Music (Popular)

BA (Hons) Full time

Course Overview

UCAS code: W341
Duration: 4 years
Study type: Full Time
Napier code: 54111BH

This course is designed not only for those who want to be performers in music, but for others who want to work in the industry as musicians, composers, engineers, producers, teaching professionals, business entrepreneurs, or in the wider musical community. You’ll achieve a high degree of competence on your principal study (voice, guitar, bass guitar, drums or composition); becoming fluent in the use of music technology and extending your cultural, critical and creative abilities throughout this wide-ranging course.

This course does not cover classical music but if wish to study that genre our Bachelor of Music may be of interest to you.

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Whether you're a musician (singer, guitarist, bassist or drummer), composer or producer, finding your way into a career in popular music is always going to be a challenge. As well as honing your performance or composition skills, this course can equip you with the technical knowledge and realistic expectations you need to make your mark in this extremely competitive industry and a wide range of related careers.

You'll be building on your already-accomplished performing or composing skills, bringing them up to professional standard. You'll also learn and explore new genres in music, and work on your ensemble skills with fellow students. Away from your instrument, you'll be introduced to recording techniques, MIDI technology and the ins and outs of the music business.

What's it like?

The technical knowledge and realistic expectations you need to make your mark

Career prospects

We are one of the top universities in Scotland for graduate employability, with over 93% of our graduates in jobs or further study six months after graduating.

Most likely, you'll be looking for a freelance career after graduation. Musicians can take their skills to the stage or the recording studio, or even the corporate function room. Composers may find themselves writing for advertising or film and television. Music production could be your field, or you may prefer to teach, either in class after further study or as an instrumental teacher. Community groups are another potential employer, with music workshops for both adults and children enjoying wide popularity.

  • musician
  • composer
  • class or instrumental teacher
  • music producer

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What's involved

Modular learning

Our courses are structured by modules which gives our students a flexible learning programme. Modules covered by this course:

On offer

Campus life

World class facilities


Why I chose Napier

Requirements at a glance

Entry to the course

International students

Full-time study (per year)

The fees listed are stated per annum.

Part-time study (per year)

The fees listed are stated per annum.

Part-time study

The number of modules studied is dependent on the exit that you wish to achieve, for example:

  • A Grad Cert is 60 Credits (3 modules)
  • A Cert HE/Grad Dip/ HND is 120 credits (6 modules)
  • A Dip HE credit is 240 credits (12 modules)
  • A Degree is 360 credits (18 modules)
  • An Honours Degree is 480 credits

Please note that some part-time courses give modular exemptions for previous study and vocational experience. Advice is available during application.

Fees Table

Fees displayed are correct at the time of publication but the University Court reserves the right to make changes in fees at any time, and without notice, before or after the student's admission to the University.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually and will rise each year during your programme of study, at least in line with inflation.

Funding your study

We have a selection of funding opportunities available such as the UK postgraduate tuition fee loan (Scottish & EU) and specific scholarships aimed at student from India and across Africa. Visit our funding pages to find out what you could be eligible for.

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