BA (Hons) Contemporary and Popular Music at Newcastle University

Programme overview

Specialise in contemporary and popular music studies as a critical thinker, composer, and performer with an emphasis on creativity, experimentation and artistic risk-taking. Our three-year Contemporary and Popular Music degree focuses on a range of musics and approaches. From acoustic singer-songwriting to jazz and experimental electronic forms.

What you will study

This must be approved by the Degree Programme Director, who will also agree on an appropriate module or modules to drop from the Music degree provision to maintain the 120-credit total for the year. some modules at stage 2 have Musicianship, Audio Production Skills, or Creative Projects as prerequisites. Compulsory modules include: Studio Production – Audio Production Skills, Understanding Music: Concepts, Skills and Methods, Challenges in Musicology: Music, People and Place, Contemporary Pop Performance, Creative Projects, Musicianship, Music and Cultural Theory, Major Specialist Study: Composition*, Major Specialist Study: Dissertation, Major Specialist Study: Performance*, Major Specialist Study: Project.

Career pathways

This course is currently undergoing an exciting transformation to embed richer encounters with industry, professional practice and society. As we redesign our curriculum to reflect emerging opportunities, future-facing themes and new ways of learning, some elements of this course may evolve to match the world you’re stepping into. Graduate roles and employers include: music analysis; music history; DJing and turntablism; songwriting; audio production; Download information about this course as a PDF; Media, Communication and Cultural Studies BA; Media, Communication and Cultural BA; Journalism, Media and Culture BA; Media, Communication and Cultural Studies BA.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A levels: ABB-BBB usually including Music, Music Technology or another music-related subject, or Rock School or equivalent performance experience. Grade 8 Associated Board (Performance) is not required but will be considered where applicants do not have a Music or relevant music-related A-Level or equivalent. We will consider candidates who have a combination of A-Level and BTEC qualifications or other combinations of Level 3 qualifications. IB: A minimum of 32 points with Music at Higher Level. If not studying a full IB Diploma - Grades 6, 5, 5 at Higher Level including Music. Standard Level Music may be considered, but will depend on the combination of subjects studied. Applicants should be practitioners in a type of contemporary or popular music. BTEC: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma. BTEC Extended Diploma in a music-related subject at overall DDD. We will consider candidates who have a combination of A Level and BTEC qualifications or other combinations of Level 3 qualifications Scottish Highers: AABBB at Higher Grade including a music-related subject, or BBBBB including Music plus Grade 8 Associated Board (Performance), Rock School or equivalent. Applicants should be practitioners in a type of contemporary or popular music. Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Year 1 tuition fee (full-time) Source

International applicants: GBP 26,000 a year (2027/28). Year 1 tuition fee (full-time) Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: Full time: 3 years

Apply through the official page: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/w301/#how-to-apply

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