School of Music

Course length: 3 years (4 years with Year in Industry)

Contact: Dr Karen Burland (Admissions Tutor)
Email: music@leeds.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 3432583

BA Popular and World Musics (PWM) focuses on a wide range of popular and traditional music forms from around the globe, utilising methods and perspectives developed in the fields of popular music studies and ethnomusicology in recent decades. First-level study includes an introduction to popular styles and their contexts, and explorations of culture and genre, global soundscapes and the role of technology. In later years further analytical approaches are developed - ranging from the musicological to the socio-cultural, considering subcultures and scenes, gender and identity, for example - and tailored modules support deeper study on subjects from the Sixties to political pop, from jazz to African, Indian and Mediterranean musics. The move from the general to the specific allows you to establish a strong foundation before testing your skills in more refined areas. Specialised routes in performance, composition and technology and practical projects with a strong World slant - African drumming, gamelan and Latin - are also available.

Year in Industry option

You will have the option to work in the music industry as part of your degree. For more information see our Year in Industry page

A Popular and World Musics - W313 (opens in a new window)

The structure of the BA Popular and World Musics Programme is as follows:

You are required to achieve one of the following (or equivalent):

A level grades ABB, normally including Music (other A levels can include General Studies, but not Practical Music). If you are not taking A level Music you will be expected to have a minumum of ABRSM grade 5 music theory.

Scottish Highers: AAABB (normally including Music)

BTECs: a minimum of Distinction, Distinction, Merit in a music specialism. Evidence of musical participation is also required in the form of ABRSM grade 5 music theory.

Please note that, unless otherwise stated, practical grades are not a requirement for entry onto this programme of study. However, if you want to study performance you will need ABRSM or Trinity Guildhall grade 8 merit.

Aside from offering an enjoyable and fulfilling academic experience, this degree offers a natural pathway to a career as a music teacher or performer, and offers skills that will be valued by prospective employers in other fields. The study and performance of music develops independent thinking, and a range of analytical and communication skills that are highly valued in the professional world you will enter after university. Many of our graduates work as teachers, composers, arts administrators, performers or go on to further study, whilst others work in a range of other careers which value the skills provided by a music degree. A degree from the University of Leeds is highly respected and will provide you with an excellent foundation for your professional life.