Glasgow University has announced it will be offering the only Popular Music postgraduate qualification in Scotland.

The MLitt in Popular Music, involving placements with some of Scotland's top music industry professionals, will engage students in critical thinking in relation to the music industry.

Course convener, Dr Martin Cloonan, said: 'This course will contribute to the vibrancy of Scotland's popular music scene by providing graduates with the opportunity to study key issues and to interact with music industry personnel. Glasgow has produced some of the UK's most important bands over the last few years and I believe that it is entirely appropriate that the city hosts this new degree.

'The course is open to all students with a good undergraduate degree, not just music students, as it will engage with the culture of popular music not just the music itself.'

Emma Pollock of Glasgow-based independent record label Chemikal Underground added: 'We are delighted that the University of Glasgow has invited us to become involved in this course. Scotland's music industry needs independent, critical thinkers and that's what this course will produce.'

Professor Elizabeth Moignard, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University, said: 'The University is delighted by this new development. We trust that it will contribute to employability in the music industry and help to make the city even more vibrant musically.'

Students interested in applying for entry to the course for 2007/08 should contact Martin Cloonan at M.Cloonan@music.gla.ac.uk or phone 0141 330 4903. More information can be found at http://www.music.gla.ac.uk/pmsmlitt

Kate Richardson (K.Richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk)

For more information please contact Kate Richardson at the University of Glasgow's Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3683 or email K.Richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk

First published: 16 April 2007