Popular Music Studies University of Liverpool

The MA in Popular Music Studies was the first taught postgraduate programme in the country to be wholly devoted to this subject. We attract students from various disciplines and countries.

On this unique postgraduate programme you'll develop your critical understanding of popular music at an advanced level through a combination of tuition and independent research. We take a broad approach, bringing in the textual, economic, historical and social aspects of popular music.

All postgraduates have full access to our programme of research seminars as well as to the expertise of staff at the Institute of Popular Music.

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Entry requirements

Applicants with an undergraduate degree in Music or other relevant subjects (including joint-honours degrees with another subject) are encouraged to apply. The normal expectation is at least a 2:1. All applicants will normally be interviewed and we shall look at candidates not simply in the light of conventional profiles, but with regard to individual qualities. Hence, students with first degrees obtained from music conservatories (both from EU and Overseas institutions) and mature students with non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please note: Applicants with an undergraduate degree in an arts and humanities or social science subject (including joint-honours degrees with another subject) are encouraged to apply. The normal expectation is at least a 2:1. We shall look at candidates not simply in the light of conventional profiles, but with regard to individual qualities. Hence, mature students with non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Students whose first language is not English will have to fulfil relevant language requirements and complete their chosen course in a satisfactory manner (see below). In addition, written samples of academic work will be reviewed. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in an arts and humanities or social science subject (including joint-honours degrees with another subject) are encouraged to apply. The normal expectation is at least a 2:1. We shall look at candidates not simply in the light of conventional profiles, but with regard to individual qualities. Hence, mature students with non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. International qualifications Applications from international students are welcome. International qualifications will be evaluated in line with the National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) guidelines. In addition to the materials described above, international students should also include a transcript of their MAs and undergraduate degree work. English language qualifications All applicants must have reached a minimum required standard of English language, and are required to provide evidence of this. Qualifications accepted by the University include GCSE English; GCE O level English; AS Level English; A Level English Language; IELTS; TOEFL; Cambridge Proficiency etc. Please see www.liv.ac.uk/international/countries/index.htmfor a full list. If you meet our other academic requirements but do not achieve the required level of English, it is possible to come and study at Liverpool on the University’s summer academic English programmes. If you need to increase your IELTS score by a grade of 0.5 (eg you need to improve from 6.0 to 6.5) you should attend the six week course. If you need to increase your IELTS score by a grade of 1.0 (eg you need to improve from 5.5 to 6.5) you should attend the ten week course. If you need to increase your IELTS score by a band of 1.5 (eg you need to improve from 4.5 to 6.0) you should attend the 19 week course. If you need to increase your IELTS score by a band of 2.0 (eg you need to improve from 4.5 to 6.5) you should attend the 29 week course. If you need to increase your IELTS score by a band of 2.0 or 2.5 (eg you need to improve from 4.0 to 6.0 or 4.0 to 6.5) you should attend the 40 week course. If you require additional English language training during your study, the University is able to provide tuition and arrange IELTS tests through its English Language Centre, details of which are available at www.liverpool.ac.uk/english-language-centre. IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) TOEFL iBT 88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23. International Baccalaureate Standard Level (Grade 5) Hong Kong use of English AS level C INDIA Standard XII 70% or above from Central and Metro State Boards WAEC C4-6