Leeds Arts University
UCAS Code: W316 | Bachelor of Music (with Honours) - BMus (Hon)
About this course
This course breaks down barriers between performance, production, and composition, empowering versatile musicians to thrive in today’s dynamic popular and modern music industry. Designed for passionate performers, it focuses on developing technical skills, professional delivery, and creative artistry to succeed in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
Students specialise in vocals, keyboard, guitar, bass, or drums, developing the skills and confidence needed to create original music and achieve professional success. Through individual tuition, band workshops, and sessions with industry professionals, they refine their technical ability, creativity, and professional delivery while building a portfolio of songs, recordings, and visuals. Small group sizes encourage collaboration and foster valuable creative networks.
Purpose-built facilities replicate industry environments, including a performance auditorium, a dedicated songwriting studio, four individual production rooms, two music production labs, a drum room, a mirrored practice room, and three ensemble spaces, including a 24-hour rehearsal space. A state-of-the-art recording studio further enhances the professional learning experience.
A vibrant community of over 2,000 creatives, spanning disciplines such as music production, photography, and film, fosters collaboration and innovation. Students work alongside producers, filmmakers, and designers, creating unique portfolios featuring music videos, promotional photography, and compositions while shaping their distinct artistic identity.
This course nurtures ‘360-degree musicians’—skilled performers, producers, songwriters, and arrangers in modern and popular music. By integrating performance, production, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students gain the skills, confidence, and networks to thrive in today’s dynamic music industry.
Workshops and guest speakers have included Skin OBE, Jason Bowld (Bullet for My Valentine), Imogen Heap, West End performers, composers, agents, publishers, and industry experts across labels, management, and promotion.
*The placement year is subject to approval.
Modules
Year one – You will develop performance, production, and composition skills through one-to-one tuition, ensemble workshops, and solo, stage, and studio performances. Students explore songwriting, arranging, stagecraft, and music production while building their artistic identity and entrepreneurial skills, alongside a broader understanding of popular music culture.
Year two – You’ll continue one-to-one tuition while building a professional portfolio of songwriting, performances, recordings and visuals. Focus shifts to employability, covering artist development, contracts, rights, finance, strategic planning, networking, and AI skills. You’ll also explore music’s societal impact, consumption trends, and monetisation strategies, preparing for industry success.
Year three – You’ll complete a music-focused project showcasing your specialism while building a professional EP and promotional assets. You’ll organise a DIY live event, explore bespoke study areas, and refine your professional identity. By graduation, you’ll have the tools, skills, and confidence to monetise your music and launch your career.
*This course includes a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three. Please see the Undergraduate Placement Year FAQs on our website for more information: www.leeds-art.ac.uk/undergraduate-placement-year-faqs
Tuition fees
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Leeds Arts University
Art and Performance
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