Spring Break in the UK:
The Beatles in Liverpool
The Beatles are the most important band in the history of Rock and Roll. The songwriting, film and pop culture output of the band changed the course of popular music in the 20th century and influenced most musicians that followed. The Beatles in Liverpool gives interested students the opportunity for intensive study of the influence of The Beatles on music and popular culture while studying on site in Liverpool, UK. The course will include lectures by experts in the field of Beatles Studies and popular music, visits to museums dedicated to the Beatles and experiential learning through interaction with partners dedicated to educating students.
This course will examine, through intensive study in the city of Liverpool, U.K., the cultural phenomena of The Beatles from their early history as a band through the end of their regular collaboration in 1970. The course will include lecture from experts in the field of Beatles study and on-site visits to locations important to the development of the most important band in the history of Rock music.
By participating in this program, students will learn:
- Familiarity with The Beatles’ significant and impactful creative output (music and films)
- Understanding of the impact the Beatles had on popular music and culture of their day and through the current day
- Understanding of the people and places in Liverpool that shaped the group and the four individual members of the Beatles through interaction with experts in the field of Beatles studies and visits to the important locations in Liverpool, UK.
- A research project that will be completed during the Spring term and submitted on Blackboard by May 15th, 2026.
Credit/Registration: Students will be registered for MUSC T380, 3 credits as part of their spring term course load. Students must leave room for the credits in their credit load when registering for spring term, or will be billed for credits exceeding the 20 credit maximum.
Instructor: Scott Bacon, sdb33@drexel.edu. Associate Teaching Professor in Music. Professor Bacon teaches courses in Rock Music, American Popular Music, Percussion, Introduction to Music, and the Music of The Beatles.
Pre-requisite: None; all majors are welcome to apply.
Arrival Date: March 21, 2026
Departure Date: March 27, 2026
*Students will likely need to leave on March 20 to arrive on March 21. Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates. Note: program starts in Liverpool. Students can either fly to London and take a 3 hr train to Liverpool, or fly into Manchester and take a 30-60 min train to Liverpool. A suggested flight itinerary will be provided.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Independent arrivals to Liverpool
Afternoon self-guided tour
Meet local guide for dinner
Welcome dinner at local restaurant
After dinner your local guide will take you on a walking tour of Liverpool's music clubs
Overnight in Liverpool
Day 2
Breakfast at hotel
Lecture with local expert - The Beatles Story
Admissions to British Music Experience
Overnight in Liverpool
Day 3
Breakfast at hotel
Lecture with local expert - The Beatles Story
Train from Liverpool Central → Liverpool South Parkway
Beatles Childhood Homes Tour - Beatles Childhood Homes
Overnight in Liverpool
Day 4
Breakfast at hotel
Lecture with local expert - The Beatles Story
Fab 4 Taxi Tours - Deluxe Tour including Tour of the Casbah Coffee Club
All day pass at the Cavern Club
Overnight in Liverpool
Day 5
Breakfast at hotel
Lecture with local expert - The Beatles Story
Local Guide - Hidden Gems Tour
Overnight in Liverpool
Day 6
Breakfast at hotel
Admission to the Beatles Museum
Farewell Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight in London
Day 7
Breakfast at hotel
Independent departures to airport for return flight home
Due Nov 13, 2026: $700 Advance Payment + $25 Application Fee
Due Jan 15, 2026: $3,030 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons
Included in Program Fee:
- 6 nights hotel accommodations
- Local transport
- Co-curricular activities, tours, site visits
- Guest lectures
- Breakfast daily and 2 other group meals
- On Call Emergency Assistance Insurance
Not Included in Program Fee:
- Round trip airfare to UK
- Transport from airport to Liverpool
- Passport
- Lunches and dinners
- Spending money
- Electronic Travel Authorizarion
ICA Financial Aid: Students may request an Adjusted Cost of Attendance by submitting the ICA program fee and estimated out of pocket expenses listed above to Drexel Central (via askdrexel). Doing so could make students’ eligible for additional financial aid. Students may also be eligible to apply for Drexel's
ICA Scholarships.
- US citizens are not required to obtain a visa, but must obtain an ETA (~$25). Other nationalities must check the UK Consulate website for visa requirements.
- A suggested flight itinerary will be provided. Students are responsible for booking their flights.
Grading Scale
A+ = 98-100%
A = 93-97%
A- = 90-92%
B+ = 87-89%
B = 83-86%
B- = 80-82%
C+ = 77-79%
C = 73-76%
C- = 70-72%
D+ = 67-69%
D = 60-66%
F = 59% and below
