Popular Music

Certificate/Diploma/M.Litt in Popular Music Studies

The postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/M.Litt in Popular Music Studies was introduced in September 2007.  The course is suitable for graduates from a range of disciplines and subject areas including Popular Music, Commercial Music and Contemporary Music.  Candidates do not have to be musicians to apply and pathways have been developed to allow for a range of specialisms and exit routes.

The degree programme is located in one of the UK's most important cites for popular music.  In recent years Glasgow has produced acts such as Snow Patrol, Franz Ferdinand, Belle and Sebastian and The Fratellis.  This has built on a longer tradition of acts such as the Delgados, Mogwai, Orange Juice, the Teenage Fan Club, Deacon Blue, the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, etc etc.

The city also boasts a number of important venues including the Barrowland Ballroom, King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, The Carling Academy, the ABC, the Classic Grand, Oran Mor, the Arches, and the SECC.  Important Glasgow labels include Chemikal Underground, Soma and Rock Action. In sum the city has a vibrant and exciting music scene.

Many of those active within that scene have expressed support for the new programme and a number will be involved in various ways including offering placement opportunities.