COURSE CURRICULUM

This program offers a critical and practice-based exploration of popular music, its cultural significance, and its industrial contexts. Popular Music Culture, History & Heritage investigates how cultural value is assigned within the music industry, examining how popular music heritage is constructed, interpreted, and mobilised by various institutions and agents.Popular Music Analysis allows students to focus on the meaning and impact of music through close examination of performance, production, video, and reception. This module supports a small-scale individual research project, encouraging analytical depth and creative insight into popular music artefacts.Music Industries in Context introduces key theoretical frameworks and explores the interrelationships between stakeholders across the music sector. Students gain a clear understanding of the ecology of the music industries and how roles and practices have evolved in response to changing technologies and economic models.Music Industries in Practice builds on this by focusing on a specific area of industry practice based on individual interests. It addresses current challenges and operational considerations, allowing students to develop applied knowledge and sector-specific expertise.Negotiated Skills Development supports the acquisition of advanced, career-relevant skills. Students design and carry out a self-directed project with tutor guidance, creating a bespoke learning experience that aligns with personal goals and professional aspirations.Research Practice prepares students for independent research by introducing them to relevant methodologies and helping them define their own area of academic or practice-based inquiry. This forms the foundation for their final project.The Final Individual Project is a substantial, self-directed piece of work that synthesises learning from across the course. Students determine the focus and format of their project, which may be theoretical, practice-based, or a combination of both, allowing them to demonstrate their expertise and individual perspective.The program equips students for roles in the music industries, academia, or cultural heritage, combining scholarly research with real-world application.