“The courses available on Clearing are likely to have limited spaces, so if you see one that appeals to you just apply!”
BA (Hons)Music Performance
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2026
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: MUP1
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a music performance degree at Solent University
Take your passion as a music performer or songwriter to the next stage - join Solent’s community of creatives and learn from a dedicated team of professional musicians, composers and producers.
- 0rdin the UK for student satisfaction in music studies, out of 79 institutions (CUG 2026)
- Top0%for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
- 0%positivity measure for learning resources in the subject of music (NSS 2025)
- Learn from a team of professional performers, producers, composers, musicians and sound engineers with a wealth of international industry experience.
- Great guest speakers. Previous guest speakers have included Fraser T. Smith (co-writer and producer of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain”), Craig David, Ash Soan (drummer for Adele), Guthrie Govan (guitarist for Hans Zimmer), Creeper, Hannah Vasanth (keys for Rihanna), Jules Hepple (Grammy nominated producer), Imogen Heap (worked with Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Deadmau5) and Katie Holmes-Smith (BVs for Adele, Olly Murs).
- Some of our successful graduates include Jordan Sykes (Songwriter, Netflix) Samm Henshaw (over 100 million YouTube views, BBC Radio 1 record of the week), Freya Beer (championed by Mark Riley, BBC6 Music record of the week), Lauren Bannon (Songwriter, ITV Studios Love Island), Morganway (Won ‘Best Group’ at British Country Music Awards).
- Southampton is a hub for music and arts. We have excellent links to Southampton’s vibrant local music scene, and work with the city’s best music venues including The Joiners, 1865, The Engine Rooms, O2 Guildhall, Heartbreakers and many more.
- Access an extensive collection of musical instruments, high end microphones, pro tools and logic digital editing workstations, analogue processing, synthesisers and live sound mixers include Allen and Heath.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
Develop your individual musicianship and ensemble skills to professional standards through the study and practice live and studio performance, instrumental lessons, as well as extensive study of the music industry including copyright, contract law and career pathways, allowing you to gain experience both specific to the music industry and wider creative careers.
Students are also expected to develop transferable skills in research, IT, presentation, teamwork, creative thinking, communication and project management.
You'll have access to our industry standard facilities which include nine recording studios (networked with Protools Ultimate, Ableton and Logic Pro), a range of mixing workstations, and a production lab with 24 Apple workstations. Our large rehearsal for practice and performance are fully equipped with backline and PA, as well as our Dolby Atmos mixing room, instrument and synthesiser collection.
You'll be taught by an experienced course team, many of whom are active industry experts with professional experience in performance, studio and live sound, electronic sound design and the business and culture of music production. Staff frequently engage with on-going research in music composition, performance and production. And the team’s industry links have also enabled a hand-picked selection of students to record at the world renowned Abbey Road Studios, as well as the opportunity to take part in the annual Anthems event, performing to their peers and members of the public.
If you’re looking to study our BA (Hons) Music Performance degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the music foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the music foundation year.
Who is this course for?
Southampton Solent’s music performance programme is suitable for both schooled and self-taught musicians and producers who are passionate about developing their creative, technical and academic skills.
What does this course lead to?
The growth in the range of media outlets and the live event sector means that the best sound and music professionals are in demand. In addition, the entrepreneurial nature of the industry means that there are opportunities to be created if you have the drive and skills. This course gives you a chance to begin building your networks of contacts and practice your skills so you can pursue the wide and varied career opportunities in music performance and songwriting.
Upon graduation you'll be well placed to work in a variety of roles including music performer, songwriter, session musician, or other roles in the music and arts sectors.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
Toni Diaz
Course Leader
Patrick Ainsworth
Course Leader
Greg Mudd
Senior Lecturer
Andy Harris
Lecturer
Daniel Pennie
Senior Lecturer
Dr Chris Anderton
Associate Professor
Dr Jennifer Skellington
Lecturer
Colin Willsher
Associate Lecturer
Alex Diaz
Associate Lecturer
Brendan Johnson
Associate Lecturer
Ted Carrasco
Associate Lecturer
Paul Statham
Associate Lecturer
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Instruments provided include drums by DW and Mapex, Synthesiser collection including Roland,ARP, Arturia and Sequential analog synthesisers, Korg Kronos, Marshall, Orange, Friedman, Fender and Vox valve guitar amplifiers, Ampeg and Eden bass amps, and Mackie Pas. Southampton Solent's recording studios and rehearsal spaces are state-of-the-art and include Pro Tools Ultimate, Logic and Ableton digital audio workstations; microphones by Neumann, Coles, AKG and Shure; analogue processing includes Neve, Universal Audio, Focusrite, Empirical Labs, and Portico; software includes Native Instruments Komplete, and Plugins by Sonnox, McDSP and Celemony; live sound mixers include Allen and Heath DLive, and Midas M32.
The University’s media loans hatch also enables you to borrow equipment for university work, or other private projects.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Principles of Popular Music
During this module, you'll learn how to practise and rehearse efficiently in both solo and ensemble contexts and/or you'll be introduced to multitrack music recording and mixing techniques.
Introduction to Professional Musicianship
In this module, you'll learn how to curate, rehearse and perform in an outward-facing professional quality performance and to manage all aspects of a real-world studio session. In addition, you'll be introduced to the theoretical aspects of music required for professional performers and producers.
