Birmingham Conservatoire : How to Apply

How to Apply

The Conservatoire is a member of CUKAS, an online admissions service for most UK conservatoires. Application for all of our courses, apart from research degrees and joint courses, should be made via www.cukas.ac.uk.

Making an application through CUKAS

CUKAS uses an online application system called Apply. To use it, follow these steps:

1. Register at www.cukas.ac.uk

Registration is a process of entering your personal details, for example name, date of birth, address. Once you have completed the registration, a username will be automatically generated, and you will be asked to choose a password. Be sure to make a note of your username and password to enable you to log into Apply later.

2. Access the online application

There are full instructions on the CUKAS website to help you fill in your application. You can work on it, save it and return to it later using your username and password. You must apply in English.

If you are stuck, remember to check the Help Text first. If you still need information or advice, contact the CUKAS Customer Service Unit: +44 (0)871 468 0470, which is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am-6pm (UK time).

3. Provide contact details for two referees

One of your referees must be able to comment on your academic ability; the other must be able to comment on your musical ability. Your referees should know you well enough to write about you and your suitability for higher education. CUKAS will not accept references from family, other relatives or friends. The reference forms are available in Apply and you should email or post them to your referees.

4. Fees and payments

There is a one-off application fee of £15, payable to UCAS. An additional non-refundable audition fee of £55 (£90 for a double audition) is payable to the Conservatoire; this is collected through the CUKAS system. You can make your payment online using a credit or debit card. The card doesn’t have to be in your name, but you do need to get the consent of the cardholder. If you can’t pay by card, you can choose to pay by an alternative method, such as cheque, postal order or bank transfer.

5. Deadlines

The closing date for on-time applications is on or around 1 October in the year prior to entry. You are advised to apply as early as possible. Late applications may be accepted until the end of August (annually) for instruments/areas in which we have unfilled places.

If you have a disability, we would encourage you to apply as early as possible. Once we are aware of your disability we can try to support your individual needs. If you have not made us aware of your disability or you feel you may have a disability, please contact our Admissions Team or our Disability Support team on +44 (0)121 331 6495/7775 (text/voice)

Research applications (MPhil/PhD)

Research applications cannot be accepted through CUKAS. You are instead invited to contact the Head of Research, c/o Liz Reeve, Research Administrator, with a draft proposal of about 500 words, as well as brief notes covering your academic career, current activity and any relevant experience. We will provide advice and assistance in generating a viable project which can then be submitted with the formal application form.

Promising candidates will be invited to an interview, which may include an audition if the project includes performance. The formal selection criteria are: quality of application judged against UK university standards; suitability of project vis-à-vis the Conservatoire’s research priorities; availability of supervisors; overall numbers and critical mass; and other matters, such as ethical considerations.
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5925
Email: liz.reeve@bcu.ac.uk

Research studies may, in principle, commence at any time of the year, but it is most convenient to enrol at the start of the academic year in September/October.

Joint course applications

Applications for our joint courses cannot be accepted through CUKAS. Instead, please apply as follows:

MA Digital Arts in Performance

Apply to Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD) faculty office

Advice for applicants