The City of Liverpool CollegePopular Music (Performance/Production) - BA (Hons) Top Up - The City of Liverpool College
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Popular Music (Performance/Production) - BA (Hons) Top Up

Media, Journalism and Production|Music and Performing Arts

Course ID: 175175

Course Year: 24/25

Course Details

  • 1 year, full time course.
  • BA (Hons).
  • Our modules are delivered by experienced professionals with decades of experience within the music industry.
  • You can select your own options for your personal pathway into the industry.
  • This course is validated by The Open University.
  • Ideal for students who wish to pursue a career into the music industry profession.
  • Progress onto further study at a postgraduate level, including teacher training.
  • Study in our inclusive, supportive and respectful learning environment.

What to expect from the course

The BA (Hons) Music (Popular and Production pathways) (Top-up) programme equips students to become multi-skilled music practitioners/producers, and studying at The City of Liverpool College University Centre hones students' creativity with an innovative and supportive programme to fulfil their dreams and aspirations of working in the music industry.

Technology modules are taught using industry standard equipment, and all modules are delivered by lecturers who have long standing careers in the industry to the present day. Their experience stretches over decades, including live sound, ensemble performance, professional bands, recording studios, record labels, DJing, audio post production and entrepreneurial industry skills.

Much of the Top-up year is project based, and students select options for their pathway into the industry. The core modules include a combination of academic and practical skills focused on professionalism and employability. The generic modules investigate the current music industry and the place of music in contemporary culture and professional development. They are completed in conjunction with specialist pathway modules for students to apply their individual skills to projects, to give an invaluable experience at Level 6.

Specialist options within the two pathways include performance, composition/songwriting, research, recording studio/ audio production, and composing sound for film/TV/games.

A key feature of the programme is work related learning, not only in the area of employability but also self-employment, enterprise and entrepreneurship. This programme encourages and supports students in the development and application of their self-promotion skills (in the Professional Portfolio and Professional Practice modules) and the application of their musical skills and knowledge to their chosen area(s) of the profession (in the Specialist Project and Project Realisation/Dissertation modules).

The programme handbooks and specifications for this course are available to applicants online:

BA (Hons) Music (Popular) (Top-up) Programme Handbook (22-23)

BA (Hons) Music (Production) (Top-up) Programme Handbook (22-23)

This programme is validated by The Open University. To access the OU Regulations and OU Students' Guide, please follow the links below:

OU Regulations

OU Students' Guide

Modules studied

  • Contemporary Issues in Music
  • Professional Portfolio
  • Professional Practice
  • Specialist Project 1
  • Specialist Project 2

How will I be taught?

Teaching methods vary according to the subject and type of module being delivered, but may include tutor-led learning such as lectures, seminars involving a high level of student interaction, practical sessions overseen by a tutor but led by students, and all teaching will be supported by the availability of the VLE or other online resources. Being a level 6 programme there is an expectation of a high level of self-directed and independent learning with tutorial support, particularly for the Project Realisation module. Students choosing performance or composition projects involving recording are expected and encouraged to liaise with fellow musicians and technicians/engineers.

How will I be assessed?

The programme is assessed through the submission of written essays, presentations, critical evaluations and logs/blogs, project or performance based practical assessments, and a final project or the submission of a dissertation. Formative feedback will support student progression in both written work and practical outcomes. Self and/or peer assessment in convener/critique situations will be an element of all projects and the feedback from these will enhance student achievement and progression.

Who is the course intended for?

This course is appropriate for any learners who hold a level 5 qualification or working musicians who can demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and skills through their professional work.

Additional costs

Students may be required to purchase their own materials for any specialist projects they undertake as part of the course. Depending on modules or placement options, students may be required to apply for a DBS check.

Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.


Qualifications

BA Honours Degree in Popular Music (Performance) / Popular Music (Production)

Why study with us?

A key special feature of the programme is work-related learning, not only in the area of employability but also self-employment, enterprise and entrepreneurship. The current music profession is diverse and somewhat fragmented, and the music industries are (as are the creative industries in general) increasingly dependent on Small to Medium sized enterprises/businesses (SMEs) and self- employed practitioners providing specialist services and products.

