Popular Music (Top Up)

Follow in the tradition of some of the UK’s greatest musicians and start your creative music career at an art school. We nurture students to develop their own voice and practice and then connect them to the ever expanding opportunities in the world.

Popular Music at HCA is a one-year top-up degree course designed for performers, songwriters and producers who wish to graduate with all the creative skills, knowledge and experience needed to have a successful career in the music industry. From mainstream to underground, this degree embraces music in its many forms – from rock, pop, folk, urban, jazz and to the experimental. Study on an industry-focused program in an inspiring art school environment.

This dynamic, innovative, industry-facing course is designed for students whose ambition is to work in the music industry. The course will prepare you to be a versatile, resilient portfolio musician with a host of transferable skills. You will learn through being involved in stimulating live briefs relevant to current 21st century music industry practices. With an emphasis on the production of original work, you will learn how to collaborate with your fellow students in performance, songwriting and production, whilst acquiring a detailed knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the contemporary music business.

Our recording studio runs the latest Apple Mac Pro and Logic Pro Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). All machines feature Logic Pro as well as a multitude of software necessary for a career in the creative music technologies, while our team of technical demonstrators will assist you in the production of professional quality music and sound, web design, video editing and with a range of software for use with digital and printed media.

What we provide

• You will be taught by a strong team of industry focused lecturers combined with regular masterclasses from professionals that are designed to educate, stimulate, and motivate.

• Access to rehearsal rooms, acoustically designed and fully equipped. Whether it be high-end digital or retro analogue, you will be able to produce and create a diverse range of professional sound recordings.

• Develop an expertise in a business relevant to your musical interest and discover opportunities for industry based internships and graduate placements.

• Small class sizes provide highly personalised levels of supervision and support. This will enable you to develop your own specialist practice you need for working within this dynamic sector.

• Opportunities to collaborate with other creatives in a dynamic arts school environment.

Entry Requirements

• Successful completion of a UK based level 5 qualification such as a Foundation Degree (FdA) or HND in a related subject (evidence of prior learning will need to be provided).

• Portfolio submission or audition (as applicable) and successful interview.

• Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer this course to international applicants (including EU/EEA).

Course Modules

YEAR One/Level 6: Specialist Practice (40), Practice in Context (20), In The City (20), Professional Portfolio (40).