ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.

AAB including A in Music.

In lieu of A Level Music, we will accept ABRSM Grade 5 Theory as evidence of equivalent theoretical understanding. Applicants who have not followed the ABRSM route are invited to contact ug-music@manchester.ac.uk to ask about alternative arrangements for assessing theoretical understanding.

Students wishing to pursue solo performance units should normally have ABRSM Grade 8 or equivalent on an instrument or voice (preferably at Distinction) Applications who have not followed graded exams are invited to contact us to submit a video alternative for consideration.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

ABC including A in Music.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

Please see the standard A Level requirements for more information about acceptable alternative Music qualifications.

If you have studied an advanced curriculum, where the examinations are spread over three years or more, please contact the academic School/Department for clarification on acceptability prior to applying. For some courses, offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting (normally within a two-year period).

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 6 or B in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and 4 or C in Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification

35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects including 6 in Music.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see

ABBB in Highers plus grade A in Advanced Higher Music.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (pre-2023), this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require: 80% with a minimum of 8.0Ìýin Music.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme. Please contact us for further advice.

In all cases below, students should normally also have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voiceÌý- preferably at Distinction - upon entry to the course in September. Ìý

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma : we consider the National Extended Diploma for entry,Ìýpreferably in a subject relevant to this course.Ìý Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Dist, Dist, Dist,Ìýplus one A-level at Grade A in Music.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalÌýDiploma : we consider the NationalÌýDiploma for entry,Ìýpreferably in a subject relevant to this course.Ìý Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalÌýDiploma with grades Distinction, Distinction,Ìýplus one A-level at Grade A in Music.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma : we consider the NationalÌýFoundation Diploma for entry,Ìýpreferably in a subject relevant to this course.Ìý Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalÌýFoundation Diploma withÌýa Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade A in Music, PLUSÌýan EPQ or AS at GradeÌýB.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate : we consider the National ExtendedÌýCertificate for entry,Ìýpreferably in a subject relevant to this course.Ìý Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalÌýExtended CertificateÌýwithÌýa Distinction grade, PLUSÌýtwo A-levels at Grades AA; one of which must be in Music.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate.Ìý The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.

In addition to any of the below, applicants should normally have the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 8 on an instrument or voice- preferably at Distinction - upon entry to the course in September.

CambridgeLevel 3Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.

CambridgeLevel 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A inMusic.

CambridgeLevel 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade A inMusic,PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AB. Grade A required in Music A Level.

Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) Extended Certificate : we consider the Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AB. Grade A required in Music A Level.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are a minimum of 39 credits with a Distinction grade, plus6 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Please see standard A Level requirements for more information about our Music qualification requirements.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinctÌýsubjects overall is taken.

Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, D3, M2 in the Pre-U and AAB at A level in three distinct subjects.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement (and at interview, if Ìýrelevant). ÌýWe may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account, should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

For this programme, you will be made the standard offer plus an alternative one, if you are studying for an EPQ.Ìý The alternative offer will be one grade below the standard offer but you will also be asked to achieve a Grade A in your EPQ.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.Ìý

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. ÌýStudents come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. ÌýThere is no such thing as a typical mature student at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.Ìý If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. ÌýFurther information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade B/6, or;
• IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component, or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note we accept in-person IELTS tests taken in official IELTS test centres only. You should review our English Language requirements page for a list of acceptable IELTS tests.

If you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School/Department for clarification.

The requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  .

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Applications are considered on the basis of an assessment of past and predicted academic achievements, musical experiences and achievements, the academic reference and personal statement. Where instrumental or other music awards are taken, or due to be taken, it is helpful for these to be detailed in the relevant space on the UCAS form.

Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice.

We welcome applications from mature students and will consider them on an individual basis. We usually interview mature applicants with non-standard qualifications.

Deferrals are normally allowed; however, we do ask applicants to let us know as early as possibleÌýif they are intending to defer.Ìý This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in orderÌýto achieve the required number of students in a given year.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.Ìý In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.Ìý We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Students wishing to transfer from other Universities will be considered on merit, providing we have enough places to accommodate them.Ìý Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details).Ìý We will require transcripts and a reference from your tutor.

Gain a thorough grounding in all the fundamental areas of musical training: performance, composition, analysis and music theory, musicology and ethnomusicology, and most importantly make connections through synergies between studies in these areas. In the second semester you can choose from a range of optional units in addition to core units.

* Students will be automatically enrolled onto Solo Performance I, but can choose to opt out if they do not wish to take performance.

Use our breadth of optional units to build on your interests and explore new areas, including themes you may wish to develop into your third year. Topics in musicology and ethnomusicology range from Early Opera to Music and Consumption in the Digital Age, while composition courses in both instrumental / vocal and electroacoustic composition build on techniques and understanding developed in the first year. Performance courses includes solo and varied range of ensemble performance options.

You'll specialise more in the third year, and develop further your independent study skills. There are no compulsory course units but you'll select at least one 40-credit course unit from Dissertation, Composition Portfolio or Recital, and may opt to take two. An additional range of advanced 20-credit course units are available in music theory and analysis, aesthetics, musicology and ethnomusicology.

Following graduation from the MusB, students on the Joint Course with Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) complete the GRNCM at the college.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants from the Disability Support Office: disability@manchester.ac.uk