MA Popular Music (Songwriter)
Leeds, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 20,000
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
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Launch your career as a songwriter with our MA in Popular Music, specialising in songwriting. Designed to empower you with a blend of musical expertise, a professional mindset and creative ingenuity, this postgraduate degree will prepare you to enter the ever-changing landscape of the modern music industry.
At Leeds Conservatoire students are in control of their personal, creative, and intellectual growth, emerging as skilled musicians and reflective practitioners who are prepared for enduring success in the music industry.
You’ll be challenged to explore, experiment, and uncover fresh perspectives and methodologies, being empowered to craft your best work and stand out in today's competitive global music scene.
A Collaborative Curriculum
When you enrol at Leeds Conservatoire you will join a lively community of creative practice. We celebrate creative diversity, fostering collaboration among practitioners from varied stylistic backgrounds to pioneer new musical frontiers and build foundations for sustainable careers in the industry. Through dynamic group sessions, students from diverse stylistic backgrounds will collaborate, sparking innovation and forging lifelong connections.
Master Your Skills
Alongside developing your music practice as a performer, we also provide our students with vital networking and entrepreneurial skills, essential for thriving in diverse professional arenas.
Specialist tutors, peers, and industry guests provide invaluable support, constructive critique, and expert insights across a spectrum of disciplines.
You’ll also engage in theoretical and research activities that will place your talent within a range of philosophical, historical, sociological, industrial and critical contexts.
The ‘Songwriter’ pathway is designed to immerse you in the craft of songwriting, helping you develop both technical proficiency and creative fluidity.
You'll study songwriting techniques, exploring various styles, structures, and lyrical themes and be given tailored feedback and mentorship from experienced songwriters and industry professionals. You'll also have opportunities to collaborate with performers, producers, and other songwriters, and refine your songwriting skills through workshops, masterclasses and practical projects.
As a graduate, you’ll be fully prepared to make a significant impact in the music industry, equipped with the knowledge and creativity needed to excel as a professional songwriter.
Specialist Study
Specialist Study modules in trimesters 1, 2 and 3 give students opportunities to reach their songwriting potential through one-to-one tuition and group workshops in songwriting.
Creative Practice in Context
Creative Practice in Context modules in trimesters 1 and 2 engage students in research activities that place their songwriting within a range of philosophical, historical, sociological, industrial and critical contexts.
Assessment
Trimester 1:
- Specialist Study 1 – assessed by one of the following: a public performance of existing work a public performance or sharing of original compositions or production work newly created; a portfolio of original compositions/production work evidenced by appropriate documentation, i.e. scores, recordings, etc.
- Creative Practice in Context 1 – assessed by one of the following: essay, or presentation with an accompanying written commentary.
Trimester 2:
- Specialist Study 2 – assessed by one of the following: a public performance of existing work; a public performance or sharing of original compositions; a portfolio of original newly-created compositions/production work evidenced by appropriate documentation, i.e. scores, recordings, etc.
- Creative Practice in Context 2 – assessed by one of the following: essay, or presentation and an accompanying written commentary.
Trimester 3:
Specialist Study 3 – assessed by one of the following, accounting for 70% of the mark: a public performance of existing work/repertoire or a public performance or sharing of original newly-created compositions and/or production work, which may be live or digitally conceived, i.e. application-based, web-based, digital or physical EP release. Additionally, accounting for 30% of the mark, either a written critique examining the creative project submitted, or a panel-led spoken examination examining the creative project submitted.
With a deep understanding of the creative and industrial contexts within which your practice exists, as an alumnus, you will be prepared for a career as a musician.
Our postgraduate students have received commissions, performed at regional and international festivals including South by South West, The Reeperbahn Festival, Glastonbury and Live at Leeds, progressed to teaching positions, and created public installations.