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Leeds Conservatoire

Leeds, England

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

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Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

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BA (Hons) Songwriting

General

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Training

Three-year BA (Hons) Songwriting built around individually tailored one-to-one tuition and taught collaborative group writing sessions with professional songwriters

Year 1 covers Musical Analysis, Musical Contexts, Songwriting 1: Skills, Songwriting 2: Technique, and Songwriting Creative Environments 1 and 2, where you write collaboratively and produce songs using industry-standard DAW software

Year 2 adds Songwriting 3: Artistry, Songwriting 4: Performance, and Songwriting Creative Environments 3 and 4, where you write to commercial briefs and specialise as a Tracker, Topliner, or Allrounder

Year 3 centres on the Major Songwriting Showcase, a portfolio of original artist material, industry-focused songwriting, or a mix of both, alongside the Focus 1 and Focus 2 specialist projects

Professional Development

Industry 1: Infrastructure and Industry 2: Portfolio Skills cover income streams, management, legal frameworks, professional bodies, and the Journalism, Pedagogy, and Musicology disciplines

Industry 3: Strategy and Industry 4: Implementation cover marketing, branding, digital presence, career planning, and income strategies

Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, and input from alumni and industry guests provide insight and mentorship

Facilities

Mac Labs with over 100 high-specification iMacs, MIDI keyboards, and audio interfaces, bookable outside of lessons and equipped with software such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton

Rehearsal suites, industry-standard studios, and fully equipped performance spaces for band practices, showcases, and recording sessions

Songwriting students can join the Contemporary Pop Choir, play the regular student showcase Crosswire, and perform at venues around Leeds including the Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall, Oporto, and Nation of Shopkeepers

School info

Snapshot

Satisfaction

83%

2025, 3 courses, n=75

Continuation

95%

1 yr after entry

Enrollment

1.3K

Earnings

£24k

5yr after

Costs & aid

Home tuition & fees

£9,790

Home students · 2026-2027

International tuition & fees

£21,300

overseas students · 2026-2027

Undergraduate Tuition Fees · leedsconservatoire.ac.uk Discover Uni

Program info updated Oct 6, 2:47 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Three-year BA (Hons) Songwriting built around individually tailored one-to-one tuition and taught collaborative group writing sessions with professional songwriters

Year 3 centres on the Major Songwriting Showcase, a portfolio of original artist material, industry-focused songwriting, or a mix of both, alongside the Focus 1 and Focus 2 specialist projects

Professional Development

Industry 1: Infrastructure and Industry 2: Portfolio Skills cover income streams, management, legal frameworks, professional bodies, and the Journalism, Pedagogy, and Musicology disciplines

Industry 3: Strategy and Industry 4: Implementation cover marketing, branding, digital presence, career planning, and income strategies

Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, and input from alumni and industry guests provide insight and mentorship

Facilities

Mac Labs with over 100 high-specification iMacs, MIDI keyboards, and audio interfaces, bookable outside of lessons and equipped with software such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton

Rehearsal suites, industry-standard studios, and fully equipped performance spaces for band practices, showcases, and recording sessions

Program Highlights

Training

Three-year BA (Hons) Songwriting built around individually tailored one-to-one tuition and taught collaborative group writing sessions with professional songwriters

Year 3 centres on the Major Songwriting Showcase, a portfolio of original artist material, industry-focused songwriting, or a mix of both, alongside the Focus 1 and Focus 2 specialist projects

Professional Development

Industry 1: Infrastructure and Industry 2: Portfolio Skills cover income streams, management, legal frameworks, professional bodies, and the Journalism, Pedagogy, and Musicology disciplines

Industry 3: Strategy and Industry 4: Implementation cover marketing, branding, digital presence, career planning, and income strategies

Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, and input from alumni and industry guests provide insight and mentorship

Facilities

Mac Labs with over 100 high-specification iMacs, MIDI keyboards, and audio interfaces, bookable outside of lessons and equipped with software such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton

Rehearsal suites, industry-standard studios, and fully equipped performance spaces for band practices, showcases, and recording sessions

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

UCAS School Website

Fee

UCAS Fee

£34.50

Deadline

UCAS deadline — application must be processed before the Acceptd audition invitationJan 13, 2027

2027 Entry Deadline For All Undergraduate Courses Except Those With A 15 October Deadline 475546 · ucas.com

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Apply

Acceptd

Auditions

China In-Country Audition application deadlineOct 22, 2026

China In-Country Audition (Guangzhou)Oct 24–25, 2026

China In-Country Audition (Shanghai)Oct 31 – Nov 1, 2026

China In-Country Audition (Beijing)Nov 8, 2026

Our International Activities · leedsconservatoire.ac.uk

Audition Requirements

Songs

In-Person Song Package

Prepare three original songs in total for the audition

At least one song should be played/performed live to demonstrate your ability to play and/or sing, plus compositional strengths and style

We are not necessarily looking for Grade 8 standard here. We simply want to see that you are able to play/perform to a standard that makes your musical ideas clear

Remaining two songs may be played live or brought as recorded versions on a phone or laptop

