Program Overview
The Popular Music Foundation Degree provides practical training for careers in the music industry. Students develop understanding of the commercial music sector, technical skills, and creativity through workshops, one-on-one instrumental sessions, and industry expert visits. The program includes assessments tailored to real-world industry practices, and graduates have pursued careers as studio engineers, live sound engineers, and session musicians.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Popular Music Foundation Degree course provides the training and skills necessary for a wide range of careers within the music industry. You will develop understanding of the commercial music sector, study musical output and techniques, and improve your creativity, professionalism and practical musicianship to a level needed for music industry employment. This Foundation Degree is focused on developing the practical and transferable skills required to make you industry-ready.
Outline:
Year one
- MAST (MIDI, Audio, Studio Techniques) 20 credits
- Working Live 20 credits
- Understanding Style 20 credits
- Show Me The Money 20 credits
- Technical Development 20 credits
- Creative Portfolio 20 credits
Year two
- Production Cycle 20 credits
- Personal Development Portfolio 20 credits
- Technical Development 2 20 credits
- Final Showcase/Product 20 credits
- Professional Music Practice 40 credits
Teaching:
You will learn through workshops, lectures, recording sessions, seminars and tutorials. All students receive weekly one-to-one instrumental sessions, delivered by our highly qualified visiting instrumental specialists on vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. Much of your work will be geared towards the development of professional products, such as performances, tours, album production or radio shows.
Careers:
Graduates from this degree course benefit from a wide range of career opportunities through professional graduate training programmes, and by demonstrating high-level employability through the academic, creative and transferable skills developed during the course. In the music industry itself, SCCB graduates have progressed successfully to work with BBC Radio 1/1Xtra, BBC Introducing, Craig David, Sydney Opera House, X-factor, the Royal Variety Performance, Urban Audio, Blitz Games, music management and a range of ongoing corporate and independent music opportunities. Graduate Opportunities Graduate opportunities include studio engineer, live sound engineer, stage manager/tour staff, session musician, media music composer, independent freelance musician. Also you can progress to graduate placements/training in education, finance, public services etc. utilising the transferable and creative skills developed on the course.
Other:
This is a franchise course at South and City College and applicants are auditioned by the college. You will be asked to prepare two pieces for live performance and/or recorded tracks of music technology work. Awarded by Birmingham City University, this is a high level course with experienced staff and excellent resources. With 3 recording studios, 7 rehearsal rooms, 2 sequencing suites and a 600-capacity working venue on site, you will enjoy the exciting, creative opportunities and supportive environment. Your principal study can be in performance, music technology, live sound or composition. Additionally the course takes a holistic approach to musical study, with every student developing a broad range of skillsets required to become a successful music professional. Assessments are varied and innovative, and often modelled on real industry practice. You will study the theory, wider contexts and contemporary issues surrounding the modern day music industry and there will be regular visits from industry experts and artists. You will also develop the musical and creative skills required by a performer, composer or producer, learn how to work well in teams and demonstrate leadership, organisation and decision-making skills. The course is extremely beneficial both practically and academically. I’ve had a brilliant time and developed relationships with many great people. I feel ready to enter the working world with a confident knowledge of my skill set. James Burgess, drummer South and City College Birmingham’s advanced facilities put you in a professional working environment from day one. The college has Customer Service Excellence status, and is one of only a handful of training providers to achieve the government’s Training Quality Standard in three or more sector areas. With a highly supportive and experienced staff team, excellent levels of contact time and quality resources, you will feel valued, encouraged and stimulated to do your best.
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
Award: FdA
Starting: Sep 2024
Mode
Duration
Fees
Full Time
2 years £9,250 in 2024/25
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
Award: FdA
Starting: Sep 2024
Mode
Duration Fees
Full Time
2 years TBC The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Birmingham City University
Overview:
Birmingham City University (BCU) is a large and diverse university located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It boasts over 31,000 students from over 100 countries, emphasizing practice-based learning.
Services Offered:
BCU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
Seven halls of residence with various on-campus and inner-city living options.Financial Support:
Scholarships and financial aid programs to help students fund their education.Career Services:
Support for graduate employment, self-employment, volunteering, mentoring, and graduate events and training.Learning Support:
Resources and assistance for students with learning difficulties.Library Services:
Access to the university library for alumni and students.Student Union (BCUSU):
A student-led organization providing representation, activities, and support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
BCU offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities to explore:
Life in Birmingham:
The university provides information and resources for students to navigate life in the city.Campus Facilities:
Access to industry-standard facilities, innovative learning spaces, and social spots.Virtual Tours:
Immersive 360-degree tours of the campuses to experience student life virtually.BCU Boost:
A financial support package designed to simplify student life, including travel incentives, financial management tips, and discounts.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practice-based Learning:
BCU focuses on practical skills development and real-world application of knowledge.International Opportunities:
The university offers international study opportunities and a diverse student body.Employability Focus:
BCU emphasizes career readiness and provides resources to help students find employment.Gold for Student Experience:
BCU has received the highest possible rating for student experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).Academic Programs:
BCU offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties:
Arts, Design and Media
Business, Law and Social Sciences
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Health, Education and Life Sciences
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Other:
Alumni Community:
BCU has a strong alumni network with opportunities for engagement through events, mentoring, and international ambassador roles.Research:
The university has research centers and projects across various disciplines, aiming to contribute to knowledge and the world.STEAMhouse:
A unique space for innovation, enterprise, and skills development in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.News and Events:
BCU regularly publishes news and updates on its website and social media platforms.Entry Requirements:
- Essential requirements: 48 UCAS tariff points. Applicants must also complete an audition for this course.
- GCSE and other level 2 requirements: This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.
- A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements:
- A Level / AS Level: A Level: 48 UCAS tariff points / DD (or equivalent). AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels. A maximum of three subjects will be considered.
- Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 48 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
- T Level: Pass overall (E or above on the core). All subjects accepted.
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3. Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Publishing subjects preferred but other subjects also considered.
- OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 48 UCAS tariff points.
- NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 48 UCAS tariff points.
- WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 48 UCAS tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s).
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall.
- Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects.
- Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 48 UCAS tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD).
- Welsh Baccalaureate: 48 UCAS tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
- UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass overall.
- Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Pass overall. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information on pre-sessional English courses.
- Audition arrangements: This is a franchise course at South and City College and applicants are auditioned by the college. You will be asked to prepare two pieces for live performance and/or recorded tracks of music technology work.
- Mature students: Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International and EU students: IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.
