The BA in Contemporary and Popular 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 three year degree which explores contemporary and popular musics. It can also be joined at Stage 2 by applicants who have 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 which is 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 BA in Contemporary and Popular Music is W301.
You can contact us on 0191 222 6736.
Want to hear the music we encourage and create on this course?
I chose to study the degree in Contemporary and the Popular 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 |
| All Compulsory Modules |
| Understanding Modern and Postmodern Music (20 credits) |
| Understanding Contemporary and Popular Musics (20 credits) |
| Contemporary Music Materials (20 credits) |
| Music Skills (Vernacular) (20 credits) |
| Performance Studies 1 (20 credits) |
| Creative Projects (20 credits) |
| Stage Two |
| Compulsory Modules |
| Contemporary Music Practice 1 (20 credits) |
| Studying Vernacular Musics (20 credits) |
| If students are joining us at Stage 2 then the following are also compulsory |
| Understanding Modern and Postmodern Music (20 credits) |
| Music Skills (Vernacular) (20 credits) |
| Optional Modules |
| Historical and Cultural Options (see below) |
| Applied Studies (see below) |
| Stage Three |
| 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; Music and the Holocaust; and Black Music.
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 inPractice; Collective Free Improvisation; Conducting Studies; Music Business; Contemporary Music Practice 2; and Noises, Sounds and Gestures.
Entry requirements
The standard entry routes onto stage 1 will be through
• BTEC Extended Diploma: BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant music-related subject (standard offer DDD).
• 'A' Levels: A Levels including at least one in either Music or Music Technology (standard offer AAB including an A in either Music or Music Technology) for contemporary and popular music practitioners.
Annual intake: 15
The standard entry routes onto Stage 2 will be through
• BTEC Higher National Diploma: BTEC Higher National Diploma in popular music or music production (standard offer of Pass Grade including at least three distinctions, two of which should be from the areas of composition, songwriting, studio production and/or performance).
• Music Foundation Degree: Foundation Degree where the curriculum topics provide suitable preparation for this programme (standard offer of 65% or above in the pass mark).
Annual Intake: 25
Additional Information
While it will be beneficial to hold additional theory qualifications they will not usually be a formal requirement for entry onto this degree programme.