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Popular Music Performance

  • CertHE
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
BIMM Music Institute London
More about BIMM University

Course options

2026-2027
Apply

Course summary

Course Overview
Enhance your musicianship skills, knowledge, and understanding with BIMM University's practical Cert HE course. This one-year course offers an exciting opportunity for musicians to delve into their craft through engaging lectures, workshops, and the creation of a comprehensive creative portfolio. Your portfolio will draw a real focus from the 'Adventures in Professional Practice' module that immerses you in real-world working practices and emphasises industry-like collaboration.

Popular Music Performance Pathway
The CERT-HE Performance pathway has been designed to provide a foundational base in contemporary music performance. It encompasses core modules that span the multifaceted domains essential for today's musician. A strong emphasis is placed on musicianship, focusing intently on mastering core instrument skills, and refining applied performance techniques. Venturing beyond just performance, the curriculum delves into the art of music creation, furthering creativity and cultivating a rudimentary understanding of music theory and its applications. Alongside this, students are introduced to the intricacies of digital audio workstations, empowering them with the technical skills required in the contemporary music industry.

While the course primarily caters to international students, we also welcome mature students who possess experiential ability, even without formal qualifications. The course presents the perfect avenue for creative practitioners to benefit from the BIMM University experience and networking opportunities while studying in the creative capital of London.

Modules

Popular Music Pathway Modules:

  • Performance Skills
  • Core Instrument Skills
  • Digital Music
  • Adventures in Professional Practice (All pathways)
  • Applied Performance
  • Applied Instrument Skills
  • Music Creation
  • Studio Project (All pathways)

Assessment method

Assessment methods can be viewed on the BIMM Music Institute website

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • BIMM Music Institute London

Study options

  • CertHE • Full-time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • 09/2026

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:
W320
Institution code:
B39
Campus name:
BIMM Music Institute London
Campus Code:
A
Points of Entry:
Year 1

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

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:
W320
Institution code:
B39
Campus name:
BIMM Music Institute London
Campus Code:
A

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

BIMM University welcomes applicants from International countries that will require a student visa to study in the UK. Applicants must meet requirements set by UKVI. Upon acceptance of an offer you may be required to attend a consultation with a member of the International Admissions team.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 64 points

Minimum of 2 A-levels at Grade C or above (64 UCAS points), or BTEC Level 3 or equivalent qualification and three GCSEs at a minimum grade C/4, including English Language, or equivalent. For applicants with relevant sector/industry experience Recognition of Prior Practice (RPP) is an alternative entry route for mature applicants (19+) who do not hold the minimum qualifications required to gain entry.

A level - CC

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

Additional entry requirements

Audition
For Popular Music Performance and Songwriting pathways, applicants must attend an audition. Details of what to be prepare will be sent once an application is received.
Portfolio
For Music Production, applicants must submit a portfolio. Details of what to be prepare will be sent once an application is received.

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 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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9790*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790*Year 1
Scotland£9790*Year 1
Wales£9790*Year 1
Channel Islands£9790*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790*Year 1
EU£15950*Year 1
International£15950*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

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

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

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