BMus (Hons)Popular Music Performance
Apply on UCAS
Why study a popular music performance degree at Solent University
Take your passion for playing and performing skills to the next stage - join Solent’s community of creatives and learn from a dedicated team of professional musicians, composers and producers.
- Top0in the UK for learning opportunities in music studies, out of 68 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Top0in the UK* for assessment and feedback 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 ranked 13th in the UK for teaching quality in music studies (out of 75 institutions) (The Times Good University Guide 2025).
- Solent is 16th in the UK for student satisfaction in music studies (out of 78 institutions) (Complete University Guide 2025)
- Learn from an enthusiastic and dedicated team of professional producers, composers, musicians, sound engineers and DJs with a wealth of international industry experience.
- Amazing guests and masterclasses. Recent visits included John Brough, producer/engineer for U2, Queen, The Rolling Stones. Imogen Heap, singer/songwriter for Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Deadmau5 and Trevor Horn, producer of Robbie Williams.
- 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.
- A wide range of work experience opportunities with our student society, Radio Sonar and at festivals, and through paid gigs and projects with our in-house creative agency, Solent Creatives.
- Open mic nights and other performance opportunities on campus.
- Opportunity to record at Abbey Road Studios thanks to the course team's industry links. Selected students have recorded at the iconic studios.
- Southampton is a hub for music and arts. We have excellent links to Southampton’s vibrant local music scene, and work with the city’s best music venues including The Joiners, 1865, The Engine Rooms, O2 Guildhall, Heartbreakers and many more.
- 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
Throughout the course you’ll be supported to develop a wide range of musical skills alongside academic, research and critical-thinking proficiencies that are relevant to many different careers.
The course features extensive study of the music industries including copyright, contract law and career pathways. You’ll also be encouraged to develop transferable skills in research, IT, presentation, teamwork, creative thinking, communication and project management.
The curriculum is taught by a highly 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. The team’s industry links also enable a handpicked selection of students to record at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios.
You’ll study in our industry-standard facilities, including rehearsal rooms and recording studios – and will have access to full backline and PA during your rehearsals and classes.
Beyond timetabled seminars and workshops you will be encouraged to engage with Southampton’s thriving music scene. By promoting your own shows, you’ll cultivate your talents and expand your understanding of real-world arrangement, composition and stagecraft. Students also have the opportunity to take part in the annual Anthems event, performing to their peers and members of the public.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Student work
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
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 course is suitable for both schooled and self-taught musicians who are interested in building a career as a self-motivated, skilled performer.
Applicants should have performance experience on at least one of the following: keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, or vocals.
You will create music as part of the course but evidence of music theory skills at entry is not compulsory.
What does this course lead to?
Graduates from this course have gone on to work in professional performance, songwriting, artist development, live sound, teaching, and technical support.
Meet the team
The curriculum is delivered by an experienced course team with professional experience of studio and live sound, electronic sound design and the business and culture of music production. Staff have a substantial record of practice and research in music composition, performance and production.
Greg Mudd
Senior Lecturer
Patrick Ainsworth
Senior Lecturer
Esther Keappock
Senior Lecturer
Daniel Pennie
Senior Lecturer
Colin Willsher
Associate Lecturer
Dr Jennifer Skellington
Lecturer
Alex Diaz
Associate Lecturer
Brendan Johnson
Associate Lecturer
Paul Statham
Associate Lecturer
Ted Carrasco
Associate Lecturer
Andy Harris
Lecturer
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, with Pro Tools Ultimate and Logic digital audio workstations. Instruments and facilities 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; Mackie PA rigs.
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
Individual Performance 1
This module forms the core of your practice as a musician and performer. It contains your weekly instrumental/vocal lesson with a specialist tutor, a weekly lecture on developing yourself as an artist and structured practice time to hone your skills.
Live Performance 1
You’ll develop the key skills necessary to work with other musicians – preparation, listening, critiquing, sharing and even compromising. You’ll also learn about stage-craft and the requirements of performing music in live situations.
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.
Recital and Instrumental Skills 1
Your regular contact with experienced instrumental/vocal tutors on this module will change how you think about yourself as a performer and artist. You’ll develop new skills, understand better what you already do and learn how to improve your performance over a lifetime of practice and performance.
Studio Performance 1
This module examines how studio work differs from live performance and how to gain confidence and skills as a creative performer in the studio environment.
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
- Recordings
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
- Assignments
- Music theory exercises
- Portfolios
- Video submissions
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.
Access Solent 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 music industry contributed £6.7 billion to the UK economy during 2022 in terms of gross valueadded (GVA). Exports topped £4 billion, and employment stood at 210,000. (UK Music 2023).
The growth in the range of media outlets and the live event sector means that the best music professionals are always 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 such as a Music performer, session musician or songwriter. You could also use your transferable skills for as an arts administrator, music technician or music teacher.
You could earn:
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
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 fees were:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £16,125 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: £35 - Year two
European study trip: £715 - Year three
USA study trip: £1,100
All trips are subject to availability and demand.
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.
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 years two or three may be considered for this course.
- 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.
Please upload a video of you performing live on your first study instrument or voice - either with backing track or unaccompanied. The video should be two to three minutes long. The music can be any style - cover or original - but should not contain studio editing of any kind. Video shot on a mobile phone is acceptable if the audio is clear.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants resident outside the UK will be interviewed by video call or telephone and may be asked to send an electronic audition.
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.
Applicants resident outside the UK will be interviewed by video call or telephone and may be asked to send an electronic audition.
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 contact admissions.
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 and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066How 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
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