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Commercial Music

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • October 2026
  • Undergraduate
Chester
More about University of Chester

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Develop your talent as a producer and performer through the practical and theoretical study of popular music. On this very practically based degree, you will also have the opportunity to develop extremely useful skills such as recording techniques, mixing, live sound engineering, songwriting and arranging – all essential for working in the music industry. Our course provides a unique opportunity for you to excel in performance and production while developing a critical mind and becoming an intelligent, multi-skilled musician.

Additional enhancements to the course include links with live music venues, musicians and professionals within the region, as well as events such as Creative Futures, where students gain invaluable insights into the industry from industry professionals, musicians and academics through the delivery of performances, masterclasses and workshops.

Modules

For the latest example of curriculum availability on this degree programme please refer to the University of Chester's Website.

Assessment method

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of task they might encounter in the workplace. These are likely to include practical performances, portfolios of music production and creation work and presentations, amongst other methods of assessment. We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate level employment.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Chester

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • October 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
W390
Institution code:
C55
Campus name:
Chester
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2, 3

University of Chester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W390
Institution code:
C55
Campus name:
Chester
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff 104 points

A level CCC - BCC

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DMM - MMM

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit

Scottish Higher BBBB

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 28 points

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) H3, H3, H3, H3, H4

T Level Pass (C and above)

Pass grade with C or above on the core.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. We accept the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma.

Applicants will be required to attend an audition.

ABRSM Grade 8 or equivalent on your instrument (or voice), and the ability to read music, would be preferred. Do not let this put you off applying; reading music is not essential and if you don't have grade 8 we will probably still offer you an audition.

Additional entry requirements

Audition

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The University of Chester is committed to supporting and encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds and our Admissions policy forms part of our commitment to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed have the opportunity to do so. We recognise that not all students have access to the same levels of education, support, and guidance, therefore, when making admissions decision, we consider a wide range of factors to identify merit, rather than academic attainment alone.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

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