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UCAS Performing Arts applications
If you’re applying for a performing arts course, you can apply through UCAS Conservatoires. Find out how, why and when with our helpful guide.

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How do you apply for a Performing Arts course?
If you're applying for a Performing Arts degree in the UK you'll have to do it through UCAS Conservatoires, a specialised online admissions service for undergraduate, postgraduate and other music, dance, drama, screen and production programmes at these conservatories:
- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
- Leeds Conservatoire
- Royal Academy of Music
- Royal College of Music
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- Royal Northern College of Music
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
What are conservatoires?
Conservatoires are higher education institutions that specialise in performing arts training, such as music, dance, and drama. Often having bespoke facilities, they help you experience what it's like to actually work in the industry.
Conservatoires typically offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and their curriculums are focused on practical training and performance. You'll receive individual instruction from experts and have frequent opportunities to perform in front of audiences.
How do you apply through UