About the course

Specialise in contemporary and popular music studies as a critical thinker, composer, and performer with an emphasis on creativity, experimentation and artistic risk-taking.

　　This three-year Contemporary and Popular Music degree focuses on a range of musics and approaches, from acoustic singer-songwriting to experimental electronic forms, and from ethnomusicology to cultural theory. You'll grow as an accomplished musician while developing your creativity and critical thinking.

　　While you may choose to specialise in contemporary and popular music, the beauty of music at Newcastle University is that we offer a broad musical education so you can also take modules from world, classical, and folk and traditional music. You’ll study a range of historical, theoretical and cultural topics such as: analysing music, music history, Indian music, DJing and turntablism, composition, and music, politics and policy.

　　You'll receive one-on-one tuition and group lessons from our performance tutors, who are experts in their craft.

　　Work placement opportunity, Study abroad option Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 3 Year(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Autumn (September), 2024	Newcastle upon Tyne
Autumn (September), 2025	Newcastle upon Tyne
Autumn (September), 2026	Newcastle upon Tyne

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for Newcastle University

A Level:

　　ABB including Music, Music Technology or another music-related subject, or BBB including Music plus Grade 8 Associated Board (Performance), Rock School or equivalent performance experience. Applicants should be practitioners in a type of contemporary or popular music.

　　If A Levels do not include Music or a relevant music-related subject, an offer of ABB plus Grade 8 Associated Board (Performance), Rock School or equivalent performance experience may be considered.

　　IB: A minimum of 32 points with Music at Higher Level. Standard Level Music may be considered, but will depend on the combination of subjects being studied. Applicants should be practitioners in a type of contemporary or popular music.

　　Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. TOEFL IBT: score of 90 with a minimum of Reading - 18, Writing - 17, Listening - 17, Speaking - 20.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 90.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at Newcastle University. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　168th / 1250

　　THE World ranking30th / 130

　　Complete University guide

　　

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