Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Popular Music: Keyboards

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: Keyboards at Munster Technological University is your pathway to becoming a skilled and versatile keyboardist in the vibrant world of popular music. This programme delves into the diverse genres that define contemporary soundscapes, from rock and electronic music to musical theatre. You will be immersed in a learning environment that centres on practical performance, supported by essential music technology labs and theoretical studies. This degree is ideal for aspiring musicians who are passionate about keyboard performance and eager to develop their craft within a collaborative and innovative setting.

This full-time, on-campus degree is studied over four years, providing a comprehensive journey through popular music. Your learning experience will revolve around forming small, matched peer ensembles, fostering collaborative creativity and performance skills. You will engage with modules in contextual harmony, musicianship, and instrumental studies, alongside practical application in music technology and production. Upon graduation, you will possess a robust skill set, preparing you for diverse career opportunities as a professional keyboardist, session musician, composer, or music educator.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Popular Music focuses on keyboards, developing essential skills in musicianship, ensemble performance, and instrumental studies. Students will explore contextual harmony, music and technology, and production, alongside opportunities for specialized performance and a range of elective modules. The program aims to foster creativity, innovation, and teamwork within the popular music landscape.

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

Adult & Continuing EducationAdvertising & Media SalesAmusement & Recreation ServicesEducation Policy & AdministrationGaming & Interactive MediaJournalism & ReportingMuseums & Cultural HeritageMusic & Performing ArtsSecondary & High School EducationTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Irish National Opera

RTE

Why Study Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Popular Music: Keyboards 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: Keyboards 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 full-time.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants must meet specific English test requirements. For example, a Duolingo overall score of 105 is required, along with minimum scores in different areas.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue roles such as Music Producer, Session Musician, Sound Engineer, Live Performer, and Music Educator.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program focuses on various genres of Popular Music such as rock, country, and electronic music. Students can specialize in streams like Electric Guitar, Drums, or Keyboards while participating in small ensembles.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Popular Music: Keyboards program has an intake in September. Make sure to prepare your application details by that time.
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