BA (HONS)
Professional Music (Songwriting)
- Duration3 years
- Locationon-site
- Start DateSeptember 2026
- UCAS CodesBrighton W375, Sheffield W381
The songwriting degree for singer-songwriters, producers and musicians
As a songwriter, it’s all about finding your voice, unlocking your creative potential, and developing the confidence to say what you want to the world. This songwriting degree course is designed for singer-songwriters, composers, multi-instrumentalists, and producers who want to experiment, challenge, and explore the possibilities of their music.
The BA (Hons) Professional Music (Songwriting) degree at WaterBear is structured to give you the confidence and freedom to develop your craft. You’ll study songwriting, compositional techniques, arrangement, pre-production, live performance, and stagecraft in small classes (typically 8-12) alongside a structured 1-1 mentoring programme. It provides you with tools and techniques to take your compositions to a professional level. You can build your own music projects and activity into the course, which is underpinned by a strategic, proactive approach to building a long-lasting career. You’ll write, record, and perform original compositions in professional studios and real venues, learning the business skills needed to cut through the noise, get your music heard, and build a sustainable career.
All WaterBear degrees are validated by Falmouth University, one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries. Whether your goal is to become an independent artist, professional musician, entrepreneur, or build a diverse portfolio career, you’ll engage in a comprehensive and flexible learning experience designed to support your strengths, interests, and your professional, artistic, and academic development.
Join us in September 2026 in Brighton or Sheffield. To find out more, apply today.
This three-year songwriting degree is structured around the creation of high-quality original composition. Each year, you’ll develop your songcraft through weekly classes in songwriting, arrangement, pre-production, live performance, and production techniques. You’ll also build essential business knowledge, learning how to navigate the music industry as a professional artist. The course is approved and awarded by Falmouth University, one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries.
Select the links below for individual module study on this course.
Modules
LEVEL 4
Creating innovative music is the lifeblood of this course. This module is about creating and performing music that represents you as an individual. Music that tells your story and shows the world who you are. This is me today, and this is where I am going.
Weekly timetabled classes include Songwriting, Pre-Production, Live Performance and Production Tools. This module is assessed via the submission of a demo recording that showcases your best work, with supporting narrative to reflect on the process and result.
This module deals with the music industry, past and present. Exciting case studies of artists that have made an important contribution to music. How did they do it? And how can you employ these insights into your own music projects, right now?
Weekly timetabled classes include Project Management and Navigating the Music Industry. Assessment is a case study of contrasting business models within the music industry.
Building on the Your Songwriting module, this is all about expanding your skills and abilities. Pushing the boundaries of songwriting and compositional technique, producing experimental work, or writing a hit pop song. The direction you take your music is controlled by you.
Weekly timetabled classes include Creative Songwriting, Creative Pre-Production, Creative Live Performance and Production Skills. This module is assessed via the submission of demo
recordings that showcase your best contrasting work, with supporting narrative to reflect on the process and result.
Creating your individual career plan, with careful design and thorough testing. You will develop knowledge of current music industry practice to create career plans that are a). realistic and b). achievable.
LEVEL 5
Time to Stop, reflect and consider: Who exactly are you? Competent artists can play, sing and write well, but a real artist stands for so much more. Lots more in terms of music creation, production and performance in this module.
Weekly timetabled classes include The Art of Arrangement, Creative Pre-Production, Production Techniques and Creative Live Performance. This module is assessed via the submission of studio and live recordings, with supporting case study analysis to illustrate your key influences.
Now’s the time for the rehearsal and practice to stop and for you to show the world what you’re made of. Working to put on shows and events. From live streams and solo shows to a fully-fledged national tour. It’s all fair game.
Weekly timetabled classes include Project Management and Your Events. Assessment is via a live event that you will curate. The scale and scope of the event is up to you.
This module will push you to expand your music and creativity into new and ground-breaking environments. Different methods of recording, innovative compositional techniques, new ways of creating. You’ll use this as inspiration to create a wide range of original and creative cover material.
Weekly timetabled classes include Pre-Production and Performance & Realisation. There will also be optional advanced songwriting classes for those wanting to push their composition ability to the next level.