No band members or accompanists may be brought, but a backing track is welcome for your live performance

A cable and appropriate adapters are provided in the audition room for playing backing tracks off a device such as a phone or laptop through a PA, and a member of staff helps you set this up

All songs should include a live or recorded vocal and lyrics

At least two songs must be written and performed in English

If your third song is written in a language other than English, an English translation should be provided

No songs need to be sent in advance for an in-person audition

Online Song Package

Submit recordings of three full songs written entirely by yourself

At least one song must be a video of you singing it live, or performing it live with an instrument you play; you may submit all songs in this format

Any songs not submitted as videos should be audio recordings with accompanying lyric sheets

Make clear which instrument(s) you are playing on the recording

All submitted songs should include recorded vocal and lyrics

At least two songs must be written and performed in English

If your third song is written in a language other than English, an English translation should be provided as part of the accompanying lyric sheet

Additional Materials

Recorded Interview

Submit a short video (no longer than 10 minutes) with your answers to the following questions (please speak to camera)

Why do you want to study at Leeds Conservatoire?

Who are your influences as a songwriter and how/why do they influence you?

What music are you currently listening to and why?

Tell us about your experience of playing/performing solo/or in bands.

Tell us about your experience of using music recording technologies.

Please briefly analyse one of your audition pieces/songs to demonstrate your knowledge of music theory.

Tell us about an issue facing songwriters that you think is particularly important at the moment.

Why do you believe we should offer you a place? What can you bring to the conservatoire?

What do you want to do once you've finished your studies?

Video Specifications

Online Video Setup

At least one song recording must be a video of you singing live or performing live with an instrument

Performance location is flexible, including live on stage or at home

If the video includes more than one performer, make clear which performer is you

You may perform as a soloist or with accompaniment

Ba Songwriting 2027 Audition Guide.Pdf · leedsconservatoire.ac.uk

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Applications for 2027 entry (study starts September 2027) are made via UCAS Undergraduate, not UCAS Conservatoires

UCAS Institution Code: L30

UCAS Course Code: W310 (three years)

After Leeds processes your UCAS application and reviews your entry requirements, you receive an email with instructions to send your audition materials or book an in-person audition; both are handled through Acceptd once you have a Leeds Conservatoire ID Number

Clearing applicants may use a Clearing ID in Acceptd before submitting through UCAS

Important Notes

Leeds Conservatoire does not charge audition fees for undergraduate or postgraduate courses

Help may be available where finances are a barrier to attending in-person auditions at Leeds

Transfer Pathway

Leeds publishes Year 2 and Year 3 transfer entry for Songwriting applicants, with transfer students enrolling onto BA Music (Songwriting). The school notes that this route uses different module specifications from the newer BA (Hons) Songwriting course.

Ba Hons Songwriting · leedsconservatoire.ac.uk

What's The Process

Audition Process

Applicants may audition online via portfolio submission or in person on campus

After UCAS application processing and entry-requirement review, Leeds emails instructions to send audition materials or book an in-person audition

UCAS is updated with the conservatoire's decision after review

Short interview follows performance of your material

Discuss influences, approach, ambitions, pieces, compositions, songs, technical process, creative process, and compositional process

Music theory questions do not involve reading sheet music or notation

Be prepared to discuss songs in theoretical terms such as key, song structure, chord progression, melodic repetition, and melodic shape

Audition Expectations

30 minutes of warm-up time in a practice room

Approximately 30-minute individual audition with two staff members in a band room

Audition looks for individual musical skills, creativity, and enthusiasm for songwriting

Audition room includes piano, guitar and bass amps, drum kit, PA, and microphone

Contact

Admissions@lcm.ac.uk

School info

Snapshot

Satisfaction

83%

2025, 3 courses, n=75

Continuation

95%

1 yr after entry

Enrollment

1.3K

Earnings

£24k

5yr after

Costs & aid

Home tuition & fees

£9,790

Home students · 2026-2027

International tuition & fees

£21,300

overseas students · 2026-2027

Undergraduate Tuition Fees · leedsconservatoire.ac.uk Discover Uni

Training

Three-year BA (Hons) Songwriting built around individually tailored one-to-one tuition and taught collaborative group writing sessions with professional songwriters

Year 3 centres on the Major Songwriting Showcase, a portfolio of original artist material, industry-focused songwriting, or a mix of both, alongside the Focus 1 and Focus 2 specialist projects

Professional Development

Industry 1: Infrastructure and Industry 2: Portfolio Skills cover income streams, management, legal frameworks, professional bodies, and the Journalism, Pedagogy, and Musicology disciplines

Industry 3: Strategy and Industry 4: Implementation cover marketing, branding, digital presence, career planning, and income strategies

Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, and input from alumni and industry guests provide insight and mentorship

Facilities

Mac Labs with over 100 high-specification iMacs, MIDI keyboards, and audio interfaces, bookable outside of lessons and equipped with software such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton

Rehearsal suites, industry-standard studios, and fully equipped performance spaces for band practices, showcases, and recording sessions

Updated Oct 6, 2:47 PM