Leeds Beckett University campus

Arts & Humanities

MA Popular Music Performance at Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom

Programme overview

Elevate your performance, define your artistic identity, and launch a sustainable music career through advanced training, research, and practical experience. Want to take your musical flair to the next level? Our MA Popular Music Performance course helps you sharpen your skills, define your creative identity, and build a thriving career in today's music industries.

Faculty: Leeds School of Arts  |  Duration: 1 year full-time  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: 20 Sep 2027  |  Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules include Music Performance 1, Research Practice in the Arts, Music Performance 2, Professional Songwriting & Arranging, Final Project.

Career pathways

By studying MA Popular Music Performance, you can build an exciting career that reflects your artistry and ambition. This course prepares you for creative and portfolio-based roles in music and the creative arts. Roles include Performing musician, Session musician, Recording artist, Singer-songwriter, Composer, Music entrepreneur, Music teacher / educator, Music producer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subject of Music, Music Performance or Popular Music, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of popular music performance experience, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within a relevant creative field. In your supporting statement you should reference the following areas (recommended 500 words approx.): What you have previously studied and what you learnt about music performance; Why you want to study the MA Popular Music Performance at Leeds Beckett University; Describe your current musical practice (e.g. performance, songwriting/arranging production, interdisciplinary collaboration) that would form the basis of your study on the course; Who your influences are as a performer and/or songwriter/arranger and why; The type of music you enjoy writing, performing, or producing and why; What you want to do once you've finished your studies. All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. This should include at least three examples of your music performance practice that clearly evidence your creative musicianship and relevant performance experience. IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,710 a year (2027/28). The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2027/28 is £10710. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,995 a year (2027/28). The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2027/28 is £18995. Source

Intake: 20 Sep 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

Apply through the official page: https://myapplication.leedsbeckett.ac.uk

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