THE FIRST ever university degree based on rap has been launched in the UK.

The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) has decided to host the new course, in a bid to “find the next Stormzy”, The Telegraph reports.

The course will be run by award-winning rapper ShaoDow at its campuses at the University of Birmingham, the University of Guildford and Middlesex University.

ShaoDow has appeared on Radio 1Xtra and opened up for Stormzy in the past. He was also invited into Parliament recently on behalf of grassroots music venues across Britain.

“When I was young, just asking a question about what to do next is worth more than a degree,” he said.

He told the publication that the course would “generate young people who were business minded and talented enough to make a career out of music while paying their fair share of tax”.

ACM’s Technical Studies for Rappers and MC’s course will investigate each strand of rapper’s profession, including the study of the “4 weapons of rap” (lyricism, flow, delivery, and originality).

Students will get to analyse music theory, study the ideologies behind skillful artistry, develop their analytical skills for long and lyric writing, and receive integral guidance on how to hold audiences through effective performance and how to captivate listeners with the art of freestyle.

ACM said in a statement: “Here at ACM, we have been building sustainable, long-lasting careers for its students in all corners of the music industry since 1995. With its innovative learning-by-doing approach, we ensure it brings students fresh knowledge direct from the industry via our world-class tutors, as they teach their students in an industry environment. 

“Partnered with Europe’s largest recording facility, Metropolis Studios, our exclusive industry connections mean that our students receive an unparalleled learning experience, making our graduates highly regarded by music business professionals.”

The course runs for two years, or three years with a foundation course for those without A levels. It will cost up to £11,000 per year, however the government will fund parts of the degree under certain circumstances.