Introduction to Artist Development
The music industry is fiercely competitive; artists and producers need to be committed to their own creativity and innovation in order to be successful. In this module, you'll learn and develop performance and/or production skills and implement these in practical projects, as well as begin to plan your portfolio career options.
Live Performance and Electronic Press Kit
In this module, you'll research and create the materials best suited to promote yourself as a creative artist. You will also curate a professional quality set of musical material - prepared using efficient rehearsal techniques and demonstrating the performance required for an outward facing performance. The material you produce can be used to inform your electronic press kit and/or online presence.
Core modules
Developing Your Career
This module focuses on the development of your performance and/or production skills with a greater emphasis on reflective practice. You'll also be encouraged to research potential income streams through investigations and case studies.
Developing Your Professional Musicianship
This module focuses on the development of your journey as a professional musician and/or producer. You'll learn how to put a band together and perform in an outward-facing professional quality performance. You'll also learn how to conduct yourself in a professional manner in the recording studio. In addition, you will identify and evaluate your current skills and link these to potential income streams and creating your networks, with a view to begin working in the music industries before you finish your university studies.
Songwriting and Composing
This module will help you develop and enhance your skills in songwriting and composing and will allow you to develop your musical identities through a wide range of songwriting and composition tasks. As well as developing an understanding of the many popular genres in today’s musical landscape, you'll learn the compositional practices behind these different approaches and how to integrate them into your own musical vision.
Commercial Music Making
This module encourages you to explore individual and group music making while considering the commercial functionality and potential of your outputs. Through creative workshops involving composition, arranging techniques, case studies, song analysis, song writing and associated recording/production and/or performance techniques, you will work with existing music and/or create original music.
Core modules
Artist Development
As you prepare for life beyond university, it is essential that you continue the alignment of your practical music skills and artistic identity with potential portfolio careers. During this module, you will study and practise musical skills with tutor guidance in order to be able to make music in a variety of styles and create your own musical pathways.
Advanced Music Performance
This module brings builds on your previous skills development. You'll be introduced to advanced styles of critique, enquiry and analysis, and the meaning of ‘advanced performance’ is unpicked. You'll be encouraged to use the studio as a creative tool for music making, songwriting/arranging and developing your performance style, and you will workshop material in front of your tutors and peers in preparation for a final assessed performance.
Repertoire and Performance
Learning a diverse collection of pieces helps musicians develop their technical skills, musicality, and confidence. In this module, you will practice real-world skills for professional musicians and demonstrate in both controlled and outward-facing assignments, helping you to gain the confidence to tackle a deeper range of techniques and repertoire.
Major Research Project
You will undertake a sustained piece of academic or business research relevant to your subject specialism - completing either a dissertation, a practical project, or a consultancy project, with guidance provided by the teaching team. The project will demonstrate your critical analytical skills, your ability to work autonomously on a large-scale project, and your ability to communicate your work in line with academic and/or professional expectations.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Block teaching at Solent
You will learn by:
You may be assessed at the end of each block by:
- Live performances
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
- Blogs
- Live performances
- Music theory exercises
- Portfolios
- Recordings
- Video submissions
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.
Learn more about block teaching
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in music performance?
UK music’s contribution to the UK economy in 2023 hit a record £7.6 billion in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) – up 13% from £6.7 billion in 2022. UK music exports revenue in 2023 hit a new high of £4.6 billion – up 15% from £4 billion in 2022. Total UK music industry employment in 2023 hit a record 216,000 (full-time equivalent posts) – up 3% from 210,000 in 2022. (UK Music 2024).
The growth in the range of media outlets and the live event sector means that the best music professionals are always in demand. In addition, the entrepreneurial nature of the industry means that there are opportunities to be created if you have the drive and skills.
This course gives you a chance to begin building your networks of contacts and practice your skills so you can pursue the wide and varied career opportunities in music performance such as a Music performer, session musician or songwriter. You could also use your transferable skills for as an arts administrator, music technician or music teacher.
You could earn:
Musician
Per session: £140 to £350
Income will vary widely depending on, for example, whether you're working freelance or as part of an orchestra, or whether you're performing a gig in a pub or in a concert venue. Musicians' Union (MU) provides minimum casual stage rates for groups performing on stage (usually in a theatre or concert venue) ranging from £164 to £182.75 (for a single performance plus rehearsal on the same day), as well as a national gig rate for groups performing in pubs, clubs and functions ranging from £139.50 to £350.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“The courses available on Clearing are likely to have limited spaces, so if you see one that appeals to you just apply!”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
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Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,790 per year
- International full-time fees: £19,081 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The additional costs for 2026/27 are:
Compulsory costs
- Drummers must own sticks, hot-rods and brushes.
- Guitarists and bassists must own instruments, straps and leads (and plectrums, if appropriate) and be prepared to bring these to university.
Optional Costs
- Students may wish to purchase good quality in-ear monitors from £30 - £300.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D, a T-Level Merit, or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- Direct entry into years two or three may be considered for this course.
- Applicants over the age of 21 may be considered based on relevant experience, without having the required tariff points.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Please upload a video of you performing live on your first study instrument or voice - either with backing track or unaccompanied. The video should be two to three minutes long. The music can be any style - cover or original - but should not contain studio editing of any kind. Video shot on a mobile phone is acceptable if the audio is clear.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants resident outside the UK will be interviewed by video call or telephone and may be asked to send an electronic audition.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants resident outside the UK will be interviewed by video call or telephone and may be asked to send an electronic audition.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component.
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component.
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 4.5 with a minimum of 4 in each individual component.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 104-120
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
