BA (Hons) Classical Music Bachelor's degree at Leeds Conservatoire
BA (Hons) Classical Music at Leeds Conservatoire received Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. You'll study across core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills, developing…
About this course
Master your technique and artistic development on our Classical pathway, led by specialists in their field. With an emphasis placed on performance and cross-collaboration, this degree will prepare you for a career as a professional classical musician. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Classical Music is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Leeds Conservatoire. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Music graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for History, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation Year (L3) 6 modules
- CAT (Classical Aural and Theory) Essential PrinciplesCore20 credits
Module details
You'll gain the essential musical skills you'll need to study classical music at university level. You'll build a solid foundation in music theory and aural skills, covering key theoretical principles, practical ear training, and how to use digital tools for notation and analysis. Through interactive workshops and seminars, you'll apply these core musical elements and grow your confidence in preparation for further study.
Assessment: Assessment includes a written theory test and an aural skills assessment.
- CAT (Classical Aural and Theory) Structural AnalysisCore20 credits
Module details
You'll build on your Semester 1 skills in music theory, aural training, and digital tools to prepare for undergraduate classical study. You'll tackle more complex harmonic structures, sharpen your critical listening, and develop your use of software for score writing and analysis. Everything you learn will strengthen your practical musicianship and theoretical knowledge.
Assessment: Assessment includes a theory examination.
- Classical Repertoire, Musicology and CompositionCore20 credits
Module details
You'll explore classical music in greater depth. You'll analyse key works, examine complex musical structures, and understand how classical music was received in different cultural and historical contexts. You'll also start doing independent research and begin composing your own work, applying your growing knowledge creatively and critically.
Assessment: Assessment includes an analytical essay.
- Harmonic & Cultural AnalysisCore20 credits
Module details
Through lectures, workshops, and seminars, you'll explore classical music's historical and cultural roots. You'll analyse key repertoire and learn how theory, culture, and history influence composition and performance. You'll also develop skills in critical thinking, analysis and creative exploration that will set a strong foundation for further academic and practical music work.
Assessment: Assessment includes a written analysis.
- Introduction to Classical Performance & Composition 1Core20 credits
Module details
You'll build the key technical, musical, and interpretative skills for your chosen instrument or composition. With individual tuition and guided practice, you'll develop your technique, explore suitable repertoire, and set up a solid routine to support your progress. This module helps you grow confidence and establish good learning habits.
Assessment: Assessment includes a technical skills evaluation and performance/composition.
- Introduction to Classical Performance & Composition 2Core20 credits
Module details
Taking your skills further, this module helps you refine your technique and explore more challenging repertoire or compositional approaches. You'll improve your stylistic awareness, expressive delivery, and overall fluency. You'll also work on sight-reading, memorisation, and aural ability - giving you a stronger base for advanced study.
Assessment: Assessment includes a technical skills evaluation and performance/composition.
Year 1 (L4) 6 modules
- Classical Performance & Composition 1Core20 credits
Module details
With support from a specialist tutor, you'll deepen your musical and technical skills, develop stylistic understanding, and grow more confident in performing or composing a range of repertoire. You'll build an effective practice routine and begin shaping your own musical voice - whether you're a performer or composer.
Assessment: Assessment includes a technical assessment.
- Classical Performance & Composition 2Core20 credits
Module details
You'll continue developing your performance or composition skills through more complex repertoire and creative challenges. Your tutor will guide you as you refine your technique and prepare for a recital or portfolio. You'll also explore how other composers work, helping you shape a more individual and expressive voice.
Assessment: Assessment includes a portfolio of compositions.
- Global Melodic Understanding 1Optional20 credits
Module details
You'll explore how melodies are created using modes, pentatonic and hexatonic scales, and synthetic scales from around the world. This module focuses on Latin American music and its connections to Spain and Africa, helping you understand global influences that shape melodic ideas across traditions.
Assessment: Assessment includes a presentation.
- Global Rhythmic Understanding 1Optional20 credits
Module details
You'll dive into the rhythms of South America through hands-on group performance. By exploring pulse, metre, and rhythm in a practical way, you'll build skills that are not only essential for understanding global music but also transferable to your Western classical training.
Assessment: Assessment includes a presentation.
- Musicianship 1 (HIC) – Harmony, Improvisation, CompositionOptional20 credits
Module details
This module combines harmony, melody, and improvisation to give you a rounded approach to creating music. You'll study how musical ideas are built and developed both practically and theoretically, helping you grow as a creative, confident musician.
Assessment: Assessment includes a video submission of an original composition.
- Musicianship 2 (CLM) – Composition, Listening, MusicianshipOptional20 credits
Module details
You'll develop your collaboration and communication skills as you compose and create with others. This module strengthens your critical listening, musicology knowledge, and ability to work across musical styles, skills you'll need for real-world music-making and creative teamwork.
Assessment: Assessment includes collaborative compositional work and a video journal.
