Popular Music Performance Leeds Arts University

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.

Entry requirements

. At enrolment, you should normally have achieved one of the following:

• A-levels: 104-120 UCAS points including an art/design-related subject
• European Baccalaureate: 70%
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Successful completion of the IB Diploma Programme with a minimum of 26 points or the equivalent of 104-120 UCAS tariff points, including an art/design-related subject
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
• BTEC Diploma: DD
• UAL Extended Diploma: Merit
• UAL Foundation Diploma: Distinction
• An international qualification equivalent to the above – please check how your qualifications match our entry requirements by selecting your country on our Information for International Students page

We will consider students who do not have art/design as part of their main study but have a portfolio that demonstrates their potential to succeed.

You will also need:

• Evidence of your English Language ability equivalent to IELTS 5.5 with no component less than 5.5. Please see the English Language Requirements section below for details of accepted qualifications
• A short portfolio (examples of work)
• One reference to support your application from an academic teacher, tutor or counsellor

For BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance you will also need a level of performing ability equivalent to ABRSM/Rockschool/Trinity Grade 8, and music theory understanding to Grade 5 level. Performing ability and theoretical understanding will be assessed through a practical performance.