This module is assessed via the submission of studio or live recordings that showcase your innovation, with accompanying programme notes, innovation pitch and press release.
In this business-focussed module, you’ll bring all your creative faculties to the table to create innovative new business models for the future music industry.
Weekly timetabled classes include Innovation in Project Management and Innovation in Music Business. Assessment is via a business plan submission designed to illustrate an innovative and viable new business idea.
level 6
Having thought about what to do for that final project, you’ll now need to prepare for it. This is where that work will be done, and the process documented. You’ll be getting plenty of mentoring and guidance too, so don’t worry.
There will be Digital Presence classes alongside special focus practical development workshops to help you further your project. There is one weekly timetabled class common to all pathways associated with this module – Project Portfolio Management. There will also be optional Songwriting & Production classes and advanced technical development classes for those wanting to push their instrumental or vocal technique to the next level.
Assessment in this module is via the submission of Preparation Portfolio, including proposals, timeline and rationale.
In creating this specialist report as a dissertation, you’ll be honing your academic chops as you undertake formal research. You’ll also be preparing the ground for your ambitious final project in the Professional Project module.
There is one weekly timetabled class common to all pathways associated with this module entitled Project Portfolio Specialism. The Specialist Report assessment will take the form of a research project paper focussed on a specific area relevant to today’s music scene.
Your final major project is the springboard into your creative future. You are encouraged to be practical and realistic, but also ambitious and to challenge yourself. There is no limit to where you can take this or what you can do. Anything is possible.
Weekly class time to support this module will take the form of regular group tutorials, to monitor progress against deadline. There will also be optional advanced technical development classes that continue for those wanting further time developing their instrumental or vocal technique. Assessment in this module is via the submission of a Portfolio of work and project outcomes, contextual presentation of work and next steps career strategy.
*Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. Any changes affecting students’ expected programme delivery are communicated in advance. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Programme Manager.
FAQs
The creation of high-quality original composition is at the heart of the BA (Hons) Professional Music (Songwriting) course. Each week, you’ll develop your songcraft, compositional techniques, arrangement, and live performance skills in timetabled classes. You’ll study songwriting, pre-production, creative composition, production tools, and stagecraft, performing live in working music venues with other WaterBear musicians. In your business classes, you’ll learn about publishing, licensing, sync, royalties, and navigating the music industry as a professional artist.
This Songwriting degree is approved and awarded by Falmouth University, one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries. There’s also the option to study this course over 4 years with an Integrated Foundation Year.
Apply today or book an open day to find out more.
| Level | Songwriting Modules | Muisc Business Modules | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | Your Songwriting, Creative Composition | Navigating the Music Industry, Your Strategy | Songwriting craft, compositional techniques, live performance, pre-production, production tools, understanding industry models, building your career plan |
| Level 5 | Your Sound, Innovation in Songwriting | Your Events, Innovation in the Music Industry | Artistic identity, arrangement, creative experimentation, compositional innovation, curating live events, developing new business models |
| Level 6 | Your Professional Development, Professional Project Portfolio | Specialist Report | Final project preparation, portfolio development, academic research, digital presence, career strategy, ambitious creative output |
Each academic year of the BA (Hons) 3-year course consists of 2 study blocks of 15 weeks each. The time each week you’ll spend in teaching and learning activities can be broken down as follows:
Timetabled classes:
In each study block, you’ll spend the majority of your structured learning activity in timetabled classes. You’ll also get access to all your module content prior to your timetabled classes via WaterBear’s dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so you can prepare for your classes in advance.
1-1 Mentoring sessions:
Alongside your weekly classes, you’ll get access to WaterBear’s 1-1 mentoring programme, your gateway to bespoke expert advice as and when you need it. Bookable meetings with seasoned pros, experts across a wide range of fields, where you’ll receive tailored support and guidance in three key areas: music industries, musical development and academic achievement. What you focus on is entirely up to you — the mentoring programme is designed to support your own personal journey.
Asynchronous online learning:
As well all the digital content linked to your chosen course, you’ll get access to all other content for every other degree course at WaterBear, via our Canvas VLE. That’s a huge library of information you can dive into to expand your own learning experience and gain knowledge in other areas and subjects that may interest you.
