 19,500 a year (2026/27). BMus (Hons) international fee per year; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; increases by inflation in later years. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year

Apply through the official page: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply-undergraduate

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