Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
London, United Kingdom
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
London, United Kingdom
Founded
1872 / 2005
Institution Type
Specialist Conservatoire
Total Students
1,300+
QS Performing Arts
#11 (2025)
Discover Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Discover Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is a specialist conservatoire based in South East London, formed in 2005 through the merger of Trinity College of Music (founded 1872) and the Laban Dance Centre (founded 1946). It is the UK's only conservatoire combining music, contemporary dance, and musical theatre under one institution, offering a uniquely collaborative creative environment.
The conservatoire provides training across classical music, jazz, popular music, composition, musical theatre, contemporary dance, dance science, choreography, and music education. With over 1,300 students from more than 60 countries studying across three campuses in Greenwich, Deptford, and New Cross, Trinity Laban fosters a diverse and international creative community.
Trinity Laban holds degree-awarding powers granted by the Privy Council and is recognised as a world-leading specialist provider by the Office for Students. The conservatoire has established academic partnerships with institutions including Beijing Dance Academy, KM Music Conservatory, and the University of Melbourne, alongside industry partnerships with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Studio Wayne McGregor.
Key Milestones
- 1872: Trinity College of Music founded in central London by Reverend Henry George Bonavia Hunt to improve the teaching of church music.
- 1946: The Art of Movement Studio (later Laban Dance Centre) established in Manchester by Rudolf Laban and Lisa Ullmann.
- 2003: The Laban Building in Deptford, designed by Herzog and de Meuron, wins the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize for Architecture.
- 2005: Trinity College of Music and Laban merge to form Trinity Laban, the UK's first conservatoire of music and dance.
Academic Structure and Programmes
Academic Structure and Programmes
Trinity Laban's academic offering is organised around three core faculties, each providing specialist training from undergraduate through to doctoral level. The conservatoire's unique combination of disciplines encourages cross-art-form collaboration, enabling students to develop innovative creative practices that span music, dance, and musical theatre.
Faculty of Music
The Faculty of Music offers comprehensive training for performers, composers, and music educators. Based at King Charles Court in Greenwich, students benefit from tuition by professorial staff who are acclaimed soloists or members of leading London orchestras and opera companies.
- BMus (Hons) Music Performance
- MMus (Performance, Composition, Jazz)
- MA Music Education and Performance
Faculty of Dance
One of Europe's leading centres for professional contemporary dance training, the Faculty of Dance is housed in the award-winning Laban Building in Deptford. Students train in purpose-built studios and develop skills in performance, choreography, and dance science.
- BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance
- MA Dance Performance
- MSc Dance Science
Faculty of Musical Theatre
Based at Laurie Grove in New Cross, the Faculty of Musical Theatre provides intensive training that integrates singing, acting, and dance. Students perform at dedicated London theatres including venues in the West End alongside the conservatoire's own Blackheath Halls.
- BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
- MA Musical Theatre
- Short Courses in Musical Theatre Skills
Research Programmes
Trinity Laban supports doctoral-level research across music, dance, and related disciplines. The conservatoire's research culture emphasises practice-based inquiry, with students contributing to fields such as performance studies, dance science, and arts education.
- MPhil / PhD in Music
- MPhil / PhD in Dance
- MFA Creative Practice
Junior Trinity and Young Talent Programmes
Junior Trinity is the conservatoire's programme for young musicians aged 3 to 19, while the Centre for Advanced Training supports talented young dancers aged 12 to 17. These programmes nurture the next generation of performing artists from an early age.
- Junior Trinity (ages 3-19)
- Centre for Advanced Training in Dance (ages 12-17)
- Saturday Music School
Professional Development and Short Courses
Trinity Laban offers a range of short courses, workshops, and professional development programmes for practising artists and adult learners. These include summer schools, study abroad options, and continuing professional development in music and dance.
- Study Abroad Programme (Music)
- Artist Diploma in Music
- Summer Schools and Workshops
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
- Academic QualificationsA-levels, IB, or international equivalent; specific grades vary by programme
- Audition / PortfolioAll performance-based programmes require an audition; composition and choreography require a portfolio
- English Language (IELTS)Minimum IELTS score required for international applicants; check individual programme pages for specific scores
- Application PlatformUCAS Conservatoires; audition recordings submitted via Embark
- ReferencesAcademic and/or professional reference required as part of the UCAS application
Postgraduate Admissions
- Academic QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
- Audition / PortfolioAudition or portfolio review required for most programmes
- English Language (IELTS)IELTS score required for international applicants; specific scores vary by programme
- Application PlatformUCAS Conservatoires for taught programmes; direct application for research degrees
- Supporting DocumentsTranscripts, personal statement, references, and programme-specific materials
Applications open for the following academic year through UCAS Conservatoires.
Auditions are scheduled on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged as places may fill before the final deadline.
Recommended application completion date for candidates applying through the Fulbright programme.
