Here are some top tips from the Admissions Tutor for filling in your UCAS form.
1. Research your choice of course carefully and ensure that you understand exactly what you will be studying during your time at Leeds. You can find out whether the courses interest you by reading the Undergraduate Brochure or by clicking on the ‘Undergraduate Programmes’ link. You should also check whether your qualifications are appropriate. If you are studying A-Levels, for instance, you will need to achieve ABB with an A in Music for the BA Music course, ABB with an A in Music and grade 8 distinction (which you should have achieved by the time you apply through UCAS) for the BMus 4-year course.
2. The personal statement is your opportunity to tell me about your passion for Music and your skills as a musician and student. Tell me about performers that inspire you, aspects of the discipline which interest you, your own experiences as a performer that motivate you to study music in higher education. Say as much as you can about the subject and your involvement with it. Rather than saying that “Music is my passion” or “I have always enjoyed studying Music”, try to explain why you are interested in and passionate about the subject.
3. Try to provide me with as much information as possible about your academic and academic-related interests and experience. Do tell me about extra-curricular activities, but prioritise the information directly related to the study of music.
4. Include information about any completed practical or theory qualifications (such as ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall) in box 5a ‘Qualifications completed or certificated’ and if you are waiting to take an examination then please provide details in box 5b ‘Qualifications not yet completed or certificated’. I find this additional information extremely useful when considering your application. It is worth noting, however, that it is not usually a requirement that you take practical or theory examinations for entry onto the BA Music, although sometimes I may make them part of your offer where you have non-standard entry qualifications.
5. Please check the grammar, punctuation and spelling on the UCAS form carefully. This is very important as I am keen to offer places to students who can write clearly and communicate their ideas effectively. You should avoid writing in a colloquial style and present a conventionally written and detailed personal statement.
6. Applicants for Joint Honours combinations with Music should contact the relevant parent department for details of their entry requirements.
7. General enquiries can be addressed to the Undergraduate Admissions Secretary:
tel: 0113 343 2583
email: music@leeds.ac.uk
postal address:
Undergraduate Admissions,
School of Music,
University of Leeds,
LEEDS LS2 9JT.
We are always happy to talk to potential students and answer any queries or questions you might have.