University of Hull

What you'll study

This honours programme combines craft, practice and industry awareness to help you become a confident songwriter and creative music-maker. Core areas include songwriting craft (melody, harmony and lyric writing), arranging for different ensembles, vocal and instrumental performance, and development of your own creative voice.

You will also study music theory and harmony, ear training, and stylistic analysis to support compositional decisions, alongside modules in music technology and studio production to realise professional-quality demos and recordings. Collaborative projects and ensemble work are a central feature, with opportunities to write for bands, solo artists and media contexts.

• Songwriting techniques and creative practice
• Lyric writing and narrative in song
• Contemporary arranging and orchestration
• Music theory, harmony and aural skills
• Music technology, recording and production for songwriters
• Live performance, rehearsal practice and stagecraft
• Professional skills: publishing, rights, pitching and the music business
• Final project: a portfolio of original songs, EP or recorded song-cycle

The degree typically builds from core skills in years one and two to independent, project-based work in the final year. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, one-to-one tuition, workshops, studio time and assessed performance/recording submissions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education to a level equivalent to UK A-levels or a recognised international qualification. Admissions will consider a combination of academic qualifications (such as A-levels, BTEC or equivalent), practical experience and musical potential.

Alongside your academic record you will normally be asked to submit a portfolio of original songs or recordings and may be invited to an audition or interview (remote/recorded submissions are often accepted). Evidence of instrumental or vocal ability, a working knowledge of basic music notation or recorded examples of original work will strengthen an application. Mature and part‑time applicants with relevant experience are welcome to apply.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to careers across the creative industries. Typical routes include work as a professional songwriter, recording artist, session musician, arranger or record producer. Songwriters also find roles in music publishing, sync licensing for film, TV and advertising, and composing for multimedia and games.

Other common outcomes include freelance music production, artist development and A&R roles, running an independent label or creative business, and continuing into postgraduate study for composition, music technology or teaching (usually requiring a postgraduate certificate in education for classroom teaching). The course’s industry-focused modules and portfolio-based assessment aim to prepare you to sell and promote your work, collaborate with other creatives and manage a freelance career.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull offers a supportive environment with small-group and one-to-one teaching emphasising individual creative development. The programme’s balance of songwriting, performance and production equips students with both artistic and professional skills valued by the music industry.

Students benefit from practical learning opportunities — including ensemble work, live performance, recording projects and collaborations with peers across media and creative subjects — and are encouraged to build a professional portfolio throughout the degree. The university’s regional links and active local music scene provide additional performance and industry-facing opportunities, while teaching staff are practitioners engaged in composition, performance and contemporary music-making.