How to Apply
Deadlines
- Taught Masters
Although applications for the next academic year will be considered within the period 1 October - 1 September, we strongly suggest that you work towards one of the following deadlines so as not to exclude eligibility for any potential assistance with funding:
- Early December (suggested for those looking for external funding)
- Mid-February (suggested for those applying for the Herbert Thompson International Scholarship)
- Mid-March (the latest application for study date for those wishing to apply for Arts and Humanities Research Council funding. Please note that there are no AHRC Mastership scholarships available through the School of Music for 2009-10.)
- Early May (the last application for study date for those wishing to apply for University of Leeds scholarships)
- Research - Applications can be accepted all year round. Research degrees can start on the 1st of any month, although we would suggest October or January wherever possible. Please allow at least one month for us to process your application and bear in mind that the turn-around time may increase over the Christmas, Easter and summer vacations. You may also wish to consider the deadlines set by funding bodies since most require you to have at least a conditional place at an institution before your funding application will be accepted. Some guidelines are below:
- Early December (for international students wishing to apply for international scholarships; also suggested for any applicant looking for external funding)
- Mid-February (suggested for those applying for the School of Music International Research Scholarship)
- Mid-March (the latest application for study date for those wishing to apply for Arts and Humanities Research Council funding)
- Early May (the last application for study date for those wishing to apply for University of Leeds scholarships)
Entry requirements
Applicants for both Taught and Research programmes should have a good Honours degree in a related subject (2:1 or equivalent). Applicants for Research programmes will normally be enrolled on or have completed a Masters degree. Candidates with other relevant experience/qualifications may be considered and may be asked to attend for interview. Further requirements may also be stipulated in individual cases.
The Application Procedure
All applications for postgraduate study (both Taught and Research programmes), and the Graduate Diploma in Music should be made online (opens in a new window). You may apply for more than one programme of study within the same application form.
- Taught Masters applications - We will pay particular attention to section of the application form which invites you to provide us with further information, where you are asked to comment on relevant experience and your current interests in your chosen subject area.
- Research applications - All applicants to research programmes are required to submit a detailed research proposal up to 2,000 words in length. This is the most crucial part of the application. Applicants are strongly advised to contact appropriate individual members of staff in advance of submitting a formal application in order to explore the feasibility of their research proposal. Guidelines on writing a research proposal.
Materials required
We are unable to process your application without the following supplementary material. Please either upload this material as part of the application process or send all that is applicable as soon as possible after submitting your application to:
Postgraduate Admissions
School of Music
University of Leeds
LS2 9JT
UK
- All programmes (Taught and Research):
- two academic references
- transcripts (original copies required) from Bachelors and Master (if applicable) degrees
- certificates from Bachelors and Master (if applicable) degrees
- Proof of English Language proficiency (original copies required) if applicable
- MMus Composition:
- two recent compositions (no larger than A4, reduce if necessary) with recordings if available
- a copy (or draft) of an undergraduate dissertation, or an essay in English of around 2,000 words
- MMus Musicology:
- a copy (or draft) of an undergraduate dissertation, or an essay in English of around 2,000 words
- applicants may be asked to provide a second example of their writing, to provide a fuller assessment of their potential
- MMus Music Technology & Computer Music:
- examples of work produced at undergraduate level or produced elsewhere. These may take the form of recordings (audio or video), computer software (in an appropriate format) or other relevant material
- an essay or report which gives an indication of your ability to write technical prose
- a copy (or draft) of an undergraduate dissertation, or an essay in English of around 2,000 words
- MMus Performance:
- a copy (or draft) of an undergraduate dissertation, or an essay in English of around 2,000 words
- For candidates not resident in the UK only, an authenticated recording, of 20-30 minutes duration (consisting of two or three contrasting works) demonstrating the following: technical facility, thoughtful interpretation, individual personality and flair and historical style awareness. (Please do not send a recording if you will be attending for interview). A repertoire list of works studied over the last two years and any details of performances, masterclasses, chamber music, orchestral experience that might be relevant.
- MMus Applied Psychology of Music:
- a copy (or draft) of an undergraduate dissertation, or an essay in English of around 2000 words
- applicants may be asked to provide a second example of their writing, to provide a fuller assessment of their potential
International Students
For applicants whose first language is not English, the minimum requirements are: 6.5 IELTS or equivalent for MA, MMus and research programmes. 6.0 IELTS for the Graduate Diploma in Music.
For help with this and other issues, please visit the International Centre website (opens in a new window)