Some programmes have specific deadlines. Check individual programme pages on the Trinity Laban website for exact dates.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees at Trinity Laban vary depending on your programme and fee status (Home or International). Home student fees are aligned with the UK Government's maximum tuition fee cap, while international fees are set independently and subject to annual inflationary increases based on RPI-X. Contact the conservatoire for the most current fee schedules.
| Fee Category | Home Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,535 | Contact university for current fees |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | Contact university for current fees | Contact university for current fees |
| Research Degrees (per year) | Contact university for current fees | Contact university for current fees |
| Estimated Living Costs (London) | Approx. GBP 15,000 - 18,000 | Approx. GBP 15,000 - 18,000 |
| Total | Contact Trinity Laban for full cost breakdown | Contact Trinity Laban for full cost breakdown |
GREAT Scholarships
Funded by the British Council, GREAT Scholarships are available for full-time postgraduate taught master's programmes at Trinity Laban for students from eligible countries.
- Eligibility: Students from 18 eligible countries applying for taught master's programmes
- Value: Minimum GBP 10,000 towards tuition fees
- Application: Apply through Trinity Laban's website; check deadlines annually
Fulbright Trinity Laban Award
A prestigious award covering the first year of any taught master's programme in Music, Dance, or Musical Theatre, plus the Artist Diploma in Music, for US citizens.
- Coverage: First year tuition fees plus a living stipend
- Eligibility: US citizens applying to eligible postgraduate programmes
- Application: Dual application through Fulbright and UCAS Conservatoires
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Trinity Laban operates across three distinctive campuses in South East London, each offering specialist facilities for music, dance, and musical theatre. The campuses are set within historically and architecturally significant buildings, from a UNESCO World Heritage Site to a RIBA Stirling Prize-winning structure.
Home to the Faculty of Music, this historic building within the Old Royal Naval College features performance halls, practice rooms, recording studios, and the Jerwood Library.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog and de Meuron, this Stirling Prize-winning building houses 13 purpose-built dance studios, the 300-seat Bonnie Bird Theatre, and a studio theatre.
The hub for Musical Theatre training, Laurie Grove features large open rehearsal spaces, performance labs with adjacent dressing rooms, and intimate vocal studios for one-on-one instruction.
Housing and Student Amenities
Accommodation
Trinity Laban partners with private accommodation providers to help students find housing suited to their budget. The surrounding London boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham also offer a range of shared student houses and private rentals.
- Partner accommodation providers with dedicated student options
- Proximity to affordable housing in Greenwich and Lewisham
- Accommodation guidance available from the Student Services team
Specialist Facilities
The conservatoire provides industry-standard facilities including recording studios with Pro Tools and Logic Audio, the Jerwood Library housing rare musical collections, and the 300-seat Bonnie Bird Theatre and 400-seat Peacock Room for performances.
- Industry-standard recording studio with digital mixing capabilities
- Jerwood Library with over 70,000 books and scores
- Blackheath Halls, the UK's first purpose-built arts centre
Student Life at Trinity Laban
Student Life at Trinity Laban
Life at Trinity Laban is centred around creative practice and artistic community. With a student body drawn from over 60 countries, the conservatoire offers a vibrant, inclusive environment where collaboration across music, dance, and theatre is actively encouraged. Students regularly perform at professional London venues alongside their campus-based activities.
Location: Greenwich and South East London
Location: Greenwich and South East London
Living and Studying in Greenwich, London
Trinity Laban's campuses sit within one of London's most historically rich and culturally vibrant areas. Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime heritage, royal parks, and thriving arts scene. Students enjoy the best of both worlds: a neighbourhood with green spaces and riverside charm, plus quick transport links into central London's cultural heart.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Greenwich campus is located within the Old Royal Naval College, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture designed in part by Sir Christopher Wren, set alongside Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory.
London's Cultural Scene
Students have unparalleled access to London's performing arts venues, from the Southbank Centre and Royal Opera House to West End theatres and independent performance spaces across the city.
Excellent Transport Links
Greenwich and Deptford are well connected by DLR, Overground, and National Rail services. Central London is reachable in under 20 minutes, making it easy to attend performances and networking events.
Affordable South East London Living
Compared to central London, the boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham offer more affordable accommodation options while maintaining a vibrant arts and food scene with diverse local communities.
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Where Trinity Laban Graduates Work
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
Trinity Laban provides guidance on Student Visa applications, including CAS letters and documentation requirements. International students should ensure they meet UKVI English language requirements and can demonstrate sufficient funds.
All international students are invited to welcome events including a September tea party, international careers talks, and a community befriending Christmas event to help them settle into London life.
The conservatoire offers guidance on finding accommodation through partner providers, opening a UK bank account, arranging insurance, and managing finances while studying in London.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Trinity Laban is consistently recognised among the top institutions globally for performing arts education. Its specialist focus on music and dance places it in elite company within subject-specific rankings, reflecting the conservatoire's reputation for artistic excellence and innovative training.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Performing Arts | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #11 |
| Arts, Drama & Music | The Complete University Guide | #8 |
| Music | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #18 |
| Contemporary Dance | International Recognition | Among the top globally |
Features
We believe that excellence is an attitude you embody in all you do, and our vision is to create a conservatoire where that is possible. To excel is to take risks, make change and lead the transformation of your art forms. We nurture our students and participants with fine craft and expert technique to create new understandings of excellence. We believe that the arts has the power to transform society. We are a community of cultural change makers, connecting people and art on our doorstep and around the world. We look for diverse attributes and recruit openly. We give our community the cultural confidence to lead in their art forms with sensitivity and awareness.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
July - January
Location
Old Royal Naval College, Romney Rd, London SE10 9JF, United Kingdom
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