Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Commercial Modern Music

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Commercial Modern Music at Technological University Dublin is designed for aspiring musicians and industry professionals ready to refine their live performance and studio recording skills. You will delve into the dynamic world of contemporary music, exploring six specialised streams: Drums, Bass, Guitar, Vocals, Songwriting, and the new Music Production stream. This programme equips you with the technical knowledge and career acumen necessary to excel as a professional performer, songwriter, producer, manager, or academic in the vibrant music industry.

This full-time, on-campus degree, studied over four years, offers a hands-on learning experience. You will engage with core subjects like Artist Development, Music Business, and Music Theory, alongside a wealth of electives allowing you to tailor your studies. The curriculum includes practical modules such as Live Sound Engineering, Creative Mix Techniques, and Studio Recording, culminating in a Professional Project in your final year. You will graduate with a comprehensive skill set, ready to pursue diverse career paths within the commercial music sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Commercial Modern Music program offers a comprehensive exploration of the music industry. Students will develop essential skills in artist development, music business, and audio engineering, alongside advanced music theory and performance techniques. The curriculum progresses through various stages of musical creation, from pre-production and songwriting to studio recording, mixing, and live sound, culminating in professional development and project realization.

1 Year One Semester 1

Artist Development and Entrepreneurship Mandatory
Music Business and Study Skills Mandatory
Music Theory and Keyboard Skills Mandatory
Audio Engineering Skills Elective
Audio Production Fundamentals Elective
Live Arrangement Workshop Elective
Musicianship and Production Elective
Pre-Production & Live Performance Workshop 1 Elective
Songwriting Techniques 1 Elective
Styles 1 Elective
Styles Analysis Elective

2 Year One Semester 2

Music Business and Study Skills Mandatory
Artist Development and Entrepreneurship Mandatory
Music Theory and Keyboard Skills Mandatory
Techniques 1 Elective
Pre-Production & Live Performance Workshop 1 Elective
Styles 1 Elective
Songwriting Techniques 1 Elective
Styles Analysis Elective
Live Arrangement Workshop Elective
Audio Engineering Skills Elective
Audio Production Fundamentals Elective
Live Sound Engineering Elective

3 Year Two Semester 1

Applied Music Business & Study Skills Mandatory
Applied Music Theory, Transcription & Keyboard Skills Mandatory
Essential Development Skills Mandatory
Performativity and Live Music Elective
Styles 2 Elective
Techniques 2 Elective
Songwriting Techniques 2 Elective
Arrangement Analysis Elective
Live Performance Workshop (SW) Elective
Studio Engineering Elective
Production Approaches and Project Realisation Elective
Psychoacoustics & Listening Environments Elective

4 Year Two Semester 2

Applied Music Business & Study Skills Mandatory
Applied Music Theory, Transcription & Keyboard Skills Mandatory
Essential Development Skills Mandatory
Performativity and Live Music Elective
Styles 2 Elective
Techniques 2 Elective
Songwriting Techniques 2 Elective
Arrangement Analysis Elective
Live Performance Workshop (SW) Elective
Studio Engineering Elective
Mixing Techniques Elective
Foley & Location Sound Elective

5 Year Three Semester 1

Cultural Perspectives Mandatory
Advanced Music Theory & Arrangement Mandatory
Research Methods Mandatory
Professional Musicianship Elective
Performance in Context Elective
Studio Musicianship Elective
The Songwriter/Producer Elective
Studio Recording Elective
Music Publishing Elective
Digital Marketing in the Music Business Elective
Creating Audio Assets Elective
Creative Mixing Approaches Elective
Sound Synthesis & Sampling Elective

6 Year Three Semester 2

Cultural Perspectives Mandatory
Advanced Music Theory & Arrangement Mandatory
Research Methods Mandatory
Professional Musicianship Elective
Performance in Context Elective
Studio Musicianship Elective
The Songwriter/Producer Elective
Studio Recording Elective
Music Publishing Elective
Digital Marketing in the Music Business Elective
Studio Vocal Production Elective
Sound Design and Composition for Media Elective
Digital Performance Elective

7 Year Four Semester 1

Professional Development Elective
Analytical Perspectives (Minor) Elective
Commercial Songwriting Elective
Solo Performance Elective
Ensemble Performance Elective
Music Business Studies Elective
Music Teaching Practice Elective
Professional Project (Major) Elective
Analytical Perspectives(Major) Elective
Professional Project (Minor) Elective
Composition and Analysis Elective
Post-Production Techniques for Media Elective
Game Audio Design Elective

8 Year Four Semester 2

Professional Development Elective
Analytical Perspectives (Minor) Elective
Commercial Songwriting Elective
Solo Performance Elective
Ensemble Performance Elective
Music Business Studies Elective
Music Teaching Practice Elective
Professional Project (Major) Elective
Analytical Perspectives(Major) Elective
Professional Project (Minor) Elective
Composition and Analysis Elective
Post-Production Techniques for Media Elective
Interactive Music Systems Elective
Composition for Electroacoustic Music Elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 63,523.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 349.00 - USD 849.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,930.00 - USD 5,613.00
Transport USD 842.00 - USD 1,965.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 6,176.00 - USD 9,683.00

Living cost estimates are based on Aungier Street Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

86%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising & Media SalesBroadcasting & TelevisionDigital Media & Online PublishingEdTech & E-LearningEducational Support ServicesEvent & Experiential MarketingLive Events & ConcertsMedia Research & AnalyticsStreaming & Digital ContentTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Irish National Opera

National Concert Hall, Dublin

Sky Group

The Irish Times

Why Study Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Commercial Modern Music at Technological University Dublin

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at Technological University Dublin in Ireland

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Commercial Modern Music at Technological University Dublin

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during breaks. No separate work permit is needed if you're enrolled full-time in a program of at least one year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, acceptable scores include a Duolingo overall score of 120, IELTS overall score of 6, and TOEFL overall score of 80. Make sure to meet these requirements before applying.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include professional performer, music manager, songwriter, producer, and academic researcher.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program enhances live performance skills and studio technical knowledge, while focusing on career development in areas like songwriting and music management. You'll also gain access to BIMM Connect, a platform offering job boards and networking opportunities.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Commercial Modern Music is September. Be sure to prepare your application materials in advance.
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