BA (Hons)Popular Music Performance and Production
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- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
Why study a popular music performance and production degree at Solent University
Play and produce your tracks. Combining performance techniques and studio recording skills, using digital and analogue studios, this degree is ideal to help launch your career in the music industry.
- Top0in the UK for learning opportunities in music studies, out of 68 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Top0in the UK for assessment and in music studies, out of 68 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Top0in the UK for learning resources in music studies, out of 68 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Solent is 16th in the UK for student satisfaction in music studies (out of 78 institutions) (Complete University Guide 2025)
- Solent is one of the largest Pro Tools 101 training locations in the UK.
- Students can experience mixing in Dolby Atmos, the leading immersive audio format. Solent is also an Academic Partner of Dolby Institute, meaning students have the opportunity to showcase their Dolby Atmos mixing work on the Dolby website, and access Dolby training materials.
- Learn from a team of professional producers, composers, musicians, sound engineers and DJs with a wealth of international industry experience.
- Great guest speakers. Previous guest speakers have included Craig David, Ash Soan (drummer for Adele), Guthrie Govan (guitarist for Dizzy Rascal), Creeper, Hannah Vasanth (keys for Rihanna), Jules Hepple (Grammy nominated producer), Imogen Heap (worked for Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Deadmau5) and Katie Holmes-Smith (BVs for Adele, Olly Murs).
- Our successful graduates include Samm Henshaw (over 100 million YouTube views, BBC Radio 1 record of the week), Freya Beer (championed by Mark Riley, BBC6 Music record of the week), Lauren Bannon (The Voice finalist), Morganway (Won ‘Best Group’ at British Country Music Awards).
- Solent is home to industry-standard facilities, including multiple recording studios and a fully accredited Dolby Atmos cinema.
- Access an extensive collection of musical instruments, high end microphones, pro tools and logic digital editing workstations, analogue processing, synthesisers and live sound mixers include Allen and Heath.
- Get work experience at festivals and recording opportunity at Abbey Road.
- Collaborate with other creative students to work on projects with students from other courses, reflecting the working practices of the creative industries.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
Solent’s popular music performance and production programme offers a broad range of creative and technical learning in music and production carefully balanced with the acquisition of academic skills involving research and critical thinking. Students will gain experience both specific to the music industry and relevant to other careers.
The course features extensive study of the music industry including copyright, contract law and career pathways. Students are also expected to develop transferable skills in research, IT, presentation, teamwork, creative thinking, communication and project management.
Student learning is aided by access to our industry standard facilities. These include nine recording studios (networked with Protools HD and Logic Pro), a range of mixing workstations, and a Production Lab with 24 Apple workstations (with Pro Tools, Logic Pro and Sibelius). You’ll also have access to large rehearsal rooms fully equipped with backline and PAs.
The curriculum is delivered by an experienced course team, many of whom are active industry experts with professional experience in performance, studio and live sound, electronic sound design and the business and culture of music production. Staff frequently engage with on-going research in music composition, performance and production. The team’s industry links also enable a handpicked selection of students to record at the world renowned Abbey Road Studios. Students also have the opportunity to take part in the annual Anthems event, performing to their peers and members of the public.
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Contact international admissions
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Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.
Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Professional membership
You have the opportunity to obtain a professional membership as part of this degree
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
Solent’s popular music performance and production course is suitable for both schooled and self-taught musicians. Applicants should be interested by both performance and technical production, as well as music history and academic theory.
Applicants should aspire to careers as session musicians, producers, artists, songwriters, music journalists or promoters.
What does this course lead to?
Graduates from this course have gone on to work in diverse areas such as professional performance, songwriting, artist development, live sound, online mixing, sound engineering, teaching and technical support.
