Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Popular Music: Electric Bass Guitar

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) Popular Music: Electric Bass Guitar at Munster Technological University is designed for aspiring bassists eager to master the diverse genres that define contemporary music. You will explore the fundamental role of the electric bass across styles like rock, soul, electronic dance music, and musical theatre, developing a sophisticated understanding of its impact. This programme is ideal for students passionate about honing their technical skills and musicality to excel within the dynamic and ever-evolving popular music industry. You will gain a comprehensive foundation in instrumental performance and theoretical knowledge.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over four years, engaging with a curriculum that integrates instrumental studies, popular ensemble workshops, contextual harmony, and music technology. Throughout your degree, you will benefit from practical experience in modules such as Popular Instrumental Studies and Music & Technology, alongside opportunities for performance and specialised projects. You will graduate with a robust skill set, prepared to pursue professional pathways as an electric bass guitarist in live performance, studio recording, or broader music industry roles.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Popular Music program focuses on the electric bass guitar, offering comprehensive training in instrumental studies, musicianship, and ensemble performance. Students will explore contextual harmony, music and technology, and production, alongside creative innovation and teamwork. The curriculum also allows for electives in areas such as music therapy, arranging, and specialized performance, providing a well-rounded education for aspiring popular music professionals.

1 Stage 1 / Semester 1

Contextual Harmony 1 Mandatory
Creativity Innovation&Teamwork Mandatory
Popular Ensemble Workshop 1 Mandatory
Popular Instrumental Studies 1 Mandatory
Popular Musicianship 1 Mandatory

2 Stage 1 / Semester 2

Contextual Harmony 2 Mandatory
Music & Technology 1-2 Mandatory
Popular Ensemble Workshop 2 Mandatory
Popular Instrumental Studies 2 Mandatory
Popular Musicianship 2 Mandatory

3 Stage 2 / Semester 1

Music & Technology 3 Mandatory
Popular Ensemble Workshop 3 Mandatory
Popular Instrumental Studies 3 Mandatory
Popular Musicianship 3 Mandatory
Production Studies & Marketing Mandatory

4 Stage 2 / Semester 2

Music & Technology 4 Mandatory
Popular Ensemble Workshop 4 Mandatory
Popular Instrumental Studies 4 Mandatory
Popular Musicianship 4 Mandatory

5 Stage 3 / Semester 1

Music & Technology 5 Mandatory
Popular Ensemble Workshop 5 Mandatory
Popular Musicianship 5 Mandatory

6 Group Elective 1

Popular Instrumental Studies 5
Specialised Pop Performance 1

7 Elective

Free Choice Module
Histo-Cultural Perspectives
Intro:Therapy/Community Music
Lighting Design
Sound Design

8 Stage 3 / Semester 2

Popular Ensemble Workshop 6 Mandatory
Popular Musicianship 6 Mandatory

9 Group Elective 1

Popular Instrumental Studies 6
Specialised Pop Performance 2

10 Elective

Acoustic Guitar Accompaniment2
Arranging 2
Community Music Project 2
Free Choice Module
Histo-Cultural Perspectives
Music & Technology 6
Music Therapy 2
Popular Music History 80s
Song Writing 2
Vocal Pedagogy 2

11 Stage 4 / Semester 1

Popular Ensemble Workshop 7 Mandatory
Popular Musicianship 7 Mandatory

12 Group Elective 1

Popular Instrumental Studies 7
Specialised Pop Performance 3

13 Elective

Arranging 3
Community Music Project 1
Digital Music Production
Free Choice Module
Inclusive Music Facilitation
Music & Technology 7
Music Therapy 1
Musical Direction 1
Popular Music History 70s
Song Writing 3

14 Stage 4 / Semester 2

Popular Ensemble Workshop 8 Mandatory
Popular Musicianship 8 Mandatory

15 Group Elective 1

Popular Instrumental Studies 8
Specialised Pop Performance 4

16 Elective

Arranging 4
Community Music Project 2
Devised Performance Project
Digital Music Performance
Free Choice Module
Histo-Cultural Perspectives
Music & Technology 8
Music Therapy 2
Musical Direction 2
Popular Music History 80s
Song Writing 4

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 777.00 - USD 1,353.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,807.00 - USD 4,491.00
Transport USD 702.00 - USD 1,684.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 4,913.00 - USD 8,280.00

Living cost estimates are based on MTU Cork School of Music Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

81%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesBroadcasting & TelevisionCorporate Training & DevelopmentJournalism & ReportingMedia Production & EditingMuseums & Cultural HeritageMusic & Performing ArtsSecondary & High School EducationStreaming & Digital ContentVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Irish National Opera

RTE

Why Study Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Popular Music: Electric Bass Guitar at Munster Technological University

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 Munster Technological University 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) Popular Music: Electric Bass Guitar at Munster Technological University

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 for those studying a qualifying full-time program.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, acceptable test scores include Duolingo overall score of 105 and an IELTS overall score of 6. Refer to specific test sections for detailed score requirements.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as session musicians, music producers, or band members.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program focuses on Popular Music as heard in various media, covering genres like rock and electronic music. Students can specialize in Electric Bass Guitar among other streams like Drums and Voice.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Popular Music: Electric Bass Guitar program is September. Ensure to apply in advance to secure your spot for the upcoming academic year.
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