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Popular Music Performance & Songwriting

  • 1 Study option
  • Undergraduate
5 Campuses
More about BIMM University

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

About the course
Perform and compose music with our BMus Popular Music Performance and Songwriting degree. Throughout the course, you’ll learn the necessary skills to have a sustainable and successful career in the music industry of today – and tomorrow.

You’ll gain invaluable stage experience as well as build expertise around performing music, creating parts and interpreting songs. You’ll focus on core topics of performance, technique, musicianship, theory and technology. These topics will ensure that you have all the necessary tools to be articulate and expressive in your chosen musical and compositional output.

Once you have this foundational knowledge under your belt, you can tailor your course according to your own goals and aspirations via our range of optional modules. Our optional modules allow you to specialise in certain areas that interest you the most. These include creative performance, complementary instrument skills, global music styles, technology, writing for media, recording, teaching, and research. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a broad portfolio of skills to succeed in whichever career you choose.

Day to day learning will take place in large live rooms, smaller studio settings and in lecture-based classrooms. You’ll also have the chance to collaborate with other aspiring industry professionals. These collaborations are possible because of our flourishing BIMM University community that brings together talented students from all areas of the music industry.

Our lecturers – all of whom are still active in the music industry – will guide you through your studies. No matter which route you choose, you’ll always be supported to reach your goals, both personally and professionally.

The BIMM University Graduate
We make sure that when you graduate, your attributes and skills mirror the employment and creative needs of the music industry – both today and in the future.

We aim to equip graduates with the following qualities, so they have a long lasting career.

  • Employable and Entrepreneurial

  • Creative, Collaborative and Connected

  • Resilient and adaptable

  • Globally Aware

  • Professional

  • Intellectually Curious

  • Self-aware

Modules

Course Modules

Students can expect to study the following core modules:

YEAR 1: - The Creative Industries and you 1: Finding your path - Context and culture of the creative industries - Digital Music - Core instrument skills - Applied instrument skills - Songwriting techniques - Styles and genres - Creative technology

YEAR 2: - The Creative Industries and you 2: Creative Collaboration) - Creativity, identity and agency - Interpretive instrument skills - Digital performance portfolio - Music creation with technology - Songwriting and arrangement

YEAR 3 - The Creative Industries and you 3: Professional Portfolio - Final Project - Performance showcase - Showcase and showreel.

Optional module/s can be selected in year 3, subject to availability and student demand. Please visit the course information page on the BIMM Music Institute website for a full break down.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • BIMM Music Institute London
  • BIMM Music Institute Brighton
  • BIMM Music Institute Manchester
  • BIMM Music Institute Bristol
  • BIMM Music Institute Birmingham

Study options

  • Bachelor of Music (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

Application codes

Institution code:
B39

BIMM University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
B39

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BB

UCAS Tariff
Offer: 80

Minimum of 2 A-levels at Grade B or above (80 UCAS), OR BTEC Level 3 equivalent, and normally three GCSEs at a minimum grade C/4, including English Language.

Mature applicants (19+) who do not hold the minimum entry criteria can be considered for RPP – Recognition of Prior Practice. This is an essay-based submission focused on prior professional practice or experiential learning.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMP

Additional entry requirements

Audition
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an audition in person or by a demo submission. Full guidelines on what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Interview
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an interview in person or by phone/skype Full guidelines on what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Other
Our auditions and interviews are conducted in a relaxed and supportive manner. They are as much about you assessing us and making sure BIMM Institute is the right place for you to study. The audition or interview also gives you another opportunity to learn more about the course you have applied for. Auditions, Interviews and Portfolio Submissions Depending on which course you choose, you may need to attend an audition, interview or submit a portfolio of work as part of your application. We have plenty of handy resources online to help you prepare for your audition or interview. The BIMM Institute Admissions Team will also send you preparation guidelines, which will be specifically for the course you have applied for. Undergraduate Courses including Joint Hons Requiring an Audition*: • Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals and Keyboards) • Songwriting (supporting material also required) Non-Performance Undergraduate Courses and Interviews*: • Music Business • Event Management • Music Marketing, Media and Communication Undergraduate Courses Requiring a Portfolio and Interview*: • Music and Sound Production • Electronic Music Production *Auditions/Interviews can be completed virtually by Zoom, or in person.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6a minimum of 5.5 must be achieved in each band (Reading, writing, listening, speaking)
Cambridge English AdvancedLevel B2A minimum overall score of 170, and no lower than 165 in each band
TOEFL (iBT)72the minimum points must met in each band: Listening - 17 Reading - 18 Speaking - 20 Writing - 17
PTE Academic59A minimum score of 59 overall. At least 59 must be achieved in all four skills

We also accept the following qualifications: - ESOL Skills for Life Level B2 (Higher B2 on CEFR Scale) - IGCSE English Language (First Language) at C/4 or above - IGCSE English Language (Second Language) at B/3 or above - International Baccalaureate Standard English A at grade 4, OR Higher Level English B at grade 4. If you have studied a different English Language qualification, please send details to the admissions team and we will confirm if it can be accepted. Applicants that need a student visa to study will be required to have taken a UKVI approved qualification, achieving the minimum requirements. Full details can be viewed on our website. Applicants must have met the minimum requirement and be in receipt of results prior to enrolment.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Our decision-making process assesses the entire application. We are looking for talent and technical skill alongside academic achievement. Applicants are invited to either audition, interview, or submit supporting portfolio evidence. Your offer will be based on a combination of your academic profile, strength of application, and the successful outcome of the audition, interview, or portfolio review. Where appropriate, we also review personal circumstances when making contextual offers.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£9790*
EU & International£15950*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The tuition fee shown is for year 1 of study only.
Fees may be subject to increase on an annual basis, and do not cover additional costs such as:

Visa application costs
Living costs (rent/bills/travel)
Equipment required for your course
(computer and software/instrument/books)

Sponsorship information

Scholarships and bursaries 1

Each year we offer various bursaries and scholarships.
For further information, please view details on the BIMM University website

Related courses

At BIMM University

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