Study Popular Music - BA (Hons) at University of Liverpool in the UK,

About this course

About this course
- Overview
Study options
Entry requirements
- International

What will I learn?

The University of Liverpool has a particular specialism in popular music, having established the world’s first specialist centre for its study - the Institute of Popular Music - in 1988. Recent investment in our teaching facilities has provided state-of-the-art studios, practice rooms, a games research lab and a large rehearsal space. In addition to practical areas, this programme focuses on developing an in-depth and critical historical understanding of popular music repertoires, cultures, and practices. Practical modules are concerned with musical performance, song-writing, or creative music technology, although none of these are compulsory while other modules focus on popular music history topics or the music industry. There are also options in areas such as music psychology and audio-visual media (films and videogames). Throughout, you will learn to write about popular music from a historical, critical, sociological, or philosophical viewpoint.In your first year, core modules will take a detailed look at the nature of the popular music industries, and a critical exploration of 20th century popular music history – not only going through key musical milestones, but also exploring their social contexts and the long-term cultural implications.In your second and final years you will focus in more depth on fewer selected topics, either concentrating solely on Popular Music modules, or retaining the option to pursue one or two modules in other areas. Specialist topics are studied alongside advanced level performance and music technology modules. In the final year, there is a particular emphasis on specialism and an extended or independent project (such as a research project, a music technology project, or an extended performance recital).

Study options

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees

£27,000.00 (US$ 34,869) per year

This is a provisional fee yet to be approved

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2027

Venue

Main Site

The Foundation Building,

Brownlow Hill,

Liverpool,

L69 7ZX, Northern England, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

A levels

ABB

but the offer may be reduced to BBB for those candidates achieving grade 8 distinction in any instrument.

Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB with A in the EPQ.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if youre eligible for a grade reduction. You dont have to make an application for a grade reduction – well do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

T levels

T levels considered in a relevant subject.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE

4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics

Subject requirements

No specific subject requirements. If an applicant is taking grade 8 in any instrument (or singing), a dual offer can be made: ABB or BBB with grade 8 Distinction. Some of our optional modules require academic demonstration of ability.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

BTEC applications are encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits and may make offers at DDM.

International Baccalaureate

33 points, with no score less than 4

Irish Leaving Certificate H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3

Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

ABB in Advanced Highers, combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted including 2 A levels at BB

Access 45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.