Applications are open for 2024.
Note: This course is found under the Undergraduate option when making a UCAS application NOT the Conservatoires option.
Apply nowFocusing on any sub-genre you want – from acoustic to electronic, mainstream to leftfield – our songwriting degree will prepare you to make a lasting impact on the music industry.
Through our well-established Popular Music course, we have over 10 years of preparing our students for a successful career as a writer in the modern music industry. You will gain valuable experience in writing on your own and as a collaborator; crafting songs for yourself, bands, projects and other artists. In tandem with developing your proficiency on industry standard recording software, these solo and collaborative skills will prepare you for a career as a songwriter. You will also attend masterclasses from professional performers, songwriters, producers, managers and promoters, supporting your artistic development as well as sharpening your creative voice.
Strong links with the music industry mean that we are in constant contact with major publishing companies and record labels such as Universal, Polydor, Decca, and Kobalt as well as local labels like Hide and Seek and Leaf Label to name a few. Our students receive regular advice on their portfolios from visiting Industry guests, and often live briefs to work on. Recent guests have included Saul Fitton, Warner Chappell publishing; Fiona Bevan, Singer/Songwriter; John Beck, Songwriter/Producer; Dani Sawyer, Universal Music Publishing; Jez Ashurst, Songwriter/Producer; Mark Wood, Songwriter/Manager.
Our partnerships with European conservatoires mean that you could be working on songwriting projects with students in Mannheim, Rotterdam or Copenhagen.
During the songwriting degree you’ll get weekly one-to-one tuition with experienced songwriters and regular timetabled sessions in band practice rooms where you’ll have the creative freedom to craft and perfect your own songs. With access to our Apple Mac Labs, you will learn how to bring those songs to life using industry-standard software like Logic Pro.
With over 1,200 students at the conservatoire, you’ll be able to call on the skills of our diverse community of musicians, producers and entrepreneurs to assist you in performing, producing and promoting your work.
Graduates from Leeds Conservatoire have gone on to a wide variety of careers including Recording Artists, Award-winning Folk Artists, Session Musicians, Producers, and Record Label Songwriters. Find out more in our Alumni section.
“You have so much time to spend on developing your musical approach that it progresses very quickly. I’ve found myself experimenting with genres and sounds that I don’t think I would have got round to for a long time had I not come here.”
– Henry Bateman, graduate songwriter
The three-year Songwriting degree features specialist 1:1 and group study in Songwriting, supported by a curriculum designed to prepare you for your career in the music industry.
If you know that conservatoire study is for you, but you don’t think that you’ll meet the academic or musical entry requirements, our four-year courses are an excellent opportunity to start studying your degree while you focus on your musical development.
An extra year of access to our creative and collaborative environment, excellent facilities, expert staff and rich performance opportunities will build your confidence as a conservatoire musician.
Each year of the course is structured into three distinct strands:
If you choose to study the 4 -year Songwriting with Foundation Year programme, your first year will focus on developing your musicianship through specialist one to-one tuition, and strengthening your music theory and academic skills, as well as your creativity and artistry.
You will also have access to a weekly programme of workshops and masterclasses, as well as regular individual tutorials with academic staff.
Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will automatically progress to year one on your chosen BA pathway
If you are at Grade 6 standard or higher in an instrument or voice, you can also choose to have additional 1:1 tuition in this area outside of your standard timetabled teaching.
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).
64 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:
Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
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.
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: W310
Course Key Information Document 2021/22
Duration: 4 years
UCAS Course Code: W3J4
TAMZENE is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the coastal town of Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands.
'Leeds Conservatoire was the perfect place for me to find my feet as a writer, artist and person. The support from my tutors helped me to grow in skill and confidence and opportunities presented to me whilst studying have continued to benefit me today. I'm super grateful to all who made me time there so impactful.'
Since graduating in 2019, Tamzene has supported the likes of Adele and James Bay, signed a record deal with EMI and won the Scottish Music Association Vege Rising Star Award. At the time of writing, she is about to embark on a UK headline tour.
Read more about Tamzene
“I really enjoyed the songwriting course and Leeds Conservatoire. The opportunities are there for any aspiring songwriter/ artist if they are willing to take them. Whether that’s the attentive support from the songwriting tutors, masterclasses with accomplished songwriters and producers and even meetings with industry A&Rs which personally for me was huge as it helped me land my first ever publishing deal!”
Ewan says, ‘I think the main thing people have resonated with in my music is the honesty and relatability of my lyrics and the emotional delivery of my vocal. I really try to write songs which mean something to me whether that’s self-experience or experiences of other people I know’.
Since graduating, Ewan has supported the likes of Ed Sheeran and Tom Walker and signed with Warner Chappell. At the time of writing, he is about to release his single ‘Leave Me Lonely’, and is preparation for his first UK headline tour.
Read more about Ewan
Specialisms: Songwriting, Production and Bass Guitar
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Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting), BA (Hons) Music (Popular)
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Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting)
Read more“The community of music here is huge. There are so many opportunities with other musicians. Having the Production course alongside Pop, Jazz and Classical gives you so many options for collaboration.”
– Tom Harvey, graduate songwriter
Our Mac Labs are equipped with over 100 high-specification iMacs, MIDI keyboards and audio interfaces. They can be booked at any time outside of lessons until late and are equipped with industry standard software such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools and Ableton.
Find out more
Our Songwriting students have the opportunity join the Contemporary Pop Choir, play at our regular student showcase, Crosswire, and perform at venues throughout the city, including the Brudenell Socal Club, Belgrave Music hall, Oporto and Nation of Shopkeepers.
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
If you know that conservatoire study is for you, but you don’t think that you’ll meet the academic or musical entry requirements, our four-year courses are an excellent opportunity to start studying your degree while you focus on your musical development.
An extra year of access to our creative and collaborative environment, excellent facilities, expert staff and rich performance opportunities will build your confidence as a conservatoire musician.
Find out more
A Leeds Conservatoire graduate is celebrating after winning a GRAMMY award for his composition work on a critically-acclaimed Star Wars video game.
Find out more
Held in the conservatoire’s specialist facilities, the celebratory event comprised of a panel discussion and a special side-by-side orchestral performance.
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The conservatoire secured performance and placement opportunities for students and recent graduates this summer through continued festival partnerships.
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