Popular Music

Why Popular Music?
This is a course for people who want to write songs, release music and play live. You’ll be supported to develop your sound, explore new ideas and find your place in today’s fast-moving music world.

From the start, you’ll be writing, recording and performing your own material. You’ll perform at local venues, collaborate with other creatives, and take part in Cheltenham’s vibrant live scene, from grassroots gigs to larger stages.

We’re part of the Music Academic Partnership (MAP) and run an annual Graduate Futures Day, giving you direct access to industry speakers, recent alumni and professionals from across the creative sector.

Guest sessions from organisations like Sony, Warner, PRS, Glastonbury and Sentric Publishing help you build knowledge and connections, so whether you’re heading for life as an artist, producer, promoter, teacher or entrepreneur, you’ll leave ready to make your mark.

Why University of Gloucestershire?
University of Gloucestershire (UoG) is a vibrant, close-knit and diverse community where small class sizes and dedicated personal tutors ensure students receive guidance and support from day one. UoG has been offering a wide range of degrees, courses and apprenticeships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels since 1847. Alongside our strong support system, guest speakers, networking events and influential partnerships will help you prepare for life after graduation, whether that be in a successful career in your field or onto further study.

Our promises to you

1. UoG Career Promise – if you're not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching (eligibility conditions apply).
2. UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students’ accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at.
3. UoG Connections Promise – offering thousands of placements, internships, clubs and societies to help students find their community and build valuable experience and career connections.

Career-focused courses
95% of our graduates are in work or further study and courses at UoG are designed in collaboration with industry partners and benefit from the professional experience and expertise of its staff. This approach ensures students gain practical, relevant knowledge that prepares them for real-world careers.

After the course
Your story doesn’t end with us at graduation. We support our graduates to balance purpose with ambition, and 95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their course*.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers.

Student life
Home to 11,300 students and 900 staff across four campuses, University of Gloucestershire offers dynamic learning environments on the edge of the Cotswolds, the UK’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With over 45 festivals each year, global business placements nearby and more than 500 bars, clubs and pubs, Cheltenham is known as the ‘Festival Town’, while Gloucester blends rich history with a modern city feel, from its iconic cathedral to its famous docks.

Visit us
Come and explore our campuses, facilities, teaching areas and accommodation. You’ll get the chance to attend course talks and meet our lecturers, current students and support staff and answer all of your questions. Book to come to an open day at glos.ac.uk/BookAnOpenDay.

To find out more information about this course visit glos.ac.uk/OurCourses, email us on enquiries@glos.ac.uk or call 03330 14 14 14.

Your first year lays the groundwork for building a career in music. You’ll explore creative music production, songwriting, performance and video production, and engage with cultural and critical themes relating to music. You’ll establish your industry mindset and begin the process of identifying relevant career opportunities for yourself as a musician.

Year 2 builds a professional framework around your skillset, enabling you to specialise and develop your creativity, both as a commercial songwriter / producer and as a composer for screen media. You’ll strengthen your musicianship as a performer, both on stage and in the studio, and create a portfolio of industry projects that builds your awareness of the employability and freelance opportunities available to you.

Your final year gets you ready for industry and to launch your career. You’ll work across key areas of musical creativity, performance, professional experience and industry briefs. You’ll also develop commercial and critical insights via an individual research project.