Musical, academic and English criteria for international students.
This page details entry requirement guidelines for our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, along with examples of standard academic requirements and acceptable English language qualifications. In addition to any requirements below, please note that you must be at least 18 years old at the beginning of your studies. Which for 2026 entry, will be the 2nd October 2026.
Academic and Musical Entry Requirements by Course
BA (Hons) Acting
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Audition
Applicants to BA (Hons) Acting will need to complete an audition.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
BA (Hons) Actor Musician
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Audition
Applicants to BA (Hons) Actor Musician will need to complete an audition.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Audition
Applicants to BA (Hons) Musical Theatre will need to complete an audition.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
BA (Hons) Classical Music
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements
a. Performance Standard
Performers are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 8 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
Composers/Songwriters are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 6 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
b. Musical Theory Standard
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at audition where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have played to ensure that they are suitable for the course.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
BA (Hons) Classical Music with Foundation Year
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points.
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements
a. Performance Standard
Applicants are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 6 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
b. Musical Theory Standard
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at audition where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have played to ensure that they are suitable for the course and to identify those applicants who need to take a Theory module at Level 3.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below
BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Other Entry Requirements
Suitability for the Production pathway will be assessed by reference to application forms and personal statements, interviews, and applicants’ portfolios, as appropriate.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
BA (Hons) Film, TV & Games Music
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at interview where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have included in their portfolio to ensure that they are suitable for the course. They are expected to be at Grade 5 Music Theory standard.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below
BA (Hons) Film, TV & Games Music with Foundation Year
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points.
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at interview where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have included in their portfolio to ensure they are suitable for the course and to identify those applicants who need to take a Theory module at Level 3.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below
BA (Hons) Folk, Roots & Blues
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements
Performers are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 8 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
Composers/Songwriters are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 6 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below
BA (Hons) Jazz
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements
a. Performance Standard
Performers are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 8 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
Composers/Songwriters are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 6 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
b. Musical Theory Standard
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at audition where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have played to ensure that they are suitable for the course.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
BA (Hons) Jazz with Foundation Year
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points.
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements
a. Performance Standard
Applicants are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 6 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
b. Musical Theory Standard
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at audition where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have played to ensure that they are suitable for the course and to identify those applicants who need to take a Theory module at Level 3.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below
BA (Hons) Music Business and Events
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC)
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Other Entry Requirements
Suitability for the Business pathway will be assessed by reference to application forms and personal statements, interviews, and applicants’ portfolios, as appropriate.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
BA (Hons) Music Production
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Other Entry Requirements
Suitability for the Production pathway will be assessed by reference to application forms and personal statements, interviews, and applicants’ portfolios, as appropriate.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
BA (Hons) Popular Muisc
Academic Entry Requirements:
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements:
a. Performance Standard
Performers are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 8 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
b. Musical Theory Standard
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at audition where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have played to ensure that they are suitable for the course.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below
BA (Hons) Popular Music with Foundation Year
Academic Entry Requirements:
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points.
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements:
a. Performance Standard
Applicants are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 6 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
b. Musical Theory Standard
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at audition where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have played to ensure that they are suitable for the course and to identify those applicants who need to take a Theory module at Level 3.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below
BA (Hons) Songwriting
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements
a. Performance Standard
Performers are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 6 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
b. Musical Theory Standard
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at audition where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have played to ensure that they are suitable for the course.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting with Foundation Year)
Academic Entry Requirements
We will review every application on an individual basis to assess academic eligibility which must be equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points (UK A-Level CCC).
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Music Entry Requirements
a. Performance Standard
Applicants are expected to demonstrate at audition a playing/singing standard equivalent to Grade 6 ABRSM, London College of Music, Trinity College, or Rock School.
b. Musical Theory Standard
Applicants’ understanding of applied music theory will be assessed at audition where they will be asked questions about the theoretical elements of the pieces they have played to ensure that they are suitable for the course and to identify those applicants who need to take a Theory module at Level 3.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
Academic Entry Requirements
All postgraduate applications will be reviewed individually to assess academic eligibility, which requires at least a good honours degree or 2:2 classification, or equivalent.
See our comparison table below for required qualifications for certain countries.
Audition
Find out more and read our full guidance on our Postgraduate Auditions page.
English Language Entry Requirements
All international applicants must refer to our detailed guide on English language requirements, below.
English Language Requirements
You must demonstrate your English language ability to secure a place at Leeds Conservatoire.
If you require a student visa to study in the UK you will need one of the following approved English Language Tests with the scores shown below to secure a place at Leeds Conservatoire.
|
Test |
Required score |
|
IELTS Academic or IELTS Academic for UKVI |
Overall score of 6.0 with no sub-test below 5.5 |
|
TOEFL iBT* |
Overall score of 80 and no sub-test below 18 in Reading, 17 in Writing, 17 in Listening and 20 in Speaking |
|
Pearson PTE Academic or Pearson PTE Academic UKVI |
Overall score of 60 with no sub-test below 59 |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced |
Overall score of 169 and no sub-test below 162 |
|
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE II)** |
Distinction in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing |
|
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE III)** |
Pass in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing |
|
LanguageCert Academic (SELT) |
65 overall and no skill below 60 |
|
International Baccalaureate (IB) |
English Language A: Language and Literature A - Higher Level (HL) & Standard Level (SL) grade 5 English Language B - Higher Level (HL) 5 & Standard Level (SL) 7 |
|
Cambridge iGCSE English (International GCSE)
|
Cambridge IGCSE English - First Language 0500 Grade C overall and minimum of grade 2 in Speaking and Listening (Component 4) Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English - First Language 0990 Grade 4 overall and minimum of merit in Speaking and Listening (Component 4) Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (A-G and 9-1 grading) : Syllabus 0511 – Grade C Syllabus 0991 – Grade 4 Syllabus 0510 - with Speaking endorsed – Grade C overall and a score of 2 in Speaking Component Syllabus 0993 - with Speaking endorsed– Grade 4 overall and merit in Speaking Component |
These qualifications are valid for 2 years (with the exception of the Cambridge C1 Advanced, which does not expire). We only accept tests taken in person at approved test centres. If you have any questions, please contact our admissions team
*Please note, we don't accept any Home Edition
**Please note that the Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English is only available to take in the UK.
***Please note, we accept the 1 skill retake for IELTS.
Pre-sessional English course
We are delighted to announce that we are offering two pre-sessional English courses, in partnership with Bayswater, for students who may need some help to increase their English score.
We are offering:
- A 6 week course for applicants with a minimum of 5.5 overall and no skill below 5.0 in IELTS, or an equivalent approved English Test.
- A 12 week course for applicants with a minimum of 5.0 overall and no skill below 4.5 in IELTS, or an equivalent approved English Test.
Please see FAQS for more information. If you have any questions please email international@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk.
Majority English Speaking Countries
If you are a national of a UKVI recognised majority English speaking country, you are not required to prove your knowledge of English to the UKVI as part of your visa application. However, you will still be required to meet the minimum English Language requirement set by Leeds Conservatoire. Please contact the Admissions and Registration Team for details of the minimum scores required for acceptable qualifications from your country.
EU Settlement scheme – Settled/Pre-Settled status
If you are an EU National who has been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement scheme, but completed your education outside of the UK, you may have already met the Conservatoires minimum English Language requirement. The Admissions and Registration Team will be able to advise whether or not your previous qualifications are currently acceptable to meet the requirement, or whether you will be required to sit an additional English Language qualification.
