The pop department trains players, writers, producers, coaches and organisers for the top end of today's music industry and ensures that they quickly feel at home in all aspects of professional practice. An innovative curriculum helps carefully selected talents to develop into creative, independent and professional musicians with their own style, sound and vision. Both the undergraduate and graduate programmes have been assessed as excellent.

The pop department is housed in the middle of bustling Amsterdam. An ideal breeding ground for students with international ambition. This programme is open to guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, drummers and vocalists. Students are expected to be eager and excellent team players. Each student engages intensively in production, songwriting and the business side of professional practice.

Students present their music on renowned national and international stages and perform at well-known showcases and festivals. They also regularly win prizes at competitions such as De Grote Prijs van Nederland and the GRAP Amsterdamse Popprijs. Programmes such as Matthijs Gaat Door, Evers Staat Op, 3FM Serious Talent and Massive Talent also regularly feature students from the pop department.

The Pop Department is housed in the Q-Factory, one of the largest pop venues in Amsterdam. A bustling and inspiring hub where musicians, actors and dancers can rent rooms to rehearse and perform. Pop students have lessons here, record in the studio and regularly perform in the concert hall.