Who this route is for
A singer-songwriter who wants vocal technique and original repertoire to develop together.
Point Blank London · original voice and songs
Vocal Performance & Songwriting
Vocal Performance & Songwriting puts the performed and written song at the centre. It develops vocal musicianship, live and studio technique, lyric and melody writing, collaboration and a final showcase, making it a closer fit for a singer-songwriter than a route led by engineering or DJ systems.
Independent guidance by GUGAWhat must be checked
The current audition format, repertoire, technical rules, deadline and how the creative assessment fits the academic application.
Your next useful step
GUGA Education can verify the current brief, compare this route with production-led alternatives, review your evidence and coordinate the academic and admissions steps.
What Vocal Performance & Songwriting covers—and who it suits
This audition route is available as a three-year BA or a one-year CertHE; no accelerated option is listed. A typical week combines two classes with vocal, writing and performance practice.
Good fit if…
- A singer-songwriter who wants vocal technique and original repertoire to develop together.
- A vocalist who wants to move from interpreting other writers' work into credible co-writing and authorship.
- An applicant ready for an audition and for regular feedback on both performance and unfinished songs.
Compare another route if…
- Music Production & Vocal Performance: Compare this if producing and engineering the voice matters more than building a songwriting catalogue.
- Music Production & Songwriting: Compare this if the song and its production should be assessed more heavily than your vocal performance.
Typical timetable: Two classes per week, plus vocal, writing and performance practice
Qualifications, duration and published tuition
| Qualification | Duration | Mode | UCAS code | Home fee / year | International fee / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Vocal Performance & Songwriting | 3 years | Standard | VPS3 | £9,790 | £15,750 |
| CertHE Vocal Performance & Songwriting | 1 year | Standard | VPS1 | £9,790 | £15,750 |
This GUGA guide uses the partner prospectus and current published programme information. Details can change; GUGA rechecks the applicant’s chosen route before submission.
Modules and course structure
Level 4
- Music Production
- Vocal Performance
- Songwriting Principles
- Vocal Musicianship
- Songwriting Styles
- Audio Recording
Level 5
- Lyrics
- Live Vocal Techniques
- Melody Writing
- Studio Vocal Techniques
- Co-writing & Collaboration
- Music Business for Artists
Level 6
- Advanced Composition
- Session Singing & Improvisation
- Songwriting Bootcamp
- Professional Portfolio (I)
- Professional Portfolio (II)
- Showcase
Module titles are indicative and can change. GUGA checks the current structure before an application is submitted.
Entry requirements and application materials
The family lists a three-year BA (Hons) and a one-year CertHE, with an audition required. There is no accelerated BA in the verified dataset. Treat academic eligibility, English, audition and any written or recorded evidence as separate workstreams, and verify the exact creative-assessment instructions for the selected route and intake.
The published standard degree-entry benchmark is 112 UCAS points, A Levels BBC or BTEC DMM, plus GCSE English at 4/C. Other routes can be accepted, so GUGA checks the equivalency of your education separately.
Creative audition: the vocal route involves performance assessment; confirm the exact format and material for the relevant intake.
English-language benchmark
The published benchmark is IELTS for UKVI Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. CertHE applicants using the Student Visa route may need an approved SELT. GUGA checks your specific case rather than applying one threshold to everyone.
How to prepare a portfolio, audition or motivation
Prepare contrasting performances that sit safely in your range and a small set of complete original songs with transparent credits. Let recordings reveal timing, intonation, phrasing and lyrical communication without processing that misrepresents the voice. For co-writes, state exactly what you contributed and retain readable lyrics and stable links.
Planning the full study budget
Published tuition is only one part of the budget. Accommodation, travel, equipment, software, immigration and personal costs can be separate.
Information checked 1 September 2026. Before submission, we recheck fee status, the current amount, any deposit and payment timing.
Possible career directions
Possible directions include singer-songwriter, recording or live artist, session singer, topliner, vocal producer, arranger and other collaborative artist roles. The field depends on sustainable technique, a growing catalogue and professional relationships; the course cannot guarantee a contract, audience or stable income.
- Singer-songwriter
- Recording artist
- Vocal performer
- Topliner
- Vocal producer
- Session singer
- Vocal arranger
- Creative artist manager
These are possible directions, not promised outcomes. Experience, portfolio quality, network and location all affect employability.
Broader guides for choosing your direction
These articles answer broader questions about subject choice and career direction. This page remains the source for exact programme-specific facts.
Compare another route if…
Common questions about the programme
Does Vocal Performance & Songwriting require an audition?
Yes, the family is marked as an audition route. Confirm the current repertoire, live or recorded format, number and length of pieces, accompaniment rules and deadline before recording.
Must I already have original songs?
The exact admissions brief must be checked. Because songwriting is central to the curriculum, even early complete work can help you assess fit and explain your readiness more convincingly.
How is this different from Music Production & Vocal Performance?
Vocal Performance & Songwriting gives greater weight to lyrics, melody, co-writing and a song catalogue. Music Production & Vocal Performance adds more production, engineering and mixing responsibility around the voice.
Can I take an accelerated degree?
No accelerated variant is listed for this family. The verified choices are the three-year BA and one-year CertHE, subject to current availability.
Which start dates are listed?
October 2026 and October 2027 are listed. Audition and application schedules may begin earlier, so the start date should not be treated as the deadline.
GUGA Education
Make the audition and song portfolio tell the same honest story
GUGA Education can verify the current brief, compare this route with production-led alternatives, review your evidence and coordinate the academic and admissions steps.
No external university link is needed: GUGA checks programme fit, academic and English documents, portfolio or audition evidence, the current deadline, fee status and full budget, then coordinates submission.
Editorial source note. Point Blank states that it holds Full Degree Awarding Powers and awards qualifications subject to internal validation. This GUGA guide uses the partner prospectus and current published programme information. Details can change; GUGA rechecks the applicant’s chosen route before submission.