4 years with the foundation
This year will prepare you ready to embark upon your studies in Popular Music at ARU. We’ll focus on general skills such as researching and referencing, numeracy and ICT, and communication. Not only that, we’ll also start to look at topics such as Intercultural Studies, Psychology, Composition and Style, Ethics and Social Perceptions.
Introduction
Learn how to succeed in the music business, from performance to production, and explore the history and cultures of popular music with our BA (Hons) Popular Music degree.
With our BA (Hons) Popular Music degree, you’ll get the chance to develop your musicianship and take it to the next level.
Immerse yourself in our student community, and collaborate on projects such as music videos, and film or computer game soundtracks.
There’s a focus on live performance throughout, with the chance to perform at festivals and in well-known music venues around Cambridge.
From notation and song-writing to the history and culture of popular music, you’ll gain an awareness of the different styles and techniques that can inform your own music.
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We understand that, to be a great musician, you need to explore and experiment.
As a student in Cambridge, you’ll be able to make the most of the city’s diverse music scene, and benefit from our links to local networks such as Cambridge Arts Network and Cambridge Live. From classical music to UK rap, or even film and computer game soundtracks, you’ll be surrounded by collaborative opportunities to explore and expand your style.
On campus, you can use our specialist facilities to develop your music and experiment with different styles and techniques.
Take advantage of regular feedback on your performance, skills and assessment on live performances, to quickly improve your skills.
Taking into consideration the current COVID-19 restrictions, throughout your course you may have the opportunity to listen to professional musicians on campus every week in our lunchtime concert series, as well as attend workshops, masterclasses and lectures by visiting performers, composers and academics.
Choose to study abroad for one semester and get ongoing support to find work placements, to gain a broad experience of the music industry.
Whether you’re interested in the music industry, world music, performance art or music therapy, our degree will help you explore popular music in depth, as you prepare for your future career.
State-of-the-art facilities
All our music students have access to:
- climate-controlled recording studios, running professional software including Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live and Sibelius
- six practice rooms and two Mac suites
- electronic and orchestral instruments, including a range of synthesisers
- a recital hall with a Steinway Model D piano
- a broad selection of digital and analogue as well as both solid state and valve outboard equipment – read more about our audio music technology equipment here.
You can also get training in all of our creative facilities – not just the ones for your course.
Develop your talent
Study at ARU and benefit from:
- regular feedback on your performance skills and assessment on live performances
- facilities to develop your music and experiment with different styles and techniques
- our links with local networks such as Cambridge Arts Network and Cambridge Live
- a diverse music scene in Cambridge ranging from classical to UK rap
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Careers
Not only will you develop your knowledge of music theory as part of your Music degree, you’ll also be equipped with all of the practical skills that you need for a career in the music industry. You will also get the chance to tailor the course to your future career through our optional modules.
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
Many of past students now enjoy successful careers in music – from performers and composers through to music teachers and art administrators.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MA Music Therapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.