City

What you'll study

This degree balances practical and academic study across performance, composition and production. Core areas include solo and ensemble performance, contemporary songwriting, multi-track studio recording, music technology and live-sound practice. You will also study music theory and harmony, rhythmic development, and the history and cultural contexts of popular music.

• Performance – regular one-to-one tuition, ensemble workshops, stagecraft and live performance projects.
• Songwriting and Composition – lyric craft, arranging, genre study and composing for different media.
• Music Production and Technology – DAW-based production, recording techniques, mixing, mastering and studio workflow.
• Industry and Professional Practice – music business fundamentals, release strategies, marketing, rights and contracts, and live-event promotion.
• Academic and Research Skills – contextual studies, critical listening, research methods and a final-year project or portfolio that demonstrates your professional and creative development.

The programme typically progresses from skill-building modules in the first year, to increasing creative autonomy in the second year, and culminates in a substantial final-year portfolio, recital or recorded EP alongside a reflective research project. There are options to collaborate with students from related disciplines and to take part in industry placements or live event projects where available.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a combination of academic qualifications and practical evidence of musical ability. Applicants commonly hold A-levels, BTECs or equivalent qualifications in music or other subjects. International qualifications and mature-student applications are considered equally. You will normally be asked to submit a recorded performance or portfolio of original work and to attend an audition or interview (in person or online).

• Practical audition/recorded submission demonstrating instrumental or vocal ability and/or songwriting/production work.
• Personal statement outlining musical experience, ambitions and reasons for applying.
• References from a teacher, employer or music professional where available.
• English language competence for applicants whose first language is not English, demonstrated through recognised qualifications or approved tests.

Successful applicants are those who show technical competence, creative potential, commitment to developing a career in popular music and the ability to benefit from the practical, collaborative curriculum.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of music and creative-sector roles. Many pursue careers as performing artists, session musicians, songwriters, arrangers and record producers. Others move into music-technology roles such as engineering and mixing, or into the business side as managers, promoters, publishing and A&R representatives.

• Performer / touring musician
• Songwriter / composer for media and advertising
• Record producer / audio engineer / mixing engineer
• Music manager, promoter or label/A&R staff
• Live-sound engineer, event production or festival programming
• Further study and teaching (subject to professional teaching qualifications where required)

The programme’s practical focus and central-London location support networking, live-work opportunities and placements with local venues, studios and industry organisations.

Why study at City

City is located in the heart of London, providing direct access to one of the world’s most active popular-music scenes and to a concentration of studios, venues and industry professionals. The department offers professional-standard rehearsal rooms and recording studios, up-to-date music technology suites and opportunities for regular public performance.

You will benefit from small-group tuition, staff with active industry experience, guest lectures and workshops from working professionals, and cross-disciplinary links across the university that can enrich composition, media and business projects. Careers and enterprise services help translate curriculum experience into practical pathways into the music industry.