BMus (Hons) in Popular and Contemporary Music
UCAS code W301
On this page you will find:
- An introduction to this degree
- A student profile
- A course structure summary
- A list of our current entry requirements for this degree
Introduction
The programme is a creative and intellectually challenging two year degree that follows on from an HND or approved foundation degree in any form of popular or contemporary musical practice.
Based in the International Centre for Music Studies (ICMuS) the course encourages creative exploration in performance, composition and songwriting, in combination with critical, intellectual engagement.
You will be studying, composing and performing alongside classical, experimental, jazz and folk musicians--a truly stimulating environment for broad-minded, imaginative and creative artists.
Applications are through UCAS and we will be holding interviews and visit days from late November onwards. The course code for the BMus in Popular and Contemporary Music is W301.
You can contact us on 0191 222 6736.
Want to hear the music we encourage and create on this course?
W301 BMus Popular and Contemporary Music by BMusPC-NCL
I chose the BMus Degree in Popular and Contemporary Music at Newcastle University because I wanted to enhance my overall musicality by developing new techniques and by exploring new kinds of music, whilst still being able to apply the skills and knowledge I already possessed.
Since finishing the course I have played numerous high profile events with my three ensembles: Carpus Trio (experimental/jazz/new music), Indria (Indian fusion) and The Din (alternative/psyche/pop), releasing two EPs and an album; both Carpus Trio and Indria being formed at university. I am also currently securing work as a session musician and guitar teacher.
Course Structure
| Stage One |
| Study on a Foundation Degree programme (or HND) at another institution |
| Stage Two |
| Study on a Foundation Degree programme (or HND) at another institution |
| Stage Three |
| Compulsory Modules: |
| Music Skills (Vernacular) (20 credits) |
| Understanding Modern & Postmodern Musics (20 credits) |
| Studying Vernacular Musics (20 credits) |
| Contemporary Music Practice 1 (20 credits) |
| Optional Modules: |
| Ethnomusicology: issues and concepts (20 credits) |
| Understanding Music History (20 credits) |
| Historical and Cultural Options (see below) |
| Applied Studies (see below) |
| Stage Four |
| Compulsory Modules: |
| Music and Cultural Theory (20 credits) |
| Specialist Study (Dissertation, Performance, Composition or Project) (40 credits) |
| Optional Modules: |
| Minor Specialist Study (Dissertation, Performance, Composition or Project) (20 credits) |
Historical and Cultural Options:
Please note that these options change yearly. Recent choices have included:
Music in the Renaissance; Musical Romanticism; Understanding Popular Music; Jazz, Past and Present; Traditional Music and Celticism; Musical Nationalism; The Scope of Irish Traditional Music; Music in the European Enlightenment; The British Symphony; Print and the Politics of Self in Early Modern England; European High Modernisms; Music in the North East and Borders; Vivaldi; The Idea of Beethoven; The Eton Choirbook; Parody in Music; Music and Identity in the Caribbean; Noise, Funk and Freedom
Applied Studies
Please note that these options change yearly. Recent choices have included:
Contemporary Compositional Techniques; Practising Music Analysis; Indian Music in Practice; Collective Performance; Sound Therapies in Practice; Collective Free Improvisation; Conducting Studies; Music Business; Contemporary Music Practice 1 (stage 3) and Contemporary Music Practice 2 (stage 4)
Entry requirements
- BTEC Higher National Diploma: BTEC Higher National Diploma in popular music or music production at Pass grade, to include at least three distinctions, two of which should be from the areas of composition, songwriting, studio production and/or performance.
- Music Foundation Degree: Good grade in a Foundation Degree where the curriculum topics provide suitable preparation for this programme.
Annual intake: 15
Additional Information: some applicants may be interviewed, depending on prior qualifications, evidence of performance ability on the UCAS application, and experience.
Please note: Since this course is designed as an extension of a foundation degree or an HND in music, we do NOT accept the following:
- A levels
- Scottish Higher grades
- International Baccalaureate
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Access Qualifications
- BTEC National Diploma
If you wish to study music and have, or are about to complete, one of the above qualifications, we suggest you apply for the BA or the BMus.