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UndergraduateBachelor of Arts (with Honours)UCAS: W301

Contemporary and Popular Music

Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Visit University Website
3 yearsDuration
£24,500Per Year (Intl)
£22,000Avg. Graduate Salary
83%Satisfaction

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Contemporary and Popular Music at Newcastle University is a undergraduate programme designed for students passionate about expressing creativity and innovation. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, this Russell Group university offers a research-led approach to learning, with a 3-year full-time structure. This degree allows you to study and specialise in contemporary music performance, composition and academic study, ranging from acoustic singer-songwriting through to experimental electronic forms. There are also plenty of opportunities to develop your performance skills, helping you to grow as an accomplished musician. You study a broad range of historical and cultural topics, opening you up to diverse musical experiences, such as hip hop and installation/art music. A minimum ielts score of 6.5 is required for admission. Graduates from this programme benefit from strong career prospects, with 83% student satisfaction rating, a median graduate salary of £19,500 within three years, and a 95% continuation rate.

What You'll Learn

Music Industry and Contemporary Practice
Performance Techniques and Development
Composition and Production Methods
Popular Music History and Cultures
Audio Technology and Digital Production
Music Analysis and Critical Listening
Songwriting and Arrangement Principles
Contemporary Music Research and Dissertation
UCAS Code:W301
Academic Year:2026-27 entry
View on university website

Entry Requirements

📋 Academic Entry Requirements

A-Level

ABB

ABB including Music, Music Technology or another music-related subject, or Rock School or equivalent performance experience. Applicants should be practitioners in a type of contemporary or popular music. Alternatively BBB including Music, Music Technology or another music-related subject, or Rock School or equivalent performance experience plus Grade 8 Associated Board (Performance). Applicants should be practitioners in a type of contemporary or popular music. If A Levels do not include Music or a relevant music-related subject, an offer of ABB plus Grade 8 Associated Board (Performance), Rock School or equivalent performance experience may be considered. Board/Trinity (Performance) may be considered.

International Baccalaureate

32 points

With Music at Higher Level. Standard Level Music may be considered, but will depend on the combination of subjects being studied. Applicants should be practitioners in a type of contemporary or popular music.

🗣️ English Language Requirements

TestOverallLRWS
IELTS Academic6.56666

L = Listening, R = Reading, W = Writing, S = Speaking

Tuition Fees & Funding

International Student Fee

£24,500

per year

Total Course Cost (3 years)£73,500

Home Student Fee

£9,790

regulated fee

Scholarships available for eligible students

Fees shown are for current entry. Fees may increase annually in line with inflation.

📊 OFFICIAL UK DATA

Graduate Outcomes

Based on official HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data

💰 Graduate Salaries — Newcastle University

Time After GraduationLower Quartile SalaryMedian SalaryUpper Quartile Salary
15 months£18,000£22,000£29,500
3 years£14,500£19,500£25,000
5 years£17,500£25,000£31,000

UK subject average: £24,000 — sector benchmark across all UK universities

Graduate Salary vs UK Subject Average

This course
UK average
Salary 3 years after graduation▼ 19% below UK average salary
This course
£19,500
UK average
£24,000
Salary 5 years after graduation▲ Close to UK average salary
This course
£25,000
UK average
£24,000

Salary trend: ↑ up £5,500 from year 3 to year 5

Official Data

Salary figures are sourced from Discover Uni graduate outcomes data for this subject area at this provider (subject area: CAH25-02-02). These represent typical earnings and may not reflect this specific course. For official data, visit Discover Uni at Discover Uni.

💼 Employment Breakdown

60%Working
35%Work & Study
10%Seeking Work
60%Professional Jobs
Official Data

Graduate employment outcomes are sourced directly from Discover Uni for this specific course and provider. For full details, visit Discover Uni at Discover Uni.

Student Satisfaction

Course-level data

National Student Survey (NSS) results — undergraduate final-year students only

Teaching on my course
83%
Learning opportunities
84%
Assessment and feedback
76%
Academic support
83%
Organisation and management
75%
Learning resources
93%
Student voice
57%
Continuation rate% students continuing to year 2
95%

National Student Survey via Discover Uni.

Official Data

Source: This specific course at this provider

3 Scholarships Available

Matched to your course, level & nationality

Your nationality

Merit

Newcastle University Sanctuary Scholarships

Newcastle University · Undergraduate

  • Available to all international students
  • For undergraduate study
  • Open to your course
Merit

St Nicholas' Educational Trust Scholarship

Newcastle University · Undergraduate

  • Available to all international students
  • For undergraduate study
  • Open to your course
Merit

Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarships

Newcastle University · Undergraduate

  • Available to all international students
  • For undergraduate study
  • Open to your course
Newcastle University

About Newcastle University

Newcastle University offers Contemporary and Popular Music as part of its comprehensive programme offerings.

#149QS World
#18UK Ranking
27,230+Students
258+Courses
Russell GroupTEF Silver
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