Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping, and parks - we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
21 Sep 2026
Want to take your musical flair to the next level? Our MA Popular Music Performance course helps you sharpen your skills, define your creative identity, and build a thriving career in today's music industries.
You'll explore performance as both a creative and research-informed discipline. Through live practice, recording, interdisciplinary projects, and critical reflection, you'll develop advanced technical, expressive, and entrepreneurial skills to create music that's widely appealing and accessible.
The course encourages experimentation, collaboration, and self-directed growth, ensuring your work is original, professional, and relevant. You'll engage with current professional practices while drawing on cutting-edge research, giving you the tools to adapt, innovate, and lead in an ever-changing arts sector.
As part of this course, you'll:
- Design and deliver original performance projects across live, recorded, and audio-visual formats
- Explore diverse musical influences to shape your unique artistic identity
- Apply research methods and reflective practice to inform and evolve your creative approach
- Collaborate across disciplines, including with staff and peers from production, film, and performing arts
- Build the entrepreneurial skills to sustain a dynamic music career in the arts
Industry-centric learning
Engage directly with the realities of today's music industries. You'll utilise current professional practices while developing your own creative direction. Working on a mixture of live briefs, recordings, and performance projects will provide you with experience you can showcase.
Inform your practice with research
This course uniquely blends performance with artistic research. You'll critically explore methodologies that help you reflect on, analyse, and enhance your creative work at an advanced level.
Make music in inspiring facilities
Working in professional rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and performance environments, you'll develop your projects using industry-standard spaces that support both independent and collaborative work. Explore our music facilities at Leeds School of Arts now.
Hone your collaborative abilities
You'll connect and collaborate with other postgraduate students and our expert staff across our music, production, and wider arts courses. This approach expands your creative toolkit, mindset, and reflects the way performance projects often work.
Graduate with a high-quality portfolio
Your final project brings together your performance, research, and creative identity. You'll graduate with a professional portfolio that showcases your originality, expertise, and sets you up for an exciting music career.
Study in a creative city
Leeds is known for its thriving music scene and active creative culture, providing opportunities for you to perform, collaborate, and build professional connections. You'll be encouraged to engage with what's happening around you, broadening your experience beyond the lecture theatre.
Why study the MA Popular Music Performance course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Combine advanced performance with cutting-edge artistic research to extend your creative boundaries
- Develop a distinctive, professional artistic identity shaped by diverse musical influences and your own interests
- Gain real-world experience through live performance, recording, and industry-facing projects
- Collaborate across disciplines with peers and music professionals to expand your creative network and career opportunities
- Graduate with a professional portfolio that demonstrates your skills, originality, and professionalism
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subject of Music, Music Performance or Popular Music, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of popular music performance experience, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within a relevant creative field.
- In your supporting statement you should reference the following areas (recommended 500 words approx.):
- What you have previously studied and what you learnt about music performance;
- Why you want to study the MA Popular Music Performance at Leeds Beckett University;
- Describe your current musical practice (e.g. performance, songwriting/arranging production, interdisciplinary collaboration) that would form the basis of your study on the course;
- Who your influences are as a performer and/or songwriter/arranger and why;
- The type of music you enjoy writing, performing, or producing and why;
- What you want to do once you've finished your studies.
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. This should include at least three examples of your music performance practice that clearly evidence your creative musicianship and relevant performance experience.
- Examples could include:
- Audio or video recordings of your musical performance work;
- Original recordings that you have composed, arranged, or produced;
Your work should be uploaded to a media-hosting site such as YouTube, Soundcloud or Bandcamp. You should also include a PDF document with an overview of each of the examples (i.e. when, where and for whom was the performance/production completed?) and identify your role/s in the performance/production process (Are you the performer, composer, arranger, producer?). Links to these documents should be added to the supporting statement in your application.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; a template can be accessed at this link.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements, please access further details at this link.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subject of Music, Music Performance or Popular Music, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of popular music performance experience, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within a relevant creative field.
- In your supporting statement you should reference the following areas (recommended 500 words approx.):
- What you have previously studied and what you learnt about music performance;
- Why you want to study the MA Popular Music Performance at Leeds Beckett University;
- Describe your current musical practice (e.g. performance, songwriting/arranging production, interdisciplinary collaboration) that would form the basis of your study on the course;
- Who your influences are as a performer and/or songwriter/arranger and why;
- The type of music you enjoy writing, performing, or producing and why;
- What you want to do once you've finished your studies.
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. This should include at least three examples of your music performance practice that clearly evidence your creative musicianship and relevant performance experience.
- Examples could include:
- Audio or video recordings of your musical performance work;
- Original recordings that you have composed, arranged, or produced;
Your work should be uploaded to a media-hosting site such as YouTube, Soundcloud or Bandcamp. You should also include a PDF document with an overview of each of the examples (i.e. when, where and for whom was the performance/production completed?) and identify your role/s in the performance/production process (Are you the performer, composer, arranger, producer?). Links to these documents should be added to the supporting statement in your application.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; a template can be accessed at this link.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements, please access further details at this link.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Fees and funding
£10,400
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10400. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£18,440
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£10,400
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10400. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£18,440
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
By studying MA Popular Music Performance, you can build an exciting career that reflects your artistry and ambition. This course prepares you for creative and portfolio-based roles in music and the creative arts.
You could expect to go into roles - or a combination of roles - like:
- Performing musician
- Session musician
- Recording artist
- Singer-songwriter
- Composer
- Music entrepreneur
- Music teacher / educator
- Music producer
- Freelancer
You might specialise further within areas such as composition, arranging, production, or performance studies - or find a job in alternative sectors, including education, community arts, or interdisciplinary creative practice. Many Leeds Beckett music graduates blend their performance skills with production, teaching, and freelance work.
MA Popular Music Performance is for music graduates and experienced professional musicians looking to further their performance skills and musical careers. The course is designed to encourage the use of popular music performance (broadly defined) in creative ways - in live performance, audio-visual work, and through interdisciplinary arts collaborations. The opportunities at Leeds School of Arts include combining live performance with multimedia formats and working with other students on our arts courses in innovative and exciting ways."
Professor Sue Miller
Professor
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
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