BA (Hons)

Popular Music

Learn more about studying Popular Music as an international student.

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Key facts

  • Degree type
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    3 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    29,460GBP
  • Start date
    Sep
  • QS Ranking
    1001-1200

Program overview

What Birmingham City University says about their program:

The Popular Music programme at Birmingham City University offers a comprehensive exploration of popular music's historical and contemporary contexts. This degree focuses on the relationship between popular music, the music business, and the wider media and cultural industries.

The curriculum includes modules such as Popular Music Narratives, which examines production, distribution, and reception through various theoretical lenses. Students will engage in research that addresses the ideological, political, and cultural contexts of popular music, enhancing their understanding of its societal impact.

This programme is designed for individuals interested in the music industry and cultural studies. Graduates can expect to develop skills relevant to various roles within the music sector, supported by a strong research culture and industry-experienced faculty.

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of high school/ secondary education

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree (four or five years) in a suitable subject from a recognised university with a minimum grade of Second Class Honours Lower Division (2

    2) or equivalent.

English proficiency

English proficiency is required; accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

English proficiency waivers

Documents required

  • Passport
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Degree certificate or diploma
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • Finance proof
  • Translations
  • Credential evaluations
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Required grades

  • A levels

    BBC

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

    24

All grade information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official program page for the latest information on required grades.

Additional requirements

Documents

  • A high school transcript is typically required for all undergraduate applicants

Creative and performance

  • Applicants are required to complete an audition to demonstrate musical knowledge and musicianship skills
  • Applicants for the Composition pathway must submit a portfolio of at least three compositions and a high-quality recording

How to apply

  • UCAS

    Fixed deadline
    Application fee34.50 GBP - paid to UCAS
    Fee waiver

    Birmingham City University has a fee waiver process for acting auditions, requiring completion of a waiver request form.

    Read the fee waiver policy

Scholarships at Birmingham City University

  • International Undergraduate Scholarship

    Official page

    Guaranteed GBP 5,000 scholarship for self-funding international undergraduate students joining a full-time BCU degree in January or September 2026.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

Birmingham City University provides fee information that can help students understand how study costs may be structured or may vary across options. Birmingham City University encourages students to review official funding and financial-support information to confirm what cost guidance or support may be available.

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What is the cost of living near Birmingham City University?

Category Cost  (in British Pound Sterling)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre£933
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre£717
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)£153
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)£32
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)£16· Birmingham average
Monthly public transport pass£69
Monthly grocery basket£131
Books and study supplies (monthly)£20
Coffee shop drink£4
Cinema or cultural event ticket£11
Gym membership£26

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and savethestudent.org (Editorial estimate).

Visa requirements for Birmingham City University

Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at Birmingham City University.

UK student visa requirements