BA (HONS)
Songwriting & Music Performance
2 YEARS, ONLINE
AN ONLINE SONGWRITING & PERFORMANCE degree for independent, self-motivated artists and musicians
The BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Performance online 2-year accelerated degree at WaterBear is designed for today’s independent, self-motivated musicians and artists. It offers a flexible blend of artistic freedom and practical skills to help further your career in music. Your own music projects and activities can be brought into the course, and its primary focus is to motivate you to create and deliver high-quality music. It’s also about driving specialist and transferable skills development and gaining a deep understanding of modern music industry patterns and trends. All underpinned by a strategic, pro-active approach to building a long-lasting career.
As with other online courses at WaterBear, it offers ultimate flexibility so that you can study in a way that suits you. It also includes a £750 bursary and a range of studio software and plugins come as standard with our online courses.
Whether you 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 our creative online community this September. To find out more, apply today.
Select the links below for individual module study on this course.
Modules
LEVEL 4
This course is all about the creation of great, high-quality music. 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.
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?
Assessment is a case study of contrasting business models within the music industry.
Building on the Creative Music Making 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.
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.
Assessment is via a report to identify a viable, personalised career model.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 course is all about the creation of great, high-quality music. You’ll hone instrumental and vocal techniques, songcraft and composition, and expand your creative repertoire. In your business classes, you’ll learn all you need to know about building your career as a professional in today’s music industry, and you’ll be able to collaborate with other WaterBear musicians and artists from around the world. There are also opportunities to attend regular networking events and masterclasses, so you can build your all-important contacts list.
WaterBear’s online degree courses are studied remotely and there is no requirement to attend the WaterBear campuses. Interaction with your course leader, tutors, guests and fellow students via online video conferencing and all course content is accessed via WaterBear’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Canvas. In addition, all course content from all WaterBear degree courses is available to everyone. This enables you to choose from a huge range of extra subject matter in addition to your chosen course material, to customise your own learning journey.
Even as a student studying an online course, you’ll still have the option to get involved with the wider WaterBear college community at our events, festivals, conferences, work experience and career development activities; how much you want to get involved with is up to you.
This course is approved and awarded by Falmouth University, one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries.
If you’re one or more of the following, this course is for you:
- Singer / Songwriter
- Solo artist
- Band / session musician
- Vocalist
- Guitarist
- Drummer
- Bassist
- Composer
- Multi-instrumentalist
Each academic year of the BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Performance 2-year online course consists of 3 study blocks of 12 weeks each. The time each week you’ll spend in teaching and learning activities can be broken down as follows:
Timetabled activities:
In each study block, you’ll spend the majority of your structured learning in timetabled online activities. You’ll also get access to all your digital module content via WaterBear’s dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so you can prepare for your sessions 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 online 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 additional content from other courses 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:
As a student studying online, you’ll still be able to attend various activities and events happening at the college buildings, should you wish to. 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
- Assignments, assessments, and feedback sessions
- Virtual performances and gigs
- Peer collaboration via Canvas VLE
- One-to-one mentoring
- Masterclasses
This course is designed to develop careers in:
- Music performance and composition
- Studio recording
- Music education
- Digital content creation
- Technical support
- General music industry work
- Audio / visual production
- Music production and engineering
- Digital marketing and PR
- Tour, artist and events management
- Artist, label and publishing services
The course tuition fee is £10,950 for each year of the 2-yr 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.
Initial applications for the BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Performance 2-year accelerated course can be made via the Apply Now button above. You can also apply directly via UCAS using the links below.
UCAS Course codes for the BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Performance are as follows:
Course code: W371
Institution code: F33
Campus name: WaterBear, Brighton
Campus code: W
We consider all applications on their own merit and potential. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 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.
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.
This 2-year online course is available for students located outside of the UK to study.
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.
In order to get the most out of the BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Performance course, it is essential that you have regular access to the correct resources. Having your own equipment will provide maximum flexibility to support both your college and personal project work.
Essential basics:
- Your instrument (instrumentalists)
• Expendables (strings, sticks, picks, leads, etc.)
• Note-taking materials (pens, notepad, manuscript paper, etc.) (Purchase cost around £20)
• Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.) (Purchase cost around £250-£400)
• DAW software (Purchase cost around £50-£100)
• USB memory stick (Purchase cost around £10)
• Reliable, high-speed internet connection
We recommend:
- 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 (Purchase cost around £600-£800)
• Professional DAW software (ProTools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, etc.) (Purchase cost around £200-£450)
• External hard drive (Purchase cost around £25-£50)
• Dynamic microphone(s) (e.g. Shure SM57 / SM58) (Purchase cost around £80-£100)
• Audio interface (e.g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) (Purchase cost around £100-£200)
• Headphones (e.g. Sennheiser HD 200, Beyerdynamic DT770) (Purchase cost around £75-£150)
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.
IS ONLINE STUDY FOR YOU?
At WaterBear, your degree isn’t just academic it’s a launchpad for your artistry. You’ll work on your own music, projects, and ideas, guided by tutors who are active in the industry. It’s hands-on, relevant, and designed to move with you. Our online degrees are made for real musicians living real lives. Whether you’re gigging, parenting, producing, teaching, or returning to music later in life — this is a place for you to grow. You don’t have to fit into one mould. Our online students include:
- Tour-managing drummers with kids
- Bedroom producers with big visions
- Guitarists teaching by day and creating by night
- Artists carving new creative paths in their 40s and beyond
What connects them all? Independence, creativity, and the desire to study on their own terms without compromise.
YOU CHOOSE HOW TO ENGAGE
We know one size never fits all. That’s why our courses are flexible by design you can tailor your learning experience to fit your lifestyle, energy, and goals. Whether you’re fully independent or want to immerse yourself in every opportunity, your engagement is your choice. We’ll guide you to the right level of support — and adapt as things shift.
You’re proactive and self-led. You’ll work through pre-recorded classes, guided tasks, and assignments at your own pace. With everything housed in our virtual campus, it’s all there when you need it. And when you do want support, it’s just a message or a tutorial booking away.
You like a rhythm, but on your terms. Alongside your self-paced study, you’ll drop into live module webinars, schedule one-to-one tutorials, and build a study pattern that supports your creative flow without overwhelm. Ideal for structured learners or those who thrive with a check-in.
You’re all in. You want to join every session, masterclass, and opportunity going and maybe even travel to Brighton or Sheffield for in-person Development Weeks. You’ll craft a journey that blends live and recorded learning across songwriting, production, technique, content creation, and more.
Our Online Courses
Life at WaterBear
A collection of some of the best moments submitted by artists and musicians on and off campus.
