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).

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

International Applicants (with a passport from outside the EEA)*

Students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are unable to obtain a Tier 4 visa to study at Abbey Road Institute London. To apply to study on this course you must hold a valid EEA passport or EU identity card. The EEA includes the European Union (EU) countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. As members of the EFTA (European Free Trade Area), Swiss nationals are also eligible to apply. 

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.

Short-term study visa
Abbey Road Institute is approved by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. This means that qualifying international (non-EAA) students will soon be in a position to apply for a short-term study visa which will allow them to study with us in the UK for up to 6-months. We are in the process of creating new courses that will be open for international applications and will be announcing this news in the coming months.

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.