BA (Hons)

Popular Music: Production and Performance

W374

Popular Music: Production & Performance provides you the opportunity to learn in industry-standard facilities and be taught by industry practitioners. The programme embraces a practical approach to learning with a balance of practical workshops and lectures, promoting different learning styles.

A band on stage singing to a crowd

Course overview

Rated 2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2025 (CUG, 2024)

In Year 1 you will learn the basic skills in performance, songwriting and production of recorded and live music. Working independently and collaboratively, you will be introduced to the ethical considerations involved in the music industry as well as the theoretical underpinning. Modules include Studio Recording, Performance Techniques and Guerrilla Music Production.

Year 2 will build on your knowledge of production and performance; it will give you an awareness of the relationship between the practical theoretical understandings of the industry as well as its diversity. You will have the opportunity to develop the skills and experience of working within production teams and as artists, collaborating on live projects. You will study advanced techniques in Performance 2, as well as modules like Artist Development & Production and Contemporary Musicianship.

By Year 3 you will be studying advanced skills in a range of professional music production and performance techniques. Teaching is designed to prepare you for employment in the music and creative industries whilst encouraging a strong sense of autonomy.

The programme builds on the University’s values, encouraging you to embrace individuality, and staff will support professional and creative development at all stages.

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years

Apply

W374

Typical offer

104-120 points

Fees

From £9,535 pa

Course features

  • Learn in industry standard facilities
  • Practical course with in-situ workshops
  • Develop professional and creative skills in music production
  • Top 10 in the UK for Music in The Guardian's Best Universities 2022

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.                   

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars, you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 312 hours
Independent learning: 888 hours

Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 300 hours
Independent learning: 900 hours

Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 204 hours
Independent learning: 996 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.

Teaching hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*:

90% coursework
0% written exams
10% practical exams

Year 2 (Level 5)*:

83% coursework
0% written exams
17% practical exams

Year 3 (Level 6)*:

52% coursework
0% written exams
48% practical exams

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Studio Recording 30 Credits

This module introduces the various skills required to record music in professional recording studio environments providing students with a foundation in techniques including:

  • Microphone theory practical and techniques
  • Multi-track Recording
  • Analogue and Digital Recording Principles
  • Digital Audio Workstations
  • Recording Studio Workflow
  • Using the recording studio safely and in compliance with Health and Safety regulations
  • Hybrid Recording Workflow

Students will study the practice of analogue recording techniques, developing portfolios that demonstrate a both command of the recording studio within analogue and digital domains alongside developing skills in mixing multitrack recordings. Students will be expected to follow technical briefs and reflect upon the work they have done with insight and understanding.

Performance Techniques 1 30 Credits

This module provides students the opportunity to perform in a variety of settings and explore the creative nature of contemporary musical performance. Through practical workshops students will perform in a range of different styles and contexts and design productive rehearsal strategies tailored to their own performance aspirations. Lectures will explore the varied nature of contemporary music performance, whilst practice-led workshops will afford the opportunity to develop rehearsal strategies for performances in different task focussed contexts. Students are encouraged to perform collaboratively, and form their own bands and ensembles, working towards a portfolio of comprehensive live performances across semesters.

Guerrilla Music Production 30 Credits

This module explores innovative and resourceful approaches to music production outside of traditional studio environments. Students will investigate the acoustic ‘real world’ properties of diverse spaces and instrumentation, experiment with microphone techniques, and engage with field recording and audio-based bedroom production workflows. Alongside this, students will study the history and context of digital and electronic music, exploring key artists and trends and how sequencing and sampling work in modern workflows. Practical workshops provide hands-on experience in sound acquisition, digital composition, and manipulation of virtual instruments. Through individual projects, students will produce a diverse portfolio, combining robust field recordings and contrasting digital compositions, demonstrating both technical proficiency and creative versatility.

Songwriting & Commercial Music 30 Credits

The first part of this module explores what it means to be a commercial songwriter and music or song creator, writer, co-writer and collaborative music practitioner in the broadest sense. Students will explore their own influences and key drivers for music making and creation and present a pre- production plan for the music creations or songs that will be developed in the second part of the module.

Given the initial music research presentation, the module provides students with the opportunity to develop a small portfolio of songs, whilst exploring a diverse range of practical songwriting techniques. Students will explore different song writing traditions, commercial approaches and the songwriting and music making industry. Students will be expected to develop songs and music creations, sharing their output with their peers which will later be assessed within a portfolio of informed songs or music creations.

