Entry Requirements

Applying for the Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering

If you have a passion for music, how it’s produced, and meet the entry requirements listed below then we want to hear from you! We encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of experience. 

The application process is your opportunity to demonstrate that you meet the entry requirements necessary to study on the course. So that we can assess your suitability for the course and offer you an interview you will need to submit the following:

• A Music Portfolio (4 productions in which you demonstrate different roles, such as performer, producer, engineer, writer etc). Please label the portfolio or submit further documentation to explain your role in each production. The tracks need to be submitted in MP3 format in order to be accepted. We do not expect to receive high-quality productions but are simply looking for evidence that you have been attempting to create and produce music for a period of time.
• Your highest level/most recent academic qualifications. 
• Music qualifications – we require applicants to have an understanding of the fundamentals of music theory. If you are new to music theory we recommend you attend our 2-day Music Theory Fundamental for Producers course and/or study online for your ABRSM grade-1 music theory qualification. If you don’t have a formal music qualification please state your level of music knowledge and experience in your cover letter.
• A cover letter. This is where you can explain your motivation to study, career goals and provide further explanation of your background (recordings, composing, performances etc). You should also explain your musical abilities, eg. which instrument (s) you play, what music theory experience you have and give an indication of your level.
• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) – allowances will be made for applicants with relating “real-world” experience.
• Copy of photographic ID, this is usually a scan of your passport or ID card from your home country. For passports please provide a scan of the front cover and photo page. The minimum age requirement to take a course at Abbey Road Institute in London is 18.
• £450 registration fee (to make the payment go to Abbey Road Institute Bank Details).
• From 1st January 2021 onwards you will either need to be a UK passport holder or a European citizen living in the UK and register for the EU settlement scheme (more details below)

(All documentation for your application needs to be submitted in PDF format and song files must be in MP3 format).

Information for European and International applicants after Brexit (from 1st January 2021 onwards)

Following recent UK government announcements about Brexit, we have updated our guidance for both European and International (from outside of Europe) applicants who want to study at Abbey Road Institute London. From the 1st of January 2021 if you are from Europe and are applying to study in the UK you will need to apply for a visa unless you are already living in the UK and have registered with the EU Settlement Scheme. The guidance below will help you understand what your options are based on your personal circumstances.

I am a European citizen (have a European passport) and I’m already living in the UK. Can I apply for the Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering in 2021?

If you are living in the UK before midnight on the 31st of December and register on the EU settlement scheme you can apply to join our one-year Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering. You will also need to register for the EU settlement scheme before the 30th of June 2021. If you meet these criteria you will not need to apply for a Visa to study with us. 

I am a European citizen living outside of the UK. Can I apply for the Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering in 2021?

If you are a European citizen living outside of the UK and are applying to study with us after the 31st December 2020 you will need a Visa to join our one-year Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering. We don’t currently hold a license to sponsor Visas for students from outside of the UK, but we are busy working on this and hope to secure a license in early 2021. As soon as we have our license in place we will update you here on our website, via email and newsletter and our social media channels. Once the license is in place we will be able to support you with your Visa application.

I am an international applicant (from outside of Europe). What do the changes mean for me, can I now study at Abbey Road Institute London?

Due to current UK government Visa guidelines, International students are not yet able to study at Abbey Road Institute London, but you will in the future. We don’t currently hold a license to sponsor Visas for students from outside of the UK, but we are busy working on this and hope to secure a license in early 2021. As soon as we have our license in place we will update you here on our website, via email and newsletter and our social media channels. Once the license is in place we will be able to support you with your Visa application.

Youth Mobility Scheme for International Applicants (Tier 5)

In some circumstances, you may be eligible for a Tier 5 “Youth Mobility Visa”. You can apply for this visa if you’re aged between 18 – 30 and from the following countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea or Taiwan. For further information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Youth Mobility Scheme visa (Tier 5) page on the UK government website.

Standard Visitor Visa for 2021
Abbey Road Institute is approved by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). This means that qualifying International and European students will soon be in a position to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa which will allow them to study at Abbey Road Institute London for up to 6 months. As mentioned above we are in the process of creating new courses that will be open for applicants from outside of the UK and will be announcing this news in early 2021.

Any Questions?
If you’d like to apply but are unsure if you meet the requirements please get in touch for an initial consultation with one of our course advisers. You may also wish to consider attending one of our forthcoming Open Days where you will be able to meet the team and find out how Abbey Road Institute can help you to build a rewarding career working with sound.