Year 2 (L5) 6 modules
- Classical Performance & Composition 3Core20 credits
Module details
You'll continue developing your performance or composition skills, building on everything you've learned so far. With guidance from your tutor, you'll work towards delivering a polished recital or portfolio that demonstrates your growing stylistic accuracy, technical ability, and musical expression.
Assessment: Assessment includes reflective video and technical exam.
- Classical Performance & Composition 4Core20 credits
Module details
This module helps you take your performance or composition to the next level. You'll refine your technique, deepen your musical interpretation, and build confidence with more advanced repertoire. Your tutor will support your progress as you prepare for final presentations or submissions.
Assessment: Assessment includes an end-of-year recital.
- Global Melodic Understanding 2Optional20 credits
Module details
You'll explore melodic systems from the Indian subcontinent, studying how different scales and modes inspire musical innovation. You'll also examine how these ideas have influenced Western classical music, giving you a richer, more global perspective on melody and composition.
Assessment: Assessment includes a presentation with practical demonstration.
- Global Rhythmic Understanding 2Optional20 credits
Module details
Through practical group work, you'll explore the rhythms of North and Sub-Saharan Africa. You'll compare patterns, styles, and cultural contexts, and build your understanding of how these rhythmic concepts can enhance your classical training and performance versatility.
Assessment: Assessment includes a presentation with practical demonstration.
- Integrative PedagogyOptional20 credits
Module details
You'll explore three key areas of music-related careers: tuition, therapy, and musical direction. This module helps you develop versatile skills that will enhance your performance, musicianship, and future employability - whatever path you choose within the music industry.
Assessment: Assessment includes a choice of a short lesson, a video exploration of a case study, or a video conducting a section of short work.
- Musicianship 3 (MAIC) – Musicology, Analysis, Improvisation, CompositionOptional20 credits
Module details
You'll deepen your understanding of classical improvisation, musicology, and composition while adding contextual analysis to your skillset. This module brings together creative and academic approaches to help you grow as a well-rounded, reflective musician.
Assessment: Assessment includes a video presentation.
Year 3 (L6) 3 modules
- Classical Innovations 1Core20 credits
Module details
You'll study how composers and performers reshaped classical music in the early 20th century. Exploring music alongside art, philosophy, and performance, you'll gain insight into key creative movements. You'll also prepare for a collaborative interdisciplinary project with artists from other fields.
Assessment: Assessment includes a choice of a research essay or a 10-minute presentation.
- Classical Innovations 2Core20 credits
Module details
You'll realise the interdisciplinary project you developed in Semester 1 - bringing your creative ideas to life. You'll also explore innovations in classical music from the late 20th and early 21st centuries, gaining fresh perspectives on how the genre continues to evolve.
Assessment: Assessment includes a collaborative arts project.
- Classical Performance & Composition 5Core40 credits
Module details
You'll work towards a high-level recital or portfolio that showcases your technical skill, musical maturity, and creative identity. With individual tuition and a focused practice routine, you'll refine your performance or composition for potential professional or postgraduate progression.
Assessment: Assessment includes exam and coursework.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree emphasises performance and artistic development under specialist teaching, preparing you for professional classical music work. You'll usually begin with foundational technique and music theory, move into applied performance study and ensemble work, and progress towards advanced repertoire and solo performance. As you develop, you'll typically explore areas such as chamber music, concerto performance, or period-specific instrumental practice. Cross-collaborative opportunities are built into the curriculum, giving you practical experience of working with other musicians and developing the collaborative skills essential to a career as a classical performer.
Who it's for
This course suits students with strong musical foundations and a commitment to classical music study. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff band among entrants was 96–111 points. You'll need to be prepared for intensive, specialised study at degree level.
University & format
This is a full-time, 3-year Bachelor's degree (BA Hons) taught at Leeds Conservatoire, located in Leeds. Teaching is in English. The degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so you'll receive a nationally recognised qualification. The Conservatoire achieved a Silver award in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Leeds Conservatoire →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What History graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £20,000 – £26,000 | 40 |
| 3 years after | £18,000 | £12,500 – £21,500 | 230 |
| 5 years after | £23,500 | £19,500 – £29,000 | 220 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in history · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs History nationally
National figures for History graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with History courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,423 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 45; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How History graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where History graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Museums & archives
- Heritage bodies
- Schools
- Civil service & media
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit History graduates.
History & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingChartereastdulwichHistory & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingThe Charter Schools Educational TrustHistory Teachers in Kirklees and HalifaxCV-LibraryHistory TeachersSABIS NETWORK SCHOOLSIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.9 out of 10: NSS 71.6% · in work or study 75% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Leeds Conservatoire
Historical, philosophical and religious studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Leeds Conservatoire
4,668 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is History right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Leeds Conservatoire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Leeds Conservatoire; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Leeds Conservatoire’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Leeds Conservatoire and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Leeds Conservatoire
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
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What do graduates go on to do?
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