Studio Recording 30 Credits

This module introduces the various skills required to record music in professional recording studio environments providing students with a foundation in techniques including:

  • Microphone theory practical and techniques
  • Multi-track Recording
  • Analogue and Digital Recording Principles
  • Digital Audio Workstations
  • Recording Studio Workflow
  • Using the recording studio safely and in compliance with Health and Safety regulations
  • Hybrid Recording Workflow

Students will study the practice of analogue recording techniques, developing portfolios that demonstrate a both command of the recording studio within analogue and digital domains alongside developing skills in mixing multitrack recordings. Students will be expected to follow technical briefs and reflect upon the work they have done with insight and understanding.

Modules

Performance Techniques 2 30 Credits

This module builds on collaborative and individual performances at level 4 and explores new approaches to performances in differing environments. Critical exploration of contemporary performance practice across a range of popular music genres, is a key feature. Lectures will explore the varied nature of musical performance in the 21st century and practice-led workshops will afford the opportunity to discuss the nature of performance in new contexts and live environments.

Students are encouraged to perform collaboratively and form their own new bands or ensembles, working towards a series of performances that will include a live television ‘unplugged’ electro/acoustic type performance and later, an extended live performance in a larger venue.

Artist Development & Production 30 Credits

This module is designed to empower students with hands-on experience in digital music production using state-of-the-art Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to produce their own original music, embracing creative and in-depth technical through processes.

Students will develop proficiency in contemporary workflows for songwriters and music creators by utilising software tools and techniques essential for music production. In addition, advanced songwriting and music creation techniques will be explored alongside advanced MIDI sequencing, virtual instruments, and audio recording/editing. Focus will be placed on producing higher quality vocals and contemporary arrangements. Students will apply theoretical knowledge acquired in previous modules to create compelling and innovative musical compositions and music creations, allowing increased individual artistic expression. Students will study advanced mixing techniques including signal processing, automation and a variety of audio tools to enhance the sonic quality and aesthetics of their own original inventive music creations.

Music Industry Project 30 Credits

Students will be immersed in the multifaceted landscape of the contemporary music industry.

Recognising the diverse ambitions within the industry, including performers, songwriters, music creators, label owners, managers, artist relations, and music publishers, this module integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The module focuses on developing practical skills through a hands-on music industry project that showcases creative student output. Students will conceive, plan, and execute a project aligned with their personal ambitions, honing essential project management skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of music industry ecosystem, essential structures, practices and roles. Emphasising performers, songwriters, label owners, managers, artist relations, and music publishers, the module explores the dynamic interplay between creativity, business, and technology.

Contemporary Musicianship 15 Credits

This module provides a platform for students to refine their musical abilities, fostering a deep understanding of contemporary music genres while equipping them with the technical and collaborative skills essential for success in advanced performance contexts. Students will seek to elevate their musical prowess with a focus on advanced performance skills in improvisation and session playing. Rooted in the dynamic context of contemporary music genres, this module integrates technical proficiency, artistic expression, and collaborative abilities. The module places a strong emphasis on the development of advanced instrumental or vocal techniques within the realm of improvisation and session skills. Students will showcase technical mastery and creative expression in both live and studio settings. Through an exploration of various contemporary music styles, students will deepen their understanding of stylistic characteristics. This knowledge will be applied to enhance improvisational and session skills, fostering adaptability and versatility in their musical interpretations.

Optional

Optional Modules Credits

Music Video: 

This module focuses on the convergent media form of music video which combines music and sound with visuals that are often creative, abstract, stylised and experimental. The core of a music video is having an achievable idea that will complement and promote a musical artist’s work. In line with this, concepts of virality, persona and artistic representation will be explored and the delivery mechanisms discussed will be understood to exist in online domain alongside more holistic stage performance and live applications. However, the historical nature of music video television will also be analysed to provide a cultural and industrial context. Students should be able to reflect upon established music video practices and the extent to which they are successful in their own production.

Live Performance Composition:

This module introduces students to the creative and technical processes behind composing and performing music for live environments and show reinforcement. With a focus on technological enhancement, students will explore tools such as Ableton Live, cue based / automation workflows, and scene construction to create dynamic and engaging performances. Emphasis is placed on integrating playback engineering techniques, in-ear monitoring, and live cueing systems. Students will also engage with modern musical direction practices to shape their unique performance style, drawing inspiration from industrial touring, DJing, sound art, and avant-garde approaches. The assessments are designed to reflect the dual demands of creativity and technical skill, culminating in a live performance and a video walkthrough explaining the production and compositional process.

