Choices

Step 2: Applying

In this section you select the courses and conservatoires to which you are applying. You can specify up to six choices. A 'choice' is defined as a single course at a single conservatoire.

If you are not sure which level of course you should apply for, please contact the conservatoire direct to discuss. In general, however, you only need to apply to the highest level of course in which you are interested at any individual conservatoire. For example, if you want to study at postgraduate level and are not sure if you are qualified to apply for a postgraduate diploma or a master's degree, you should apply only for the master's degree. Similarly, if you want to study at undergraduate level and are not sure if you are qualified to apply for a foundation degree or a BMus degree, you should apply only for the BMus degree.

The conservatoire will be able to advise you before you apply and also make the final decision about which course would be the most appropriate for you at audition or interview.

Contact details can be found in our conservatoire map>>

Study Type

For each choice you enter we will ask you to select a study type. The study type options depend on the conservatoire and course that you have selected.conducting masterclass

For music courses there will be one or more of the following for you to select:

  • Main Instrument Study - you want to study one instrument only. For example, piano.
  • Joint Main Instrument Study - you want to study two instruments both as main instruments. For example, piano and violin.
  • Secondary Instrument Study - you want to study two instruments, but one as your main instrument and the other as a secondary instrument. For example, piano as your main instrument and violin as your secondary instrument.
  • Alternative Instrument Study - you want to study one main instrument but are offering two instruments for the conservatoire to consider. For example, piano or violin.

For dance, drama, screen and production courses Main Instrument Study will be the only option available.

When you have entered the conservatoire, course code and study type you must enter:

  • one or two instruments in the main instrument/discipline* and secondary instrument/discipline(*) fields - depending on the study type you selected. Click '?' next to the instrument/discipline field(s). If you are applying for music courses select the instrument(s) from the list(s) provided. If you are applying for a dance or drama course, select the appropriate dance or drama option.
  • Audition method*
  • Point of entry
  • If you have previously applied to this course
  • Where you heard about the course.

Audition Method

For each choice you need to select a location for your audition.

If you live outside the UK and cannot attend one of the overseas audition locations offered by the conservatoire, you can send a recording or video and should select 'Recording'.

You may need to have more than one audition/interview, depending on the conservatoire's audition policy, and the study type and course you have selected:

  • Main Instrument Study - one audition will be needed.
  • Joint Main Instrument Study - two auditions, one for each instrument, will be needed.
  • Secondary Instrument Study - some conservatoires will audition on your main instrument only, whereas others will audition on both your main and secondary Instrument.
  • Alternative Instrument Study - two auditions, one for each instrument, will be needed.

Criminal convictions declaration

As part of your application you will be required to declare whether you have any relevant unspent criminal convictions. The help text in Apply explains what is classed as a relevant unspent conviction.

In addition, some courses have entry requirements which might require you to disclose further information regarding any past criminal activities, and may also require a criminal records check. If you choose a course that requires this information, you'll be asked to tick a box if you have any spent or unspent convictions or other punishments that would show up on a criminal records check. There's full help text in Apply to explain what is classed as a spent or unspent conviction.