Bachelor of Music with Honours in Popular Music
Over the last decade, the RNCM’s innovative Popular Music department has established itself as a global leader and destination of choice for outstanding music students, teachers, researchers, and professional artists.
Constantly evolving alongside the fast-paced music industry, and the UK’s only four-year bachelor’s degree in popular music, the course enables students to create their own bespoke package while majoring in one of its four core areas of study: artist development, performance, composition, and production.
Taking full advantage of our conservatoire setting, students have unique opportunities to collaborate with musicians from all RNCM Schools through original projects and taught modules, and with our renowned Session Orchestra and Big Band. They also learn from expert visiting professors and connect with our global network of educators and students from conservatories in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Rotterdam, Singapore, and Valencia. Additionally, they gain unrivalled opportunities to perform and record with our professional partners, Metropole Orkest and Abbey Road Institute.
Principal disciplines include bass guitar, guitar, drums, keyboards, and vocals, and applications are also welcome from pop-focussed brass, percussion, strings, and woodwind instrumentalists, as well as DJs, MCs, and producers.
Key Information
- Duration
- 4 years full time
- Credits
- 480
- Course Code
- 201F
- Application Opens
- 9 Jul 2026
- Application Deadline
- 1 Oct 2026
- Fees
- Fee guide
Entry Requirements
Age, Qualifications and Standards
Entrance to the RNCM BMus (Hons) in Popular Music is dependent on the following:
- UK applicants may be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check to participate in some professional placement modules within this course. Applicants from countries other than the UK, or UK residents who have spent six months or more in any non-UK country within five years of the course start date must additionally provide a police certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.
- All applicants must be at least 18 years of age on 31 December in the year of entry.
- All applicants must pass an RNCM audition in the year prior to entry, demonstrating a high standard of performing ability, equivalent to ABRSM, Rockschool or Trinity Grade 8.
- All applicants must have a level of theoretical ability equivalent to ABRSM Grade 5 theory.
- All applicants must achieve 2 A levels, Rockschool Level 3 Music Practitioner or Creative Music Industry qualification, or BTEC National Diploma in a music related subject, or international equivalent.
- All applicants must achieve 4 passes (A*- C) at GCSE including Maths and English.
- UK and Overseas candidates with alternative and/or equivalent qualifications to the above, should contact our Admissions Team.
- Applicants who are not from a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UKVI) must obtain an IELTS score of 5.5 (or CEFR B2) in all components.
Alternative Qualifications and Direct Entry
(Accreditation of prior learning)
Candidates with Scottish or Irish qualifications and those with alternatives such as a BTEC or NVQ, should contact Admissions on 0161 9075 465 or email [email protected]. International students should also refer to the international student entry requirements.
Candidates who have undertaken relevant qualifications/modules at a recognised Higher Education Institution, and who wish to be considered for direct entry into Year 2 onwards of the BMus programme, should contact Admissions for guidance before submitting an application. In the first instance, please email details of your prior learning (summary of educational background and copies of transcripts) to [email protected].
Programme Details
Students on this innovative programme can create their own bespoke package while majoring in one of four core areas of study: artist development, performance, composition, and production.
Principal Study Options
- Baritone Horn
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Cornet
- Double Bass
- Drumkit (Pop)
- Euphonium
- Flute
- French Horn
- Guitar (Bass) (Pop)
- Guitar (Electric) (Pop)
- Harp
- Harpsichord
- Music Production (Pop)
- Oboe
- Percussion/Timpani
- Piano/Keyboards (Pop)
- Pop Instrumentalist
- Saxophone
- Tenor Horn
- Trombone
- Trumpet
- Tuba
- Viola
- Violin
- Voice (Pop)
- Voice (Solo Singer-Songwriter)
Module Map
Performance 1 (40 credits)
Performance is integral to your training, with individual tuition focusing on developing your technical and creative potential on your instrument or voice. Multi-instrumentalists, including vocalists, are encouraged to pursue a dual performance role. You’ll critically evaluate and perform a diverse range of repertoire, blending historic, contemporary, and progressive material, while developing your unique musical voice through composition, production, and performance of original works. In band musicianship, you’ll master the technical and critical aspects of your role within various musical environments, learning effective rehearsal and performance techniques, and integrating production technology in live and studio settings. You’ll collaborate with musicians across the RNCM in both session and original artist roles, with the option to major in performance in your final year.
Composition 1 (20 credits)
The composition modules focus on developing your skills in melody, harmony, rhythm, lyric writing, and arranging, encouraging individuality and creativity. In the first two years, you study existing repertoire to build critical skills in analysis and compositional techniques in preparation for creating your own original music. You’ll also gain valuable collaborative skills through co-writing, working with vocalists and instrumentalists, and collaborating with engineers and producers in the studio. By completing the composition modules, you’ll be prepared for a career as a composer, arranger, songwriter, lyricist, or demo producer, and have the option to major in composition in your final year.
