University of Chester
Parkgate Road
Chester
CH1 4BJ
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Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions
Email:admissions@chester.ac.uk
Phone:01244 511000
Fax: 01244 511300
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Popular Music Performance
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 05/10/2026
- Undergraduate
- Chester
Course summary
Develop your talent as a musician and performer through the practical and theoretical study of popular music. On this very practically based programme, you will also have the opportunity to develop extremely useful skills such as recording techniques, live PA mixing, songwriting and arranging – all essential for working in the music industry. Our course provides a unique opportunity for you to excel in performance while developing a critical mind and becoming an intelligent, multi-skilled musician.
Additional enhancements to the course include links with live music venues, musicians and professionals within the region, as well events such as Creative Futures, where students gain invaluable insights into the industry from industry professionals, musicians and academics through the delivery of performances, masterclasses and workshops.
Modules
For the latest example of curriculum availability on this degree programme please refer to the University of Chester's Website.
Assessment method
You will submit a variety of work for summative assessment, including solo and group performances, presentations, recordings, composition portfolios and written essays.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Chester
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 05/10/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- W340
- Institution code:
- C55
- Campus name:
- Chester
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1, 2, 3
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Chester 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
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- W340
- Institution code:
- C55
- Campus name:
- Chester
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 points
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit
Scottish Higher - BBBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3, H4
T Level - Pass (C and above)
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. We accept the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Applicants will be required to attend an audition.
ABRSM Grade 8 or equivalent on your instrument (or voice), and the ability to read music, would be preferred. Do not let this put you off applying; reading music is not essential and if you don't have grade 8 we will probably still offer you an audition.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry requirements, or who have non-standard qualifications and relevant music experience, are encouraged to apply and will be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate ability through their audition.
Additional entry requirements
- Audition
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.
The University of Chester is committed to supporting and encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds and our Admissions policy forms part of our commitment to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed have the opportunity to do so. We recognise that not all students have access to the same levels of education, support, and guidance, therefore, when making admissions decision, we consider a wide range of factors to identify merit, rather than academic attainment alone.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.
- Data from:
- This course and 16 other design, and creative and performing arts courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*AA
- Highest grades
- CDD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
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 University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.
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