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Popular Music
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 09/2026
- Undergraduate
- South and City College Birmingham
Course summary
The Popular Music degree course provides the training and skills necessary for a wide range of careers within the music industry.
You will develop understanding of the global commercial music sector, study musical output and techniques, and improve your creativity, professionalism and practical musicianship to a level needed for graduate employment.
This full three-year Honours degree develops both the practical and transferable skills required to make you industry-ready, and the contextual understanding and academic rigour inherent in high-level study.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- South and City College Birmingham
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 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:
- W342
- Institution code:
- B25
- Campus name:
- South and City College Birmingham
- Campus Code:
- X
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Birmingham City 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:
- W342
- Institution code:
- B25
- Campus name:
- South and City College Birmingham
- Campus Code:
- X
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
A level - CCC
A Level: 96 UCAS tariff points / CCC (or equivalent). AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels. A maximum of four subjects will be considered. Preferred subjects: Music.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
96 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits. At least 45 credits at level 3. Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Music subjects preferred but other subjects also considered.
Scottish Higher
96 UCAS tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
96 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
96 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Scottish Advanced Higher
96 UCAS tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD).
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
GCSE/National 4/National 5
This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.
T Level - Pass (C and above)
Pass overall (C or above on the core). All subjects accepted.
Welsh Baccalaureate: 96 UCAS tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 96 UCAS tariff points.
NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 96 UCAS tariff points.
WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 96 UCAS tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s).
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall
Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Merit overall
Additional entry requirements
- Audition
- This is a franchise course at South and City College and applicants are auditioned by the college. Students with significant, relevant experience in place of formal qualifications may be accepted onto the course subject to a successful audition.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | overall with no less than 5.5 in any level |
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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18570 | Year 1 |
| International | £18570 | 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 Government is proposing to apply an inflationary increase to regulated tuition fees for 2026/27 and the University is planning on increasing fees to that maximum level once confirmed.
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