Music (Songwriting) (with Foundation Year) BA
Leeds Conservatoire's campus, United Kingdom
Music (Songwriting) (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)
Leeds Conservatoire
Music — Songwriting
Program Overview — BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting) with Foundation Year
The BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting) with Foundation Year at Leeds Conservatoire is a four-year integrated degree designed for aspiring songwriters who want to develop their craft while building a strong musical foundation. The additional Foundation Year provides an extra year of conservatoire study, including specialist one-to-one tuition, music theory development, and strengthened academic skills before progressing to the full three-year BA pathway.
Throughout the degree, you will receive weekly one-to-one tuition with experienced professional songwriters and regular timetabled sessions in band practice rooms where you can craft and perfect your own songs. You will also develop proficiency in industry-standard recording software such as Logic Pro, using the conservatoire's Apple Mac Labs to bring your compositions to life.
Leeds Conservatoire is the largest multidisciplinary conservatoire in the UK, with over a decade of experience preparing songwriting students for careers in the modern music industry. The conservatoire holds All-Steinway School status and is a member of the Berklee International Network, offering a rich collaborative environment with partnerships including Opera North, Leeds Playhouse, and the International Songwriting Camp.
Key Program Highlights
- Weekly one-to-one tuition with professional songwriters alongside collaborative group writing sessions
- Access to industry-standard facilities including Apple Mac Labs with Logic Pro and professional recording studios
- Integrated Foundation Year providing an additional year to develop musicianship, theory, and academic skills
- Strong industry partnerships with organisations such as Opera North, Ivors Academy, and Sound City Festival
Curriculum and Modules
The programme is structured across four levels, beginning with the Foundation Year (Level 3) and progressing through Levels 4, 5, and 6. Each year features three core strands: Specialist Study (one-to-one and group songwriting tuition), Contextual Studies (composition, musicology, and critical listening), and Professional Studies (career and business skills for the creative industries).
Specialist Study Composition Foundation
Foundation YearDevelop your songwriting craft through specialist one-to-one tuition and creative workshops during the Foundation Year, building the musicianship and confidence needed to progress to the full BA programme.
Specialist Study Composition 1
Level 4Advance your songwriting skills through individually tailored one-to-one tuition, exploring song structure, lyric writing, melody construction, and developing your unique creative voice.
Specialist Group Study
Levels 4-6Collaborative ensemble study where you develop your skills as a co-writer and collaborator, crafting songs for yourself, bands, projects, and other artists in timetabled band practice rooms.
Contextual Studies
Levels 3-6Build your understanding of composition, musicology, and critical listening, with optional modules at higher levels including Arranging and Orchestration, Music for the Moving Image, and Collaborative Composition.
Professional Studies
Levels 4-6Develop essential business and career skills for the creative industries, covering topics such as self-promotion, music marketing, business start-up, and working within the professional music sector.
Final Project
Level 6A capstone project in your final year where you produce a substantial body of original songwriting work, demonstrating your artistic identity, technical proficiency, and professional readiness.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting) with Foundation Year is based on a combination of academic qualifications and creative potential assessed through an audition or portfolio submission. The Foundation Year route is designed for students who are committed to conservatoire study but may not yet meet the standard entry requirements for the three-year BA. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on your application.
Academic Requirements
- Academic Entry (Foundation Year)64 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 studies or equivalent, normally including A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject
- GCSEsMinimum of three GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English Language
- Audition / PortfolioAll applicants must attend an audition or submit a portfolio of original songwriting work
- Music Graded ExamsUCAS tariff points from graded music exams (Grade 6 and above) awarded by ABRSM, Trinity College, London College of Music, or Rock School are also accepted
- International QualificationsEquivalent international qualifications are accepted; contact Uni4Edu for assessment of your specific credentials
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.0 with no sub-test less than 5.5
- UK ApplicantsGCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills English Level 2)
- Other TestsEquivalent English language qualifications accepted; contact Uni4Edu for details
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 financial support to help talented international students pursue their songwriting studies. All international Foundation Year students are eligible for a first-year discount, and additional merit-based scholarships are available. Contact Uni4Edu for full details on available funding opportunities and application procedures.
Principal's Scholarship (Undergraduate)
GBP 5,000A prestigious merit-based scholarship awarded to exceptionally deserving international students based on audition performance and personal statement. Multiple scholarships are available each year for new undergraduate students.
International Foundation Year Discount
GBP 4,000All international Foundation Year students receive a tuition fee discount in their first year of study, helping to make the Foundation Year route more accessible for international applicants.
Alumni Progression Discount
10% tuition fee reductionGraduates of Leeds Conservatoire undergraduate programmes who progress to a postgraduate course at the conservatoire receive a 10% discount on tuition fees, supporting continued musical development.
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 of the BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting) programme at Leeds Conservatoire enter a wide range of careers across the music and creative industries. According to Discover Uni data, 95% of Music graduates from Leeds Conservatoire go on to work or further study within 15 months of completing their course. The conservatoire's Enterprise and Employability team provides lifelong career support including a musicians' booking agency, career mentoring, and industry networking opportunities.
Potential Career Paths
Industry Partners and Potential Employers
Rankings and Recognition
As a specialist conservatoire, Leeds Conservatoire is not typically included in mainstream university league tables such as QS or Times Higher Education world rankings. However, it holds a strong reputation as the largest multidisciplinary conservatoire in the UK, with notable recognition in national subject rankings and student satisfaction surveys. The conservatoire is a member of Conservatoires UK and the European Association of Conservatoires.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Music | Guardian University League Tables | #43 |
| Music | The Times / Sunday Times | #70 |
| Assessment and Feedback | NSS — Conservatoires UK | #1 among CUK members |
| Music — Learning Opportunities | NSS — Leeds City | #1 in Leeds |
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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