The UCAS Conservatoires Route for Music & Drama Explained

A separate application system

Performance-based training at a conservatoire is applied for through UCAS Conservatoires, a distinct system from the main UCAS Undergraduate scheme. It is designed for practical, performance-focused music, dance and drama courses where an audition or practical assessment is central to selection.

Through UCAS Conservatoires you create a single application that can be sent to multiple conservatoires at once. Not every performing-arts course uses this system — some music, dance and drama courses are applied for through main UCAS instead — so check on each institution's official page which route a specific course uses before you apply.

How it differs from main UCAS

The biggest practical differences are timing and assessment. UCAS Conservatoires has its own deadlines, which differ by discipline — music courses typically have an earlier deadline than dance, drama and musical theatre courses. It also has its own application and assessment (audition) fees, separate from main UCAS.

Selection leans heavily on a live or recorded audition or practical assessment rather than mainly on predicted grades. You still write a personal statement and provide references, but your performance in the audition or interview usually carries decisive weight. Because deadlines and fees change each year, verify the current dates and costs on the official UCAS Conservatoires pages.

• Separate system from main UCAS, with its own portal.
• Discipline-specific deadlines — music is usually earlier than dance/drama.
• Its own application and audition/assessment fees.
• Audition or practical assessment is central to selection.

Auditions and interviews

What you do at audition depends on your discipline. Music applicants are commonly asked to perform contrasting pieces and may face scales, sight-reading, an aural test or an interview. Dance and drama applicants may prepare monologues or performance pieces, take part in a class or workshop, sing, sight-read or improvise.

Many conservatoires hold auditions at the institution, and some offer audition locations elsewhere or accept a recording or video where you cannot attend in person — useful for international applicants. Exact audition content, recording rules and any interview format are set by each conservatoire, so always read the specific course's official requirements.

How international students apply

International students apply through the same UCAS Conservatoires system, submit the same kind of audition or recording, and may be able to use overseas audition locations or video submissions where offered. Always confirm the audition options for international applicants on each conservatoire's official page.

Studying at a UK conservatoire as an international student normally requires a Student visa where the institution is a licensed sponsor; for conservatoires in Ireland, immigration rules differ. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify current requirements on gov.uk for the UK (or irishimmigration.ie for Ireland) and confirm sponsor status with the institution.

• Apply via the UCAS Conservatoires portal, not main UCAS.
• Check whether overseas audition locations or video auditions are offered.
• Confirm the institution is a licensed Student visa sponsor (UK).
• Verify visa rules on gov.uk (UK) or irishimmigration.ie (Ireland).