Music (Songwriting) BA
Leeds Conservatoire's campus, United Kingdom
BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting)
Leeds Conservatoire
Music / Songwriting
Program Overview: BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting) at Leeds Conservatoire
The BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting) at Leeds Conservatoire is designed for aspiring songwriters who want to refine their unique style and sound, develop their artistry, and build a sustainable career in the modern music industry. Whether your interests span acoustic to electronic or mainstream to left-field, the program enables you to explore the art and mechanics of songwriting rooted in originality and purpose.
During the degree, you will receive weekly one-to-one tuition with experienced songwriters and enjoy regular timetabled sessions in band practice rooms where you have the creative freedom to craft and perfect your own songs. You will also learn to bring your compositions to life using industry-standard software such as Logic Pro in dedicated Apple Mac Labs.
With over 1,200 students at the conservatoire, you can draw on a diverse community of musicians, producers, and entrepreneurs to assist in performing, producing, and promoting your work. Leeds Conservatoire has over 10 years of experience preparing students for successful careers as writers in the modern music industry through its well-established Popular Music course heritage.
Key Program Highlights
- Weekly one-to-one tuition with professional songwriters and collaborative group writing sessions
- Access to industry-standard recording facilities including Apple Mac Labs with Logic Pro
- Performance opportunities at Leeds venues including Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto
- Part of the UK's largest multidisciplinary conservatoire and a member of the Berklee International Network
Curriculum and Modules
The program is structured across three core strands that span all three years: Specialist Study, Contextual Studies, and Professional Studies. Students focus primarily on their Specialist Study in songwriting, while Contextual Studies develops composition, musicology, and critical listening skills, and Professional Studies builds your skills for working in the creative industries.
Specialist Study Composition 1
Core - Year 1Develop your songwriting craft through individually tailored one-to-one tuition and taught collaborative group writing sessions with professional songwriters, establishing your creative voice and foundational compositional techniques.
Specialist Group Study 1
Core - Year 1Work collaboratively with fellow musicians in ensemble and band settings, gaining experience in writing for yourself, bands, projects, and other artists while developing your performance skills.
Contextual Studies 1
Core - Year 1Build your understanding of musicology, critical listening, and the broader cultural and historical contexts that inform contemporary songwriting practice.
Professional Studies 1: Working in the Creative Industries
Core - Year 1Develop essential business skills and professional knowledge needed to navigate the creative industries, including understanding the music business landscape and career planning.
Specialist Study Composition 2
Core - Year 2Advance your songwriting abilities with more complex compositional techniques, refining your artistic identity and cultivating deeper collaboration skills through advanced one-to-one and group sessions.
Creative Project
Core - Year 1Undertake a creative project that integrates your songwriting, performance, and production skills, allowing you to demonstrate your developing artistry in a self-directed context.
Elective Modules (Available in Years 2 and 3)
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting) at Leeds Conservatoire is competitive and based on a combination of academic qualifications, audition performance, and creative potential. All applications and inquiries should be made through Uni4Edu, who will guide you through every step of the process.
Academic Requirements
- Academic Qualification96 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 studies or equivalent, typically including A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject
- GCSEsMinimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above, or equivalent international qualification
- Musical Performance StandardSongwriters must demonstrate a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 6 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School
- Music TheoryApplied music theory knowledge assessed during audition through questions about theoretical elements of performed pieces
- Audition / PortfolioApplicants must audition, interview, and/or submit a portfolio of songwriting work; online audition submissions are available for international applicants
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.0 with no component below 5.5
- Pre-sessional English (6 weeks)Available for applicants with IELTS 5.5 overall and no skill below 5.0
- Pre-sessional English (12 weeks)Available for applicants with IELTS 5.0 overall and no skill below 4.5
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Leeds Conservatoire offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support talented students, including dedicated funding for international applicants. Awards are typically based on audition performance and creative potential. Contact Uni4Edu to learn more about eligibility and application procedures for these funding opportunities.
Principal's Scholarship (International)
GBP 5,000Eight scholarships of GBP 5,000 are offered annually to new international students starting a 3-year undergraduate course. The award takes the form of a partial tuition fee waiver and is based on audition performance and creative potential.
Audition-Based Scholarship (Home and International)
GBP 1,000 - GBP 7,500Each year, Leeds Conservatoire offers scholarship funding to music students who demonstrate excellence or outstanding potential at audition. Awards range from GBP 1,000 to GBP 7,500 depending on audition scores and demand.
Progression Discount
10% tuition fee discountA 10% tuition fee discount is available for international or home students who progress from an undergraduate course at Leeds Conservatoire onto a postgraduate course at the institution.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates from the BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting) at Leeds Conservatoire go on to a wide variety of careers in the music industry. The conservatoire's strong industry connections with major labels such as Sony/ATV, Universal, Polydor, and Decca, alongside local independent labels, provide students with valuable networking and performance opportunities throughout their studies.
Potential Career Roles
Industry Connections and Employers
Rankings and Recognition
As a specialist conservatoire, Leeds Conservatoire is not typically included in traditional university league tables such as QS or Times Higher Education global rankings. However, it is widely regarded as one of the leading music and performing arts institutions in the UK, and it holds several notable distinctions that reflect the quality of its education and student experience.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Music | Guardian University Guide | #43 |
| Music (NSS Teaching) | Conservatoires UK | Above CUK Average |
| Music (Learning Opportunities) | NSS - Leeds City | #1 in Leeds |
| All-Steinway School Status | Steinway & Sons | Only UK Conservatoire |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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