Meet the team
The course team are all active industry experts, with experience in areas such as music performance, studio and live sound, electronic sound design, music education and the business and culture of music production. Guest lectures and master-classes are integrated into the programme, past guests include Guthrie Govan, guitarist; Rob Da Bank, DJ and festival organiser; Mike Moran, composer; and Trevor Horn, Grammy award-winning producer.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Solent's recording studios and rehearsal spaces are state-of-the-art and include Pro Tools Ultimate and Logic digital audio workstations; microphones by Neumann, AKG and Shure; analog processing includes Neve, Universal Audio, Focusrite, Empirical Labs, and Portico; instruments provided include drums by DW and Mapex, a Moog Synthesiser, Korg Kronos, Marshall, Orange, Friedman, Fender and Vox valve guitar amplifiers, Ampeg and Eden bass amps, and Mackie PAs; software includes Native Instruments Komplete, and Plugins by Sonnox, McDSP and Celemony; live sound mixers include Allen and Heath DLive, Soundcraft Si, and Midas M32
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Performance Techniques 1
In this module, you'll be introduced to rehearsal, performance preparation and performance techniques for a range of styles. The module begins with safe and efficient group and individual rehearsal/practice methods, leading to performances in workshops, assessments and external venues. You'll be encouraged to develop skills of your choice, with tutor guidance, in order to be able to perform in a variety of styles and create your own musical pathways.
Introduction to Studio Recording 1
This module combines practical mixing and recording with the established and proven theories of how multitrack music is made.
Creative Music Industries
Key aspects of creativity, from songwriting and promotion, through to audiences and consumption are discussed and explained to enable you to understand the demands of the music industries.
Creative Performance 1
Building on the knowledge and techniques developed in Performance Techniques 1, this module continues the focus on the essentials of performance with a greater emphasis on instrumental/vocal skills and techniques.
Creative Music Production 1
Having been introduced to fundamental concepts and theory of audio and music production, you now have the opportunity to apply these concepts to creative projects. You will undertake two composed productions, one using predominantly sequencing techniques with live vocals, and one using predominantly live instrumentation.
Theory and Listening Skills
This module will help you develop the language to communicate musical ideas. In addition to traditional notation you will learn how to describe and analyse songs and musical productions.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Live performances
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
- Assignments
- Video submissions
- Music theory exercises
- Portfolios
- Recordings
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
The growth in the range of media outlets and the live event sector means that the best sound and music professionals are in demand. In addition, the entrepreneurial nature of the industry means that there are opportunities to be created if you have the drive and skills. This course gives you a chance to begin building your networks of contacts and practice your skills so you can pursue the wide and varied career opportunities in music performance and production.
Upon graduation you'll be well placed to work in a variety of roles including; Music performer, Music producer, Session musician, Songwriter, Live sound engineer or Mix engineer.Â
You could earn:
Sound engineer
Starting salary: £25,000 aprox
More experienced sound engineers can expect to earn between £25,000 and £50,000. Engineers working with very successful artists may command higher salaries.
Music producer
Per hour: £25 to £55
Most music producers work on an hourly basis, with fees starting at around £25 to £55 per hour. Experienced music producers can charge up to £200 per hour, depending on their previous work and level of skill. If you're a music producer on live events, salaries may be more fixed. The BBC, for example, employs producers on its music programmes and live events. An entry level salary for this kind of role ranges from approximately £18,000 to £25,000.
Musician
Per session:  £140 to £180
Income will vary widely depending on, for example, whether you're working freelance or as part of an orchestra, or whether you're performing a gig in a pub or in a concert venue. Musicians' Union (MU) provides minimum casual stage rates for groups performing on stage (usually in a theatre or concert venue) ranging from £164 to £182.75 (for a single performance plus rehearsal on the same day), as well as a national gig rate for groups performing in pubs, clubs and functions ranging from £139.50 to £186.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Memberships
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Academic partner:
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Compulsory costs
- Drummers must own sticks, hot-rods and brushes.
- Guitarists and bassists must own instruments, straps and leads (and plectrums, if appropriate) and be prepared to bring these to University.
- All students must have a pair of good quality headphones that will cost between £40 and £150.
Optional costs
- Year one
UK study trip: approx £385 - Year two
European study trip: approx £715 - Year three
USA study trip: approx £1,100
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at MMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D, a T-Level Merit, or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- Direct entry into the second or third year may be considered for this course.
- All applicants are expected to be able to sing or play drums, bass, guitar or keyboards to the standard required for public performance.
- Applicants over the age of 21 may be considered based on relevant experience, without having the required tariff points.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
All applicants are expected to be able to sing or play drums, bass, guitar or keyboards to the standard required for public performance.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
All applicants are expected to be able to sing or play drums, bass, guitar or keyboards to the standard required for public performance.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂHow to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
