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MA Popular Music (Songwriter) (Taught)

  • MA
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14/09/2026
  • Postgraduate
Main Site
UCAS Conservatoires
Awarded by:
University of Hull
More about Leeds Conservatoire

Course options

2026-2027
Apply

Course summary

Launch your career in music with our MA in Popular Music (Songwriter). Designed to empower you with a blend of musical expertise, a professional mindset and creative ingenuity, this postgraduate degree will prepare you to enter the ever-changing landscape of the modern music industry.

At Leeds Conservatoire students are in control of their personal, creative, and intellectual growth, emerging as skilled musicians and reflective practitioners who are prepared for enduring success in the music industry.

You’ll be challenged to explore, experiment, and uncover fresh perspectives and methodologies, being empowered to craft your best work and stand out in today's competitive global music scene.

Course details

Principal study options

During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:

Main specialism

Only one specialism is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.

Instrument/specialisms

For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.

Primary instrument/specialism
  • Composition

Modules

Specialist Study modules in trimesters 1, 2 and 3 give students opportunities to reach their songwriting potential through one-to-one tuition and group workshops in songwriting.

Creative Practice in Context modules in trimesters 1 and 2 engage students in research activities that place their songwriting within a range of philosophical, historical, sociological, industrial and critical contexts.

Assessment method

You will be assessed at the end of each of three trimesters.

Creative Practice in Context Modules 1 and 2 will be assessed by Essay or Presentation

Specialist Study Modules 1, 2 and 3 will be assessed by submission of a Composition Portfolio and Reflective Commentary.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • MA • Full-time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • 14/09/2026

Apply by
2 October

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:
808F
Institution code:
L31
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Leeds Conservatoire 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

If you are an international applicant, or you are applying for a postgraduate course, or are choosing certain assessment locations, the 'on time' deadline may be later in the year - please contact the conservatoire directly.

Apply by
2 October

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:
808F
Institution code:
L31
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

A good first degree (in any subject, normally 2.2 or above). Candidates must also demonstrate appropriate proficiency in songwriting, which will be assessed through a portfolio submission.

For applicants that require a Student Visa to study in the UK, the standard requirement is IELTS 6.0 with no sub-test less than 5.5

Additional entry requirements

Portfolio

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£12800*Year 1
Northern Ireland£12800*Year 1
Scotland£12800*Year 1
Wales£12800*Year 1
Channel Islands£12800*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£12800*Year 1
EU£20600*Year 1
International£20600*Year 1

* 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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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