Postgraduate study
It’s time to master your career
Develop yourself academically, creatively and professionally after your undergraduate degree with an innovative postgraduate degree course. A master’s is an exciting prospect that can take your career ambitions to the next level – and give you a real edge in the job market.
What is a master’s?
An MA (Master of Arts) is an advanced academic degree designed for post-compulsory education. It builds on either your existing bachelor’s degree or professional experience. An MA can also be referred to as:
- A master’s degree
- A ‘postgraduate degree’
- Or even ‘postgraduate study’
These courses are often more autonomous than undergraduate degree courses. For example, you’ll generally be given the chance to do more independent research and learning, developing and engaging in specific areas to acquire a more specialised understanding of your subject area or profession.
Key facts
Industry-led and 100% relevant.
Well-balanced classes – a mix of theory and practical study.
The skills, tools and knowledge needed to develop yourself academically, creatively and professionally.
The opportunity to work in a vibrant postgraduate student community.
The ability to collaborate on a range of creative and entrepreneurial projects.
1 year full-time or 2 year part-time study options available.
Studying a postgraduate course is an exciting prospect. Having a master’s qualification demonstrates to employers that you have the commitment, determination and passion for advancing your ability in a chosen area.
If you’re considering a postgraduate degree but you’re not quite sure whether it’s right for you, here are the biggest benefits of studying an MA:
Advance in your chosen career – professionally and financially
Having a master’s can improve your career prospects. It gives you the further knowledge you might need to apply for advanced positions in your company or industry. What’s more, people with master’s tend to earn more on average than those with a bachelor’s degree.
Flexible learning – develop yourself in your own time
You can choose to study full-time over a year or part-time over two years – meaning you don’t have to put your career on hold or give up the day job if you don’t want to.
Make important connections
When you study for a master’s degree, you connect with people professionally and have the chance to network in your chosen field. Our MA Popular Music Practice course allows you to work together with other students from different fields.
Additionally, all internal BIMM University Berlin industry engagement opportunities, available to undergraduate students, are also available to postgraduate students. This means you can strengthen your network and participate in performances, masterclasses and work based learning to give you the best springboard into a sustainable career once your studies are complete, and remain part of the BIMM University network via our BIMM Connect graduate platform.
Explore your interests in more depth
If you have a passionate academic interest, a master’s is perfect for satisfying your curiosity. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to pursue your subject from different angles, and you’re guaranteed to know your chosen subject inside-out at the end of your course.
Gain the necessary tools to make that dream career change
If you’re thinking of switching careers (or have a dream role in mind), a master’s can help get you there. After all, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and confidence under your belt to go after what you want.
Having a master’s to your name can also give you the edge in a crowded job market and make your resume stand out among those with an undergraduate degree.
Become a leader in your chosen field
On our master’s courses in music and film, you’ll be taught by the best in the business. And you’ll have the opportunity to become a contributor in your field yourself, not just a learner.
You will be able to work on your own creative and entrepreneurial projects, developing independent ideas and research in the areas of contemporary music that interest you: Entrepreneurship, Performance, Production and Composition.
Although your final award will bear one of these titles, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different areas of your practice whilst studying.
The innovative MA Popular Music Practice provides fantastic opportunities for you to explore your own specialism within popular music in line with your personal career aspirations. It allows you to stand apart from others in your chosen field and lead the discussion in contemporary music.
You are a popular music practitioner – either a performer, producer, composer or entrepreneur – with innovative ideas and a desire to work together with students from different fields.
During your MA, we’ll help you to turn your ideas into reality. We’ll introduce you to cutting-edge research and assist you with broadening your network within the industry.
Take the next step
Studying the MA Popular Music Practice is the next step if you want to further develop yourself academically, creatively and professionally after your degree.
This one-of-a-kind MA Screen & Film Production course puts you and your aspirations at the centre of your learning, whilst refining your chosen specialist pathway.
Our cutting-edge industry-led course allows you to design and realise your own educational experience. Whether you want to write, direct, edit or produce, our flexible and bespoke course will give you the opportunity to bring your skills to the fore and demonstrate your passion for your chosen craft.
Industry engagement is embedded into your MA course. There will also be further opportunities for additional work experience through our range of highly reputable industry partners.
- What are the entry requirements?
- Can I apply as an international student?
- Can I apply as a mature student or if I didn’t study my degree at BIMM University Berlin?
- Do I need to provide an academic reference? What if I’ve studied a long time ago and cannot provide one?
- Do I need to submit a personal statement as part of my application?
- What’s the deadline to apply?
- How long does it take to hear back about my application?
- How long does it take to hear back after my interview?
- Can I defer my place on the course?
- What is the timetable like – how many hours of contact time will I have each week?
- Music is my passion, but I don’t have a degree in music or play an instrument. Do you think BIMM University Berlin is suitable for me?
- What are the career opportunities after graduation?
- Can I get a loan to cover tuition fees?
- Can I pay the fees in instalments?
