93%
of our students were satisfied with the academic support in the subject area of Music.
National Student Survey 2024
Overview
A foundation year helps you develop the study skills and self-confidence needed for higher education when you don’t reach the entry requirements for your subject.
This Popular Music degree from CCCU will immerse you in a vibrant culture of music-making that fosters collaboration and creativity, teaching you the essential skills and processes that underpin performance technique and music creation.
You'll explore areas such as:
- rehearsal and performance technique
- one-to-one instrumental/vocal lessons
- DAW and studio recording
- songwriting and media composition
- developing crucial collaboration skills.
What’s more, you’ll learn in our purpose-built creative arts building, Daphne Oram, that houses the latest recording facilities, including professional-grade rehearsal, recording, and performance spaces.
Not only will you gain expertise in your chosen area of popular music, but you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with students from other courses in the School of Creative Arts and Industries, which will introduce you to working with other professions in the field.
You'll also network with other musicians and professionals in the industry, whilst being taught by staff who are passionate about music and who have worked with internationally recognised artists, bands, and clients.
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. So we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate.
Entry requirements
Qualification type |
Grades |
|
A Levels |
DDE |
|
BTEC |
MPP |
|
Access |
Pass 45 Credits |
|
International Baccalaureate |
TBC |
|
Combinations |
A combination of qualifications totalling 64 UCAS points minimum |
Applicants should normally have 64 UCAS tariff points. We will also welcome applications from students with few or no formal Level 3 qualifications who wish to return to education and applicants may be asked to attend an interview.
All applications will be considered on an individual basis according to qualifications, background and experience.
Find out more information about entry requirements.
If you have any questions about entry requirements for this course, please contact our Course Enquiry Team.
International students
Find more information on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirements on our website.
Depending which country you're from, there may be specific entry requirements. Check your country to see if this is applicable to you.
64
UCAS Tariff Points
Module information
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. So we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate. Alongside the modules below you will choose from our new curriculum that will help you achieve student success, engage with contemporary topics and work with industry or the community.
As well as the core modules, you will also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. This will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module and staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular option module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
Each academic year is divided into two semesters, which are separated by a two-week assessment period in January. In each level you will be taking a combination of 30-credit and 15-credit modules. Level 4 will include three five-credit modules.
The teaching on each module will vary but typically includes lectures, practical workshops and seminars. You'll also have regular access to your module tutors and you'll be supported in one-to-one meetings with your personal tutor.
Information about modules and a variety of learning and support materials is available through our virtual learning environment and you'll have access to IT and library facilities throughout the course.
When not attending lectures, seminars, workshops or other timetabled sessions you will continue learning through self-study. Typically, this involves working on performance, composition or production projects, reading, practicing your instrument and rehearsing and preparing for coursework assignments, workshops or seminars.
Your module tutor will direct you towards specific activities to complete before class.
For the Final Specialist Project in Year 3, you'll undertake independent research, working under the supervision of a member of the course team who you'll meet with regularly.
Your contact hours will depend on the optional modules selected. Typically, a 30 credit module involves 6 contact hours per week, but there are variations in some modules, particularly where a module might be delivered predominantly by individual tutorials or in smaller groups.
Your overall workload typically consists of around 10-12 contact hours per week plus additional hours of independent study, practice and rehearsals for instance.
The teaching team consists of highly qualified academics and practitioners who have a range of expertise and experience.
All staff are practitioners and are active as performers, producers, composers and/or researchers.
A foundation year provides an introduction to academic study and life at university, supporting every student to achieve their full potential.Simon PrinceFoundation Year Course Director
How you’ll be assessed
You'll be assessed by a range of methods, including practical work (such as performances, recordings, composition work, written work (such as commentaries and essays), and presentations.
Feedback
You will receive feedback on all your assessments and we aim to provide you with your feedback within 15 working days of hand-in.
Your future career
The Popular Music course aims to prepare you as a creative practitioner in performance, production or commercial composition (as a songwriter, or for media, for instance). Music graduates have, for example, gone on to work as performers, producers, DJs, songwriters, web designers, live sound engineers, video games and media composers and freelance instrumental and vocal tutors.
Some graduates have elected to continue their education by progressing on to a Master's and others have decided to train to teach in schools or further education.
Choosing to study music at Canterbury Christ Church University has been a fantastic decision. University has given me the confidence and the platform to perform original music and advance my skills in a professional working environment.OliverGraduate
Fees
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time - Foundation Year 0 | £5,760 | £15,500 |
| Full-time - years 1-3 | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
The tuition fees relate to 202526 only. Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
Home (UK) tuition fees for Foundation Years at Canterbury Christ Church University will be set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for foundation years in classroom-based subjects or non-classroom-based subjects, as set by the UK Government.
Home (UK) tuition fees for subsequent years 1-3 are currently set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for standard undergraduate degrees set by the UK Government.
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 onwards, our undergraduate home tuition fees for subsequent years of study are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
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Duration:
4 yearsUCAS code:
W341Location(s):
Canterbury*We are advertising this course as ‘subject to approval.’ When we add new courses or update existing courses, we advertise the course as ‘subject to approval’. We do this to let you know the University still needs to agree to run the course. It is rare for a course not to gain approval, but it is not guaranteed. There may be changes to course and module titles, content and assessment, but we will tell you about these if there is a change. You can still apply to study a course subject to approval. We have prepared some questions and answers to tell you more.