Popular Music

Learn how to succeed in the music business, from performance to production, and explore the history and cultures of popular music with our BA (Hons) Popular Music degree.

On our BA (Hons) Popular Music degree, you’ll get the chance to develop your musicianship and take it to the next level.
Immerse yourself in our student community, and collaborate on projects such as music videos, and film or computer game soundtracks.

There’s a focus on live performance throughout, with the chance to perform at festivals and in well-known music venues around Cambridge.

From notation and songwriting to the history and culture of popular music, you’ll gain an awareness of the different styles and techniques that can inform your own music.

We understand that, to be a great musician, you need to explore and experiment.

As a student in Cambridge, you’ll be able to make the most of the city’s diverse music scene, and benefit from our links to local networks such as Cambridge Arts Network and Cambridge Live. From classical music to UK rap, or even film and computer game soundtracks, you’ll be surrounded by collaborative opportunities to explore and expand your style.

On campus, you can use our specialist facilities to develop your music and experiment with different styles and techniques.
Take advantage of regular feedback on your performance, and assessment on live performances, to quickly improve your skills.

You’ll also be able to listen to professional musicians on campus every week in our lunchtime concert series, as well as attend workshops, masterclasses and lectures by visiting performers, composers and academics.

Choose to study abroad for one semester and get ongoing support to find work placements, to gain a broad experience of the music industry.

Whether you’re interested in the music industry, world music, performance art or music therapy, our degree will help you explore popular music in depth as you prepare for your future career.

All our music students have access to climate-controlled recording studios, running professional software including Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live and Sibelius; six practice rooms and two Mac suites; electronic and orchestral instruments, including a range of synthesisers; a recital hall with a Steinway Model D piano; a broad selection of digital and analogue as well as both solid state and valve outboard equipment.

You can also get training in all of our Creative Industries facilities - not just the ones for your course.

**Careers**

Not only will you develop your knowledge of music theory as part of your Popular Music degree, you’ll also be equipped with all of the practical skills that you need for a career in the music industry. You will also get the chance to tailor the course to your future career through our optional modules.

We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.

Many of past students now enjoy successful careers in music – from performers and composers through to music teachers and art administrators.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MA Music Therapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.