BA (Hons) Popular Music at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The BA (Hons) Popular Music at UHI Perth develops creative and professional skills in performance, songwriting, composition and production, with expert tuition from professional performers, composers and academics. Facilities include music production workstations, band rehearsal rooms, a performance theatre and three Eastlake recording studios. Year 1 is the HNC Music, and students perform solo and with a band at venues and festivals around Scotland.

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 is the HNC Music. Year 2 core modules include Creative industries analysis, Creative project, First study 1, Applied music theory and Songwriting, composition and production. Year 3 includes a themed research project, Entrepreneurship, First study 2 and Ensemble performance. Year 4 includes a research paper or dissertation, a creative honours project and Personal employability strategy.

Career pathways

Roles across the music and media industries and in education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry to year 1 (HNC) is one Scottish Higher at grade C or above, or one A level at grade D or above, or NC Music; applicants without the standard requirements are encouraged to apply. All applicants attend an audition and interview, performing a piece on their instrument or voice (writers may present an original composition or song); grade 4/5 is a rough equivalent, and experience beyond graded repertoire is considered. Direct entry to year 2 may be possible with the HNC Music (15 credits) and a B in the graded unit. This is a Category 2 PVG course.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students, year 1 (HNC); years 2-4 GBP 1,820 per year Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). International students, year 1 (HNC) Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

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