On Friday 1st May the Hope University's third year radio team held a farewell show.

Listen to their valedictory show here: part 1 part 2

Liverpool Hope University has launched a brand new MA in The Beatles, Popular Music and Society, the first of its kind in the world.

The new course, which can be studied both full and part time, covers four modules with specific issues relating to The Beatles and Popular Music, consisting of four 12-week taught modules, plus a dissertation.

Mike Brocken, Senior Lecturer in Popular Music at Hope, said 'There have been over 8,000 books about The Beatles but there has never been serious academic study and that is what we are going to address.

'Forty years on from their break-up, now is the right time and LIverpool is the right place to study The Beatles. This MA is expected to attract a great deal of attention, not just locally but nationally and we have already had enquiries from abroad, particularly the United States.

''The Beatles, Popular Music and Society' marks a seminal advance in popular music studies. For the first time in the UK and possibly the world, a postgraduate taught course is offered to research into The Beatles, the city from which they emerged, the contexts of the 1960s, technology, sound and songwriting and the industries that have set up in their wake to capitalise on tourism in the city of Liverpool.'

For further information, please call the postgraduate enquiry line on 0151 291 3389.

Course Information (pdf)

How to Apply

Press Reaction: Guardian Article / Daily Mail Article / Beatles News

In mid October Radio Hope ran a series of events for Amnesty International’s Protect the Human Week. It was a big success.

Each day we held free talks given by Amnesty International campaigners on their specialist areas including Humans Rights and Business, Violence Against Women, Terrorism, Children's Rights and Palestine's New Apartheid. These talks were eye opening and emotional in equal measure. We hope the students and staff who attended will become active in their desire to end human rights violations.

The aim of the events was to raise money as well as awareness and the week was rounded off by a big party in the Derwent Bar. And what a fabulous night it was. Over 200 students turned up to enjoy two live bands, a comedy act and a disco provided by Radio Hope until 1am. The Comedy Store's Slaughterhouse Live sketch team kicked off the night with a hilarious and interactive sing-along before the mighty Black Ties took to the stage. The band comprising of Craig, Mike and Danny - three former Hope music students - are without a doubt the best covers band you will ever see and got people dancing almost immediately. Then there was the amazing GK & The Renegades. This band from Liverpool blew the place apart with a set packed with first class indie-pop corkers. This is a band that, if there is any justice, will be huge.

The night raised just over £400 for Amnesty International and we would like to thank the SU, Bishop Ian (for sanctioning the late bar), the bands and all the Amnesty International Speakers for making Radio Hope’s Protect the Human week such a success.