Production 1 (20 credits)
The production modules equip you with the technical and creative skills needed to become a skilled producer, blending academic knowledge with practical experience. In Years 1 and 2, you’ll develop foundational critical and technical skills, analysing existing works and creating new pieces that align with contemporary production practices. You’ll also develop key interpersonal skills through hands-on experience, working with artists, composers, and musicians in professional studio environments. By completing the production modules you’ll be prepared for a career as a producer, studio engineer, sound designer, or computer-based composer, with the ability to adapt to diverse production demands. In your final year, you’ll have the option to major in production.
Artist Development 1 (20 credits)
Artist development focuses on preparing you for a successful career as a freelance musician and original artist, combining creative practice with entrepreneurial skills. In Years 1 and 2, you’ll learn how to market and promote yourself and your music while gaining industry knowledge to inform your professional journey. The concept of a portfolio career is introduced and refined, preparing you to develop a flexible, multi-faceted career in music.
Musicianship 1 (20 credits)
Core contemporary musicianship skills such as groove writing, harmonic work, and aural development.
Performance 2 (40 credits)
Continued advanced study of instrumental/vocal technique and band performance.
Composition 2 (20 credits)
Further development of songwriting craft, lyricism, and arranging.
Production 2 (20 credits)
Expanding production knowledge through analysis and creation of contemporary repertoire.
Artist Development 2 (20 credits)
Further professional skills, self‑promotion strategies, and portfolio development.
Musicianship 2 (20 credits)
A choice of musicianship specialisms that support your development as a multifaceted artist.onic work, and aural development.
Performance 3 (40 credits)
Advanced performance study honing artistic voice, versatility, and rehearsal leadership.
Composition and Production 3 (40 credits)
Refine your craft through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, focusing on your unique musical identity while gaining high-level analytical, technical, and creative skills. Create original compositions, produce demos and notated scores suitable for presentation to music publishers, producers, and record companies.
Artist Development 3 (40 credits)
Tailor your studies through electives, allowing you to specialise in areas that align with your artistic and professional goals. These modules encourage collaboration across disciplines and offer real-world industry experiences through our Professional Engagement option, providing opportunities to work and study abroad or within the UK. This invaluable hands-on experience helps build essential connections and prepares you to transition into a full-time professional music career.
Performance 4 (40 credits)
Comprehensive performance module demonstrating technical mastery and artistic individuality.
Composition and Production 4 (40 credits)
Refine your craft through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, focusing on your unique musical identity while gaining high-level analytical, technical, and creative skills. Create original compositions, produce demos and notated scores suitable for presentation to music publishers, producers, and record companies.
Artist Development 4 (40 credits)
Final phase of professional preparation, including industry-facing tasks and optional Professional Engagement.
Your Application
Applications for most RNCM programmes open in July and should be submitted using UCAS Conservatoires and Acceptd. The application process includes a number of stages, including an audition and interview.
Professors and Lecturers
-
Andy Stott
Head of Popular Music
-
Stuart McCallum
Deputy Head of Popular Music and Creative Multi-Specialist Professor of Guitar, Composition and Production
-
Jenn Clempner
Curriculum Lead – Artist Development
-
Wayne Ellington
Creative Multi-Specialist
Alumni Spotlight
Simon Dumas (vocals, 2018)
‘When I joined the RNCM, I never thought I’d be living in Nashville with a record deal five years later. The four years of study prepared me for whatever opportunity would come my way, and I know that without all of the learning, performing, and meeting such incredible musicians, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you RNCM for some of the best years of my life.’
Simon Dumas is a member of country music band King Calaway.
Additional Information
Accommodation
All applicants who accept a guaranteed offer before X February will be reserved a room in Sir Charles Groves Hall of Residence, which they will be invited to book in the months following their audition. Private en-suite rooms are grouped in clusters of four with shared kitchen facilities.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We provide over £3m in the form of student scholarships and bursaries each year.
All applicants are automatically considered for a scholarship, and these are awarded based on performance ability and potential demonstrated at audition and interview. Scholarship awards are for the first year of study only (unless specifically stated otherwise).
A limited number of bursaries are also available for International and postgraduate students, allocated based on need and merit. If you’re successful in gaining a bursary, this will be deducted from your tuition fees, leaving you with a net balance to pay.
Undergraduate home students may apply for an Access Bursary if their income meets the published criteria. To apply for an Undergraduate Access Bursary, please contact Student Finance England (or the relevant local authority for your country). You need to apply as an income assessed student and you and your sponsors (usually your parents) need to consent to share their household income with the RNCM.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are split into two categories – home and international. Your fee status will be determined by the information provided within your UCAS Conservatoires application. Full guidance on tuition fee statuses can be found on the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website, but if you have any queries or think you have been assigned an incorrect status, please email [email protected] and we would be happy to undertake a full fee assessment with you.