BA Popular Music
About this course
BA (Hons) in Popular Music is a music degree focusing on contemporary songwriting, performance, studio production and the commercial music industry. Core topics include Research Methods and Design & Creative Practice. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad as part of their studies. The first year establishes core practical and theoretical foundations through compulsory modules such as Playing Live: Songwriting & Performance, Pop Synthesis: Technology, Songwriting & Performance, Expanding Musical Vocabularies and Studiocraft. The second year continues specialist practice while allowing students to choose from optional modules covering areas such as Enterprise: Innovative Music Business Practice, Composing Music for Media and Immersive & Interactive Audio. The final year centres on independent research and professional preparation, featuring compulsory modules like Music & Sound: Dissertation, Professional Development, Your Future and Showcase Portfolio.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. Our diverse community is creative, innovative and entrepreneurial. We recognise that these qualities aren’t always shown in academic grades alone. That’s why, while many of our applicants achieve high academic grades, we also welcome those who can demonstrate their potential through an exceptional portfolio or performance. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities. Find out more about our Entry Requirements here . Course routes & entry requirements BA/BSc(Hons) three year degree : minimum 64 UCAS Tariff points BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with professional placement : minimum 64 UCAS Tariff points Check how many points your qualifications are worth
See the highest paying Art, Design, Music & Drama degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 24 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 30%
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Sports and fitness occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 40%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 25%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 25%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 100 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 8%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 15%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 53%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Playing Live: Songwriting & Performance
- Pop Synthesis: Technology, Songwriting & Performance
- Expanding Musical Vocabularies
- Specialist Music Practice 1
- Music and Sound: Context and Cultures
- Studiocraft
- Professional Creative Artist & Songwriter
- The Business of Music & Sound
- Specialist Music Practice 2
- Music & Sound: Resonant Futures
- Enterprise: Innovative Music Business Practice
- A/V Radical Artistry & New Media Aesthetics
- Composing Music for Media
- Session Musicianship
- Immersive & Interactive Audio
- Advanced & Experimental Performance
- Resounding: Situated Songwriting & Composition
- Voice and Listening: Life, People and Planet
- Music & Sound: Dissertation
- Professional Development
- Your Future
- Showcase Portfolio
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Popular Music at Falmouth University earn?
The median salary is £20,000 after 15 months, £18,500 after 3 years, £23,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,000 and £29,000. The £23,500 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Music.
What do graduates of BA Popular Music at Falmouth University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Popular Music at Falmouth University?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Popular Music at Falmouth University?
The average entrant had 121 UCAS points.
Does BA Popular Music at Falmouth University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Popular Music at Falmouth University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.