Popular Music

UCAS code: W340

Here's what University of Northampton says about its Popular Music course.

By studying Popular Music with us you'll develop your performance skills, music industry know-how, music technology abilities, theory and musicianship knowledge, learn how to record in the studio, as well as traditional academic proficiently.

• We offer one-to-one instrumental/vocal tuition to all of your first year students, and we offer masterclasses with international top musicians

• We are accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES) meaning we have their industry seal of approval

• Our lecturers and tutors are predominantly professional musicians still working in, and with many years in the music industry

• Fantastic resources, including contemporary rehearsal booths, industry standard equipment recording studio, Mac Suites, software and hardware equipment to use in your music

• Students have the chance to audition for Northampton Music Festival and other local festivals.

When you graduate you will be more than a performer and engineer, you will understand why music is important culturally and economically and understand how the music industry fits together. With the changes to music distribution and marketing that have taken place over the past ten years, musicians need to be a part of this change rather than pursuing old ideas of labels and deals.

UON’s Music degree was ranked 13th based on overall student positivity out of all universities in England, according to the latest 2025 National Student Survey (NSS)*

Our Popular Music course has been successful in the Guardian University Guide in the Music subject grouping:

Ranked 14th for Satisfied with Feedback for Music**

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one-to-one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study, you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026***.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand-new laptop**** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course textbook is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

• In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that If you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

? Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score across all NSS questions for this subject area across all modes and levels at UK Universities. ?? Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide Music Subject table, filtered by Satisfied with Feedback ???eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information ???? eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

STAGE 1: • Computer Music Techniques (Compulsory) • The Recording Studio (Compulsory) • Composition and Theory (Compulsory) • Creating Popular Music (Compulsory) • Performance and Practical Musicianship (Compulsory) • Professional Music Studies (Compulsory)

STAGE 2: • Sound for Screen (Compulsory) • How Music Works (Compulsory) • The Creative Practitioner (Compulsory) • Creativity and Technology (Compulsory) • Developing Popular Music (Compulsory) • Industry Briefs for Performers (Compulsory)

STAGE 3: • Professional Project (Optional) • Popular Music Dissertation (Optional) • Music and Sound Design for Media (Compulsory) • The Professional Music Educator (Compulsory) • The Professional Performer (Compulsory) • The Creative Musician (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 25/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 26/27 entry modules will be released in June 2026.

The course is assessed in a number of ways:

• Performances and gigs • Solo performance • Practical performance assessments, tests and exams • Creative Project Work • Vlogs/podcasts • Formal academic writing • Presentations • Creative portfolio work