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

A successful career in music increasingly requires more than technical ability alone. Today's musicians are performers, creators, producers, collaborators and entrepreneurs, often working across a variety of creative disciplines and professional environments.

This one-year Popular Music Top-Up programme allows you to build on your existing qualifications and develop a specialist profile that aligns with your ambitions. Whether your interests lie in performance, recording, production, song writing, composition, music for media, education or research, you'll have the flexibility to shape your final year around your chosen direction.

Throughout the course, you'll undertake substantial independent and collaborative projects that reflect professional music industry practice. You may choose to create original recordings, perform live, record and produce other artists, compose music for media, investigate contemporary issues in popular music or develop a major research project focused on an area of personal interest.

A key strength of the programme is its balance between creative practice and critical understanding. Working with staff who are active researchers, performers, composers and music practitioners, you'll deepen your understanding of music while developing the practical and professional skills needed to succeed in a competitive industry.

Industry engagement is embedded throughout the course. Strong links with local and national music networks provide opportunities to build professional connections, gain valuable insights and develop your own network within the creative sector. The programme is also accredited by JAMES, recognising the quality and industry relevance of the course.

By graduation, you'll have developed an advanced portfolio of work, increased professional confidence and a clearer creative identity, preparing you for careers across performance, production, song writing, education, media and the wider music industry.

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.

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.