This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
Leeds Arts University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
There are no boundaries between performance, production, and composition on this course. Versatile musicians - keen to develop professional delivery and technical skills - flourish at the University. Our students go on to achieve fulfilling and diverse careers in contemporary music. Performance, production, and composition are integral to this degree course. We recruit musicians to the principal studies of vocals, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar and drums, giving performers the confidence to create original music and thrive as working musicians. This dynamic course develops your musicianship through specialist 1:1 vocal/instrumental tuition, a range of band performances, and learning from diverse visiting musicians covering all styles of music. We boast purpose-built music facilities that simulate the industry, including a 220-seater auditorium, nine sound-proofed live rooms, and a recording studio with an industry-standard SSL mixing desk. Our experienced tutors and visiting industry professionals support and stimulate the development of your technical skills. You will be expected to clearly evidence your musical creativity, individuality, and originality through real-world experience and industry networks. Our students benefit from being in Leeds, a city steeped in musical history and host to an array of world-renowned performance venues. Our vibrant community facilitates working with other creative students such as music producers, creative writers, graphic designers, fine artists, visual communicators, photographers, fashion designers, animators, filmmakers, and creative advertisers. This is a unique opportunity to build crucial networks and an impressive musical portfolio from the outset of your professional life.
Modules
Year one – Fundamental concepts of popular music performance, production, and composition are introduced through practical music-making. Delivery is key, so you will participate in Ensemble Performance Workshops, perform on stage, in the recording studio, and as an individual, whilst receiving expert 1:1 guidance from experienced staff. The first year also integrates song-writing, arranging, stagecraft, music production, and entrepreneurial activity. Year two – Alongside 1:1 vocal/instrumental tuition, you will respond to briefs that contribute to a portfolio of song writing, performances, recordings, and visual material. You will explore professional artist development, contracts, rights, finances, planning, professional presentation, and networking. Music is also explored in context, looking at popular music through history and ground-breaking events. Year three – You will undertake a music-focused project which embodies your specialism and further develops your professional identity. Recognising your audience is critical as you implement analytical techniques and problem-solving skills that can be applied in many types of employment. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with skills for decision-making in complex professional, musical, and creative environments.
How to apply
31Jan
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:
- W315
- Institution code:
- L28
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
Leeds Arts University encourages applications from talented and motivated students. The University uses a wide range of methods to assess applications, these can include: • personal statement • predicted grades • contextual information • reference • examples of your work • digital auditions or interview If you are successful in your application an offer will be made to you, if conditional we will ask for between 104 and 120 UCAS tariff points from any combination of A Levels/T Level/Extended Diploma/Foundation Diploma. The expected subjects will depend on the course you are applying for. All applicants must have GCSE English Language or Literature at Grade 4/Grade C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 at Pass. For BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance you will also need a level of performing ability equivalent to ABRSM/Rockschool/Trinity Grade 8, and music theory understanding to Grade 5 level. - Examples of work Performing ability and theoretical understanding will be assessed through a practical performance of (1) a set piece relative to a specific instrument or voice and (2) an original song, instrumental composition, or arrangement of an existing song that has been uploaded to a suitable video sharing platform (YouTube, Vimeo or Weibo) for remote review. Guidance on what to include in your examples of work can be found on our website at www.leeds-art.ac.uk/ug-entry-requirements. - English You’ll need to have passed GCSE English Language or English Literature at Grade 4/Grade C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 at Pass. For mature students, an Access to Higher Education qualification in art and design will also be acceptable to demonstrate English language ability. Currently studying a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design? If you are currently studying a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, you will have already achieved level 3 qualifications which carry UCAS tariff points. When considering your application, we will, collate your achieved tariff points with those you are predicted. You will also need a GCSE grade 4/ Grade C or above in English Language or English Literature or equivalent, or Functional Skills level 2 at a pass. Studying for Access to Higher Education or any other qualifications? We accept several other qualifications, please contact us to discuss before you apply.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/undergraduate-entry-requirements
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
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £18600 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18600 | 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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Leeds Arts University
Blenheim Walk
Leeds
LS2 9AQ