 

Modules

Final Major Project: Produce 30 Credits

This module represents the culmination of your studies, challenging you to produce a professional-level project that aligns with industry standards and reflects your development as a creative practitioner. Students will produce a considerable piece of work, such as an album of multitrack recordings, a portfolio of sound design, a performance (live/recorded) portfolio, or project showcasing an area of audio/visual media production which interests them. The nature and exact specifications of the project are decided by negotiation between the student and supervisor and approved via proposal.

This is an Extended Independent Study module.

Final Major Project: Develop 30 Credits

This module provides a structured and scaffolded framework for students to develop their Final Major Project, focusing on the conceptual, methodological, and practical groundwork necessary for a professional-level output. Through pitching, prototyping, and critical reflection, students will refine their ideas, iterate their creative approaches, and align their work with industry standards. By emphasizing the development process, the module supports the production phase of their major project, enabling students to produce work that is well-planned, contextually informed, and technically proficient. Students will demonstrate their ability to justify creative decisions, critically analyse outcomes, and apply professional methodologies to their practice.

Professional Performance Project 30 Credits

This module builds on music performance at level 5 and further explores crucial professional approaches to performances in a variety of settings and the performance industries. Practice-led workshops will afford the opportunity to develop performance as a product and the professionalism required to work in the live music industries. Students are encouraged to perform collaboratively, and form their own bands/ensembles, working towards final performances that include: an extended music industry panel audition and pitch; and a live performance in an alternative venue, focussing on a range of key creative and experimental improvisational aspects, using technology live, embedded within the performance.

Music Industry Portfolio 30 Credits

Student employability, post-graduation, is a primary feature of this module. The module gives students the opportunity to work on two separate music production projects. The first assignment provides an opportunity for students to respond to an external live brief relating directly to the student’s own aspirations in either; record production, film or video sound, composition, songwriting, student led workshops, live sound recording et al. The assignment will allow learners to realise the key benefits of participating in teaching, community led or third sector ventures. Students are encouraged to engage with the ethos of a not-for-profit organisation and use their production and/or workshopping skills to benefit their chosen communities.

Lectures in the second part of the module place employability at the core and will introduce the terminology and workings of business environments to students, before relating them to the specifics of the music and creative industries. Employment practices such as freelancing and self-employed business environments are explored, before devising individual business plans that relate to the learners’ individual music production interests within the broader creative arts industries. Students will also explore different strategies towards promoting their work within these industrial contexts and explore the ways in which contemporary musicians and artists navigate different audiences, clients and employers. Students will develop enhanced curriculum vitae in preparation for ongoing employment opportunities.

Entry requirements

104-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  • A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
  • BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
  • T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSEs English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages

2025/6 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1* £9,535 £16,700

Additional tuition fee information

*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,535 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.

*(International) £16,700 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £79.45 and a 15 credit module is £1,191. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £7,145

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

 

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Optional

We recommend our students invest in a pair of studio quality closed back headphones. There are a number of good options available and your programme team will be happy to make recommendations. Indicative cost is £100.

We also recommend that our students invest in a portable hard drive or cloud storage subscription for backing up and storing their creative work. Indicative cost is £50-£200.

You will find all of our core reading texts in the library, as well as a vast number of electronic resources. However, you may want to buy select core textbooks for reference. These can be found at reasonable prices second hand.

The programme team aim to organise field trips both locally and internationally. These will not be mandatory and will incur additional costs.

Disclosure and Barring Service

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates from Popular Music: Production & Performance are expected to progress to jobs in music and sound production, live performance, or as music industry professionals. These may include music composers or sound designers for film/games/television; music publishing; or performers. Graduates will have the technical ability that gives them a strong grounding for working in studio based environments (i.e. producing, recording, mixing, mastering) and producing their own musical output to industry standard requirements.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.

Pre-approved for a Masters

If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
"We're blown away by the facilities here, which are outstanding. We've recorded in a lot of studios over the years and this definitely beats some of the professional non-university facilities that we've used and seen, so it's pretty amazing." Keyboardist Gus Hamilton-Unger

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