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High Drop-out Rate Alert

17% of students drop out or transfer from this specific course. Consider asking why on an open day.

Home›Leeds Conservatoire›BA Popular Music

BA Popular Music

Leeds Conservatoire

Full-time3 YearsSubject: Creative Arts and Design

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Course Score

C /59

Graduate Salary

£24,000

Satisfaction

80%

Degree Completion

83%

Professional Jobs

65%

Meaningful Work

45%

AI & Your Career

Based on real AI use at work (Anthropic research, 2026)

25%

Moderate AI impact

Average across where this course's graduates actually work

AI does some of the simpler tasks in these jobs, but most of the work still needs human judgement and skill.

Pick your path - AI impact varies by career

30%Art Director 30%Design Occupations n.e.c.30%Nonprofit Program Manager 30%Music Producer

AI impact by graduate destination

Business and public service associate48%

Sales40%

Science, engineering and technology associate40%

Artistic, literary and media32%

Managers, directors and senior officials30%

🧭 Career Trajectories

This degree creates direct pathways into the jobs market. Explore the full career profiles and AI projections on our sister hub, WhatCareer.

Art Director

£35,000 - £45,000

Design Occupations n.e.c.

£22,000 - £28,000

Nonprofit Program Manager

£30,000 - £40,000

Music Producer

£20,000 - £30,000

Expected Starting Salary

below national median

Typical starting salary for Creative Arts and Design graduates

Start

Sep 2027

Graduate

2030

First job

~2031

£24,000

typical starting salary

£20,000

£26,000

Brightest = where most graduates land · fades where fewer earn that amount

· Creative Arts and Design graduates nationally earn £18,000-£45,000 (1272 courses)

HESA Graduate Outcomes survey · includes all graduates regardless of career path chosen

Where Graduates Work

Top job roles graduates enter after this course

01

Artistic, literary and media occupations

★ Professional

45%

02

Elementary occupations

15%

03

Skilled trades occupations

5%

04

Business and public service associate professionals

★ Professional

5%

05

Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation

5%

06

Managers, directors and senior officials

★ Professional

5%

07

Sales occupations

5%

08

Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

★ Professional

5%

09

Process, plant and machine operatives

5%

10

Teaching Professionals

★ Professional

5%

Explore Career Pathways

Detailed guides and day-in-the-life profiles for careers related to this degree.

Art Director

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Design Occupations n.e.c.

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Nonprofit Program Manager

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Music Producer

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Outcomes

83%

Continuation

65%

Professional Work

45%

Meaningful Role

35%

Career On Track

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BAMusic (Songwriting and Production)

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

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What comes next? 🎓

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