BA (Hons) Popular Music

In addition to practical areas, this programme focuses on developing an in-depth and critical historical understanding of popular music repertoires, cultures, and practices. We have a particular specialism in this area, having established the Institute of Popular Music (IPM), the world’s first specialist centre for the study of popular music, in 1988. Some of the modules are practical, concerned with musical performance, song-writing, or creative music technology, although none of these are compulsory. To support these practical elements, we recently undertook a major refurbishment and expansion of our facilities. Other modules focus on popular music history topics or the music industry, and there are also options in areas such as music psychology, audio-visual media (films and videogames), and vocational options. Throughout, you will learn to write about popular music from a historical, critical, sociological, or philosophical viewpoint.

In addition to practical areas, this programme focuses on developing an in-depth and critical historical understanding of popular music repertoires, cultures, and practices. We have a particular specialism in this area, having established the Institute of Popular Music (IPM), the world’s first specialist centre for the study of popular music, in 1988. Some of the modules are practical, concerned with musical performance, song-writing, or creative music technology, although none of these are compulsory. To support these practical elements, we recently undertook a major refurbishment and expansion of our facilities. Other modules focus on popular music history topics or the music industry, and there are also options in areas such as music psychology, audio-visual media (films and videogames), and vocational options. Throughout, you will learn to write about popular music from a historical, critical, sociological, or philosophical viewpoint.