Popular Music BA Honours

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, practical classes, seminars, workshops, tutorials and individual tuition. Lectures allow you to gain and develop theoretical knowledge in specific subjects, while our practical classes and individual sessions enable you to progress your musical skills. You can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures and practical classes in smaller seminar and workshop groups, either whole-class or divided, and in tutorials, usually one-to-one or in small groups. There are two types of tutorial: the type used to discuss work-in-progress; and another, specific to BA Popular Music, used to discuss your professional and academic development more generally. In addition, you can arrange one-to-one sessions with your personal tutor, module leader or programme leader. You will also have access to resources to support your learning, including: rehearsal rooms; music technicians and the two recording studios they manage and supervise; two music edit/production suites; a workshop of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs); 1 x 5:1 surround sound mixing booth; a loan store for music instruments and technology; a specialist librarian; the Learning Resource Centre; a comprehensive induction programme for new students; and extracurricular events, for example student performances in noted London venues, and Music Concerts & Colloquia, a weekly series that brings illustrious guest speakers to the University.

During your first year (level 4), your weekly timetable will typically consist of;

• Popular Music Genres module (2 hours of practical classes)
• Musicianship and Production module (3 of workshops)
• Introduction to the Music Industries module (2 hours of lecture-seminars)
• History of Popular Music module (1.5 hours of lecture-seminars)
• 24-hours access to rehearsal rooms on weekdays and 8.00am-6.00pm at the weekends
• Supervised work in the recording studios and DAW workshop
• Occasional off-campus live performances
• Occasional Concerts and Colloquia (1-2 hours per event)
• Weekly drop-in tutorials (optional)
• Termly Professional Development Tutorials (PDTs)
• Drop-in and bookable sessions with the Learning Enhancement Team and/or Progression and Achievement

Independent Learning

When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library and Study Hub, Laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub (see student support section below).

Overall Workload

Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 120 credits per level of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course;

Level 4

24% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

• Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
• Independent Learning: 912 hours

Level 5

28% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

• Teaching, learning and assessment: 334 hours
• Independent Learning: 866 hours

Level 6

25% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

• Teaching, learning and assessment: 294 hours
• Independent Learning: 906 hours

Academic Support

You will have access to academic support services that you assist you in the following areas:

• Study Skills, including academic writing, reading and numeracy skills
• Employability, with workshops and tutorials on CV writing, interview and presentation skills
• Library Support, including sessions on finding, and choosing the right resources and software and tutorials on referencing and plagiarism
• Progression and Support Advisors to assist you with if you experience difficulties with your studies
• Well-being Services.

These services can be accessed through the UniHelp Desk in the Library building.

Assessment

The course will provide you with opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding informally through ‘formative’ assessment. This will be completed before your formal ‘summative’ assessment which will count towards your final marks. Each module normally contains at least one piece of formative assessment from which you will receive feedback from your tutor. Formative assessments are developmental and any grade you receive from formative assessment does not count towards your final marks.

There is formal ‘summative’ assessment as part of the module, usually towards the end of the module. Assessment methods include: a range of coursework including recordings, videos, essays, portfolios, project work, reports and reflective diaries; open book exams; and practical examinations including performances, musicianship tests and presentations. The grades from the summative assessments count towards your module mark. Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based on feedback from an external examiner.

Percentage of course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment will depend on the modules that you complete throughout your course. The approximate percentage of the course which is assessed by coursework is outlined below:

Feedback

You will receive feedback on the formative assessment, and written summative assessments. Feedback on examination performance can be requested from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and progress, and you are encouraged to review and discuss your feedback with your module or personal tutor.

We will aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of submission.

Details of progression and pass marks for assessment can be found in the university regulations.

Qualifications

104 UCAS points 

Applicants are required to have a Level 3 or equivalent qualification in Music.

To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant support in your country page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office for support.

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

Visas and immigration

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our visas and immigration page for further information.

English language requirements for international students

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components). Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications. If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

As far as possible, students are required to attend an audition. You will be offered the opportunity to view the facilities and meet appropriate staff and students.

International students will be required to submit a video submissions for their audition.

Please apply via UCAS using this course’s UCAS code W341.

For help with your application, please view our undergraduate application page.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Your interview is a chance to let us know about your musical skills and interests. You will have the opportunity to talk about your main practical talent, whether it's performance, songwriting or production.

• If you are a performer you will be requested to perform a short piece of music on your chosen instrument.
• If you are a songwriter, please bring to the interview a lyric sheet and recording of one of your original songs.
• If you are a producer, please bring an example of your work on a memory stick in mp3 format.

We will also invite you to talk about your interests in the rest of the degree programme, including music business, popular music studies and the remainder of the practical provision.

Please visit our Interviews, portfolios and auditions page where you will find tips and advice to help you prepare and do your best on the day.