Popular Music Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

By studying Popular Music with us you'll develop your performance skills, music industry know-how, music technology abilities, theory and musicianship knowledge, learn how to record in the studio, as well as traditional academic proficiently.

* We offer one-to-one instrumental/vocal tuition to all of your first year students, and we offer masterclasses with international top musicians

* We are accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES) meaning we have their industry seal of approval

* Our lecturers and tutors are predominantly professional musicians still working in, and with many years in the music industry

* Fantastic resources, including contemporary rehearsal booths, industry standard equipment recording studio, Mac Suites, software and hardware equipment to use in your music

* Students have the chance to audition for Northampton Music Festival and other local festivals.

When you graduate you will be more than a performer and engineer, you will understand why music is important culturally and economically and understand how the music industry fits together. With the changes to music distribution and marketing that have taken place over the past ten years, musicians need to be a part of this change rather than pursuing old ideas of labels and deals.

UON’s Music degree was ranked 13th based on overall student positivity out of all universities in England, according to the latest 2025 National Student Survey (NSS)\*

Our Popular Music course has been successful in the Guardian University Guide in the Music subject grouping:

Ranked 14th for Satisfied with Feedback for Music\*\*

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027\*\*\*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost\*\*\*\*, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score across all NSS questions for this subject area across all modes and levels at UK Universities.\
✱✱ Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide Music Subject table, filtered by Satisfied with Feedback\
✱✱✱eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information\
✱✱✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information