Hoping to turn your existing songwriting experience into a full UK honours degree? This one-year top-up course will support you as you learn advanced songwriting techniques under the guidance of our professional songwriting, production, performance and music industry team. The curriculum also covers the business of music, music culture and career building strategies, giving you the skills you’ll need to start a freelance career right away after graduation.
This songwriting top-up course enables students to go directly into the final year of our popular music programme, where they will explore songwriting through a carefully constructed programme of research projects, professional briefs, case studies and practical creative tasks.
The course is delivered by a dedicated teaching team that includes established published contemporary songwriters. These academics draw on their experience of writing for major artists and organisations to provide students with first-hand industry insight.
Student learning is aided by free access to our industry standard facilities. These include nine recording studios (networked with Protools HD and Logic), a range of mixing workstations equipped with Digidesign mixing desks, and a production lab with 24 Apple workstations (with Pro Tools HD, Logic Audio and Sibelius). Students also have access to large backline and PA equipped rehearsal rooms and a 200 seat performance space.
Career planning and freelance skills are deeply embedded in the curriculum, ensuring students graduate with a firm idea of what their next steps should be. These transferable freelancing and business skills can serve students well in a range of different industries.
Students also benefit from opportunities to collaborate with production, performance and digital music students, as well as students from television, film, games, fashion and other media disciplines.
What does this course lead to?
Upon successful completion of this course students have the opportunity to progress onto postgraduate research degrees at Solent University and other higher education institutions. Many of our graduates have gone onto employment in the music and live event industries, as well as media work and a range of educational roles.
Who is this course for?
This top-up course is the ideal way for students with a relevant qualification at HND level (or equivalent) to upgrade their qualification and earn a full honours degree in just one year.
Applicants should have a portfolio of recorded songs which can be reviewed as part of the application process.
