Rebellion. Tradition. Activism. Our exciting, inclusive approach to folk and traditional music explores music, stories and traditions from all over the world. We explore traditional music from the British Isles and globally, expanding it through innovative performance, composition, arrangement and recording techniques.
You will consider how traditions have evolved and travelled, social movements, protest music, global themes and cultural identity, expanding these ideas through an innovative approach to performance, repertoire, composition, songwriting, arrangement and ethnomusicology.
As a performer, composer, or both, you will explore folk music from its origins in oral tradition and its interpretation through different cultures and musicians. You’ll discover how different folk styles evolved in different communities and nations, and how traditions have been created and preserved.
From this grounding in traditional music you will experiment with other genres and cultural identities, forming and joining innovative ensembles, building your repertoire in performance or composition. You’ll also capture field recordings and collaborate with students from other pathways.
Leeds has an eclectic folk scene, with a wealth of opportunities to perform in well-known venues, including the Howard Assembly Rooms, Seven Arts, Brudenell Social Club and The Grove.
With one-to-one and group tuition from experts in your specialism, you will learn to master the complexities of rhythm, melody and harmony. You will also apply theory creatively and explore contextual studies that enhance your musicianship.
Graduates from Leeds Conservatoire have gone on to a wide variety of careers including Award-winning Folk artists, Film Scorers, Record Label owners and Producers. Find out more in our Alumni section.
“Performing at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards was incredible – all of my tutors came and supported me and it was just wonderful to know that I have the support from everyone at Leeds Conservatoire. I’m really, really surprised to have won the award but it feels amazing and I’m so grateful!”
– Maddie Morris, Folk Student and BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Winner
Our 3 year BA (Hons) Music (Folk) is designed for musicians who know they want to specialise in Folk.
All Specialist Study and Specialist Group Study modules are Folk focused, with the option to apply as either a Performer or Composer.
As with all our Folk courses, studies in your specialist area will be supported by a broader curriculum designed to prepare you for your career in the music industry.
Folk can also be taken as part of a Combined Honours degree.
We are the only UK conservatoire to offer this type of combined degree where you will study both areas of music throughout all three years.
You will take specialist study modules (e.g. your 1:1 tuition) in your first area and specialist group study (e.g. ensembles) in your second.
e.g. for Folk with Popular, you would have 1:1 Folk instrumental or vocal tuition and also be in a Pop band.
If you are interested in Folk but would like to specialise in another genre, you can choose to take your Specialist Study modules (including 1:1 sessions where relevant) in one area, and your Specialist Group Study (including ensembles) in Folk.
Each year of the course is structured into three distinct strands:
If you choose a Combined Honours programme (e.g. Folk with Popular), your Specialist Study (e.g. one-to-one tuition) would be in Folk and your Specialist Group Study (e.g. ensemble/band) would be in your second genre.
In addition to your chosen specialist instrument/voice/composition, you can also choose to have additional 1:1 tuition in a second (for students at Grade 6 standard or higher in their second instrument/voice).
This is not part of your course, but there are a limited number of Instrumental, Vocal & Composition Bursaries available, or tuition can be arranged at additional cost.
96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.
A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).
Read our full entry requirements to see more detail on musical performance and theory standards.
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
Applicants will need to audition, interview and/or submit a portfolio of work.
Exact requirements vary depending on which programme you are applying for.
Find more detailed audition information for applicants.
In many cases, if you prefer to submit your audition online rather than attend in person, this is an option. However, we don't want travel costs to be a barrier to attending in-person auditions at Leeds Conservatoire, so help is available for many applicants where finances are an issue. Eligibility and bursary application information is available on our audition information page.
Visit our Fees and Funding section to find out more about Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Fees & Funding for International Students.
If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:
Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
UCAS Institution Code: L30
Validated by: University of Hull*
*Note for applicants and offer holders for 2022/23 entry:
Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.
Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: W309
Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: W316
Course Key Information Document 2021/22
Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: W317
Course Key Information Document 2021/22
Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: W318
Course Key Information Document 2021/22
Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: W319
Our alumni go on to win awards, tour and record as part of bands and ensembles, and have diverse careers in and out of the music industry.
“When I first started the Folk degree, I was interested in diversifying my drumming to include global traditions in my performances, which I’ve been able to do in all of the different ensembles I play with. I have a second study in bass with an amazing tutor, which has made me a more diverse musician. The course has given me the extra knowledge and skills I need to perform to the best of my abilities, and I’ve got to meet some great musicians within the industry!”
– Tanatswa Bvumburah,Folk student
Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Folk)
Read more
Maddie Morris (Folk student) collecting the BBCR2 Young Folk Award
In 2019 Maddie scooped the prestigious Young Folk Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Previous winners Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar presented the award to Maddie at a ceremony in Manchester.
The BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award is an educational talent contest, open to musicians from the UK aged 16-21, that exists to discover the next generation of folk and acoustic acts. Eight shortlisted acts performed at a public concert and from those acts, Maddie was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges.
Read the articleFolk musician and principal lecturer Jim Moray also hosts a podcast in which he talks to key figures in the folk scene. Past podcasts have featured visiting lecturer Sam Sweeney, and fellow lecturer Nancy Kerr.
We have over 70 teaching rooms, practice rooms and bespoke ensemble rehearsal spaces, as well as a comprehensive library of instruments, mics and recording equipment, that are all available until late during term-time.
Find out more“I have jammed with lots of people since starting at Leeds Conservatoire. This is something I have never done before and having the opportunity to play with so many musicians has drastically helped me to improve my musicianship.”
– Iona Lane, Folk student
In addition to joining the conservatoire’s ensembles and taking part in showcases, the opportunities to perform at well-known folk venues in Leeds, such as Seven Arts or The Grove, are numerous.
Our folk musicians are encouraged to collaborate across genres, and recently had the opportunity to perform with our Contemporary Jazz Orchestra alongside award-winning guest artist Julian Arguelles. Watch the performance video.
Find out moreFind out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days.
As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.
Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.
Open Days
Leeds Conservatoire Music Business Student Jemma Crane talks to us about 'Beyond the Melodies', an Instagram based Music Blog and her upcoming showcase.
Find out more
Meet Mia Jade, Alfie Blue, Little Planets and Imogen Harper, our artists performing at Sound City, a festival which will take place in the heart of Liverpool this Spring.
Find out more
Listen to music by Leeds Conservatoire staff, students & alumni.
Find out moreWe can’t wait! 🎶 https://t.co/hegg233S76