- What facilities and services will I have access to?
What are the entry requirements?
A good degree (normally 2.2 or above) or significant experience in a relevant field. All applicants will be subject to interview and a portfolio may also be requested for Recognition of Prior Certified or Experiential Learning (RPCEL).
If you are not sure if your qualifications meet our criteria, then please contact admissions@bimm-berlin.de.
Can I apply as an international student?
Yes, BIMM University Berlin is proud to welcome students from a diverse range of nationalities and backgrounds. You will be joining a student community comprising over 50 different nationalities if you choose to study at BIMM University Berlin.
International students may require a student visa in order to study. Information on how to apply for this and your options to work during your studies can be found here.
Overseas students may be required to meet a minimum English language requirement of an Academic IELTS 6.5. We require a minimum of 6.0 to be achieved in each band.
Can I apply as a mature student or if I didn’t study my degree at BIMM University Berlin?
Yes, of course, many of our students for undergraduate and postgraduate courses have varying academic experiences, and we have a broad range of student ages studying at BIMM University Berlin currently.
Do I need to provide an academic reference? What if I’ve studied a long time ago and cannot provide one?
We ask for two referees, one of which should be able to comment on your academic ability to succeed on the course. This supports your application process.
If you have either studied or worked some time ago and cannot provide these, then please contact the Admissions Team via admissions@bimm-institute.de.
Do I need to submit a personal statement as part of my application?
Yes, two personal statements are required:
• Personal statement 1 (500 words or less): Which creative, academic and/ or professional experiences have influenced your decision to apply to the MA Popular Music Practice programme?
• Personal statement 2 (300 words or less): What do you wish to achieve through undertaking the MA Popular Music Practice programme?
It may be more convenient to draft these in advance before completing the Postgraduate Online Application Form, and having a colleague/ friend/ family member look over them. We are happy to see the use of academic (Harvard) referencing where appropriate, and if you feel this supports your personal statements.
What’s the deadline to apply?
Applications must be received by the 18 July 2023 for courses starting in September 2023. We however recommend submitting your application before the final deadline as course places may be limited by this date. Please find an overview of recommended deadlines here.
You can apply directly to BIMM University Berlin by creating an applicant account and submitting an online application form.
How long does it take to hear back about my application?
Our Admissions Team checks enquiries daily and would normally be able to respond to your application within 2 working days of receipt. The team will then be in touch regarding the next steps, such as booking your interview.
How long does it take to hear back after my interview?
You will likely hear on the day, but in some cases the course team will consider your application for longer. We aim to respond within seven days at the latest.
Can I defer my place on the course?
Yes, we will hold your place on the course for one year on payment of your deposit. Should you wish to study at a later date than this, you are welcome to reapply for a place when convenient. Please note that fees or entrance criteria may be updated in this time.
Your recommendation which you receive is also valid for the current and following academic terms. This means that if you are to stop your application after receiving an offer, but then reapply the following year, you would receive an offer on application.
What is the timetable like – how many hours of contact time will I have each week?
Timetables are made available during enrolment. Every effort is made to make the timetables as student friendly as possible. Full-time students will have around 5.5 class contact hours per week and classes are likely to be timetabled as one afternoon and one evening per week.
In addition, there will be guest lectures, industry engagement sessions, study Saturdays, self-directed industry engagement time, and 30-hours of 1:1 tutorials.
Music is my passion, but I don’t have a degree in music or play an instrument. Do you think BIMM University Berlin is suitable for me?
Yes, as the MA Popular Music Practice is set up for people passionate about music but from all different kinds of creative backgrounds.
You will collaborate with other students from different nationalities, backgrounds and age, and enjoy access to the same industry engagement and employability opportunities as our Undergraduate students. You will also continue to remain part of the BIMM University Berlin network after you complete the course via our BIMM Connect graduate service.
What are the career opportunities after graduation?
You will be qualified to work as an advanced practitioner or educator/researcher within the field of popular music practice and related creative industries.
Can I get a loan to cover tuition fees?
The UK Postgraduate Loan is not available for UK students choosing postgraduate study at BIMM University Berlin in Germany.
However, dependent on your nationality, there may be local funding options available which cover fees or your living costs during your studies. Please find an overview here.
Can I pay the fees in instalments?
BIMM University Berlin accepts the payment of fees in monthly instalments, which may help make the fee payment process easier. If you opt to pay your fees in instalments then these repayments will begin in October and run through in 10x monthly payments until July.
Further details on the repayment option are available here.
What facilities and services will I have access to?
• Postgraduate study space and facilities
• Careers and employability opportunities
• End of term gig and showcase opportunities
• Access to online library and core reading material, and a graduate journal database
• Access to NVIVO research software
• Tutorials and supervision with expert practitioners in the field of education
Any questions?
For questions on how BIMM University Berlin can prepare you for a career in music or film, or if you’d like more information on how to apply, please contact our Admissions Team on +49 (0)30 311 99 186 or email admissions@bimm-institute.de.