This programme encourages and supports students in the development and application of their self-promotion skills (in the Professional Portfolio and Professional Practice modules) and the application of their musical skills or production skills and knowledge to chosen area(s) of the profession (in the Specialist Project and Project Realisation/Dissertation modules).

Other special features of this programme that, together, make it unique in Merseyside at this level are:
• the breadth of knowledge and skills covered (performance, composition, arranging, enterprise and entrepreneurship, etc.)
• a holistic approach to the training of music and production professionals by encouraging transferable learning across a wide range of work-related contexts, to enable them to pursue sustainable careers
• the balance between theory and practical work across modules (particularly in semester 1)
• regular tutorials throughout the programme, with an allocated personal tutor to support each student in academic, professional development and pastoral matters
• a small cohort, benefitting from small class sizes and timetabling designed to enable students to continue with family or work commitments whilst studying
• the use of real-world briefs and the department’s links with venues, record labels, music festivals, music distribution companies, music management and music brands around the city (such as The Lantern Theatre, Crosstown Studios, Urban Strawberry Lunch, Sound City, Threshold Festival, The Vocal Booth, Aintree Music School, Kooky music, Hocus Pocus, Paper Recordings and a host of boutique club nights and events) and further afield (internationally)
• regular workshops and masterclasses given by local, national and international visiting speakers and artists (recent examples being Benn Clatworthy, Daniel John Martin and Bill Connor). Industry day has also enabled us to showcase master classes from Steve Levine, Kinnerman, PRS and Ad Lib audio.

The staffing for this programme consists of people with recent and current industry experience across a wide range of music environments as well as scholarly activity. This valuable mix of experience and knowledge ensures students receive relevant, recent and up-to-date skills which position them effectively for employment, self-employment or progression to postgraduate study.

The city centre location of the Arts Centre adds further impact to the programme as it is in a key physical position to link in with new and established city centre businesses, as well as being close to other college services such as the Learning Resource Centre and nursery and other Higher Education providers.


Student Benefits

A baker decorating pastries.
Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery
A woman getting a nail treatment on her hands.
Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons
A chef preparing a dish.
Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant
An illustration of students using Office 365.
Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

A gym, including treadmills and exercise bikes.
Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.


Career pathways

This programme produces graduates skilled in a range of specialist areas. Progression is through direct entry into the music profession or through further study at postgraduate level, including teacher training.

Example careers

We're here to help...

Contact us to discuss your application or find out more:

 : 0151 252 3000
 : enquiry@liv-coll.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

Indicative requirements:

• Level 5 qualification in Music, Popular Music or Music Production (e.g. Foundation Degree or HND)
• For the performance pathway: A high level of competence on an instrument or voice (around grade 8 ABRSM, Rockschool or equivalent) and a good understanding of music theory. All applicants will be assessed on their theory knowledge through a sample paper. • For the production pathway: A high level of Music production processes and techniques that can be demonstrated at interview.
• Applicants are expected to hold relevant qualifications in English and maths at level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C)

Applicants without any of the above may be considered on the basis of previously achieved certificated learning, experiential learning and/or work-related experience in line with the College's recognition of prior learning policy.

Suitably qualified applicants who are not at the levels of music performance, theory or music production skills indicated above, will be asked to provide marked examples of their Level 5 academic work. If this is of sufficient quality, a place will be offered, on the understanding that they should opt to specialise in an area not involving performance or score writing. Production applicants may be required to provide examples of their work in the form of recordings or music videos.

If you are unsure of the entry requirements, or if you don't meet the criteria, please contact our Careers Advice and Guidance team who will be happy to help you find the best option for you. Email careersadvice@liv-coll.ac.uk or call 0151 252 3607.

Applications to our full-time undergraduate courses are usually made through UCAS. Applicants who have not started a UCAS application yet, and only want to apply to the City of Liverpool College can apply directly to us using our application form.

Fees

This course is only available to learners aged 18 and over. Fees are payable by all students unless sponsored by an employer, but you may qualify for a student loan through Student Finance England towards the cost of your course and living costs. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/student-finance, or contact our HE team at HEoffice@liv-coll.ac.uk.

Fee for24/25 is 8400.00
In future years we anticipate increasing this fee in line with the annual inflation level (capped at RPI All Items Excluding Mortgage Interest (RPIX)).


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