Other activities:
You’ll be able to book free time in professional recording and rehearsal studios, attend additional optional classes in areas like music photography, videography, content creation, music theory, self-development, and music management. There are also social events, clubs and societies, live gigs and performances, virtual meetups, networking opportunities, industry development weeks, industry conferences, record label showcases, songwriting camps and various kinds of other activities to explore.
In summary, regular teaching and learning activities include:
- Lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops
- One-to-one mentoring
- Student forums
- Assignments, assessments, and feedback sessions
- Live performances and gigs
- Special events and conferences
- Peer collaboration via Canvas VLE
- Free recording time in professional studios
- Free rehearsal time in professional studios
- Masterclasses and clinics
- Work experience
- Networking
This contemporary songwriting degree has been specifically designed for singer-songwriters, composers, multi-instrumentalists, and producers. Whether you’re focused on becoming an independent artist, professional songwriter, sync composer, or building a portfolio career that spans songwriting, performance, and production, this course provides the support and freedom to develop your own artistic identity. With structured 1-1 mentoring and small class sizes (typically 8-12), you’ll work in a supportive environment where you can experiment, create, and develop a tailored career plan aligned with your personal goals.
This course has been specifically designed for:
- Singer-songwriters
- Composers
- Multi-instrumentalists
- Producers
Initial applications for the BA (Hons) Professional Music (Songwriting) 3-yr on-site course can be made via the Apply Now button above.
You can also apply directly via UCAS using the links below.
BA (Hons) Professional Music (Songwriting) UCAS Course codes are as follows:
Brighton
Course code: W375
Institution code: F33
Campus name: WaterBear, Brighton
Campus code: W
UCAS course application page
Sheffield
Course code: W381
Institution code: F33
Campus name: WaterBear, Sheffield
Campus code: L
UCAS course application page
We consider all applications on their own merit and potential. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 applicant session, either in person or by video conference. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to find out all about WaterBear and talk about your music, achievements and career goals.
Falmouth University Terms and Conditions can be found at https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/student-regulations.
The course tuition fee for the 3-yr BA (Hons) is £9,535 for each year of the programme. UK residents may be eligible for undergraduate tuition fee and maintenance loans.
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The College may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. For more information on fees and finance, please visit Falmouth’s tuitions fees page here.
We consider all applications on their own merit and potential. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 applicant session, either in person or by video call. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to find out all about WaterBear and talk about your music, achievements and career goals.
As a guide, we require A Levels (or in combination with AS / EPQ / BTEC / RSL / Cambridge Technical / etc.) equal to a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff Points (BTEC / Cambridge Technical DMM, RSL Extended Diploma at Merit / Distinction), or international equivalent.
After graduating, you will have a number of routes to further study available, including the MA Music Performance, Production & Business, MA Songwriting, MA Music Education and MA Music Business courses at WaterBear, and other postgraduate specialist programmes.
There is also the option to study this course over 4 years, which includes an integrated foundation year.
We offer various scholarships and bursaries, which can be applied for by anyone studying related courses at WaterBear. Our scholarships are reviewed yearly, with applications generally opening 3-6 months prior to the course starting. Scholarship awards generally cover the cost of all course tuition fees.
This course is available to international applicants if they are based in the UK with a settled status (no restrictions on how long you can stay). This course is not available to those located outside of the UK. Alternative options available to international applicants include our range of online 2-year distance learning degree courses. https://waterbear.org.uk/online/
Language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to achieve equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of equivalent approved tests too. Visit the English Language Requirements page of the Falmouth University website for more information. https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements.
The BA (Hons) Professional Music (Songwriting) degree prepares prepares you for careers in music composition and performance, songwriting for artists and media, studio recording, digital content creation, music production and engineering, music business roles, and artist/label/publishing services. Many graduates build portfolio careers combining roles such as performing, recording, writing for sync licensing, producing, and managing their own artist projects. With structured 1-1 mentoring focused on your musical, academic and career development and our Music Industries team helping secure gigs, support slots, festival opportunities, and internships, you’ll graduate with a professional body of work and industry connections. You’ll learn about publishing, sync, royalties, digital marketing, and building sustainable creative careers.
This course is designed to develop careers in:
- Music composition and performance
- Studio recording
- Live sound engineering
- Digital content creation
- Technical support
- General music industry work
- Audio / visual production
- Music production and engineering
- Music education
- Tour, artist and events management
- Artist, label and publishing services
In order to get the most out of your BA (Hons) Professional Music (Songwriting) course, we recommend having access to some basic equipment and materials. These are not mandatory and are provided only as examples of items students commonly find useful during the course.
Essential for study
These are general resources that help you participate fully in classes and complete coursework. These items are illustrative and not compulsory.
- Your instrument (instrumentalists)
- Expendables (strings, sticks, picks, leads, etc.)
- Note-taking materials (pens, notepad, manuscript paper, etc.)Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.)
- DAW software
- USB memory stick
- Reliable Internet connection
Recommended for enhanced learning
Some students choose to invest in additional equipment to support creative projects or independent work. These items are optional examples, not required purchases.
- Computer (laptop / desktop) capable of running DAW, audio interface, plug-ins and A/V processing software (recommended 8-16GB RAM, 7,200 RPM Hard Drive, 8MB buffer, 1TB hard drive
- Reliable, high speed Internet connection
- Professional DAW software (ProTools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, etc.)
- External hard drive
- Dynamic microphone(s) (e.g. Shure SM57 / SM58)
- Audio interface (e.g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
- Headphones (e.g. Sennheiser HD 200, Beyerdynamic DT770)
If you have any questions about equipment, our course team can help you understand what is genuinely needed and what is simply helpful depending on your goals and musical focus.
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES
Songwriting students access professional recording studios, rehearsal spaces, songwriting rooms, and live performance venues across Brighton and Sheffield campuses. You’ll work with Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic Pro, plus analogue and digital gear suited to composition, pre-production, and tracking. Partner studios include Brighton Electric, Small Pond Studios (Brighton), and Spring Tank Studios, Tecna Studios, and Hybrid3 (Sheffield).
Key Course Benefits
YOUR LEARNING
- Structured 1-1 mentoring programme across songwriting craft, business strategy, and artist identity
- Small class sizes: typically 8-12 students per class
- Songwriting, composition, and production classes taught by industry-active professionals
YOUR SONGWRITING
- WaterBear-owned and partner live music venues for showcasing original compositions
- Free bookable access to professional recording studios with Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic Pro
- Co-writing sessions, songwriting camps, and collaboration opportunities with industry networking
YOUR DEGREE
- 2 x 15-week study blocks covering songcraft, arrangement, pre-production, and music business
- Falmouth University validated degree recognised across UK music industries
- Build your professional portfolio of original compositions, recordings, and live performances
Our Study Locations for Songwriters
Study the BA (Hons) Professional Music (Songwriting) at WaterBear Brighton or WaterBear Sheffield, two of the UK’s most inspiring music cities. Both campuses offer free bookable access to professional recording studios, songwriting spaces, and rehearsal facilities, with connections to live music venues across each city. You’ll engage with industry events, songwriting camps, co-writing sessions, masterclasses, and collaborative projects in an environment built for real-world music-making, surrounded by active songwriters, composers, and music professionals.
COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
You’ll showcase your original compositions regularly at live music venues across Brighton and Sheffield. Students also access masterclasses, A&R panels, co-writing sessions, work experience placements, networking events, industry development weeks, conferences, songwriting camps, sync opportunities, and collaborative projects. Last year we secured 500 performance and work experience opportunities, attended over 20 festivals and organised over 45 industry masterclasses and industry guest events. These opportunities connect you directly with songwriters, composers, publishers, and the local music scene, helping you build the industry contacts essential for a sustainable songwriting career.
Life at WaterBear
WaterBear offers a supportive, collaborative community where songwriters connect, create, and grow together. You’ll join clubs and societies, lunchtime live sessions, co-writing opportunities, social events, guest masterclasses, and a creative culture built around mutual support. Our musician-led environment encourages experimentation, confidence-building, and genuine artistic development. View some of the best moments submitted by artists and musicians on and off campus.
OUR MUSIC DEPARTMENTS
As a musician and artist, your environment and community are key to your growth. We provide creative learning spaces, expert teaching, and world-class facilities to help you thrive.
