BMus (Hons) in Popular and Contemporary Music
UCAS code W301
On this page you will find:
- An introduction to this degree
- A course structure summary
- A list of our current entry requirements for this degree
Introduction
This degree is a creative and intellectually challenging two year degree that follows on from an approved foundation degree in any form of contemporary or popular musical practice. Based in the International Centre for Music Studies (ICMuS) the course emphasises “the contemporary”, and encourages creative exploration in performance, composition and songwriting, in combination with critical, intellectual engagement.
We don’t do “covers bands” - we value creativity not imitation - and we don’t pretend that we can teach you how to be pop stars: real musical success doesn’t come from merely following formulae. We expect students to challenge themselves as thinking musicians, to be continually developing their technical skills, and striving to find imaginative and experimental approaches to their work. There is considerable flexibility built into the programme allowing students to decide what modules are best suited to their aspirations: out of a total of 120 credits per year students may take up to 80 credits worth of practice-based work, supported and enriched by some of the most up-to-date critical thinking in a British university.
Students study composition and performance alongside classical, experimental, jazz and folk musicians - a truly stimulating environment for broad-minded, imaginative and creative artists. As well as hosting national and international visiting musicians of every shape and form, Newcastle itself has a thriving underground and DIY music scene, ranging from electronica to free-improv, from punk to singer-songwriters, indie pop to extreme metal.
For students studying for the HND the minimum entry requirement is an overall pass with at least three distinctions. For foundation degree students the minimum entry requirement is an overall average mark of 65% for the final year.
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: |
| Understanding Modern & Postmodern Musics (20 credits) |
| Understanding Popular Musics (20 credits) |
| Performance Studies (20 credits) |
| Optional Modules: |
| Ethnomusicology: issues and concepts (20 credits) |
| World Musics: approaches and methods (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) |
| Minor Specialist Study (as above) (20 credits) |
| Optional Modules: |
| Ethnomusicology: issues and concepts (20 credits) |
| World Musics: approaches and methods (20 credits) |
| Understanding Music History (20 credits) |
| Historical and Cultural Options (see below) |
| Applied Studies (see below) |
Historical and Cultural Options:
Please note that these options change yearly. Recent choices have included:
Jazz Past & Present; The Eton Choirbook; Parody in Music; Music and Identity in the Caribbean; Noise, Funk and Freedom; Teaching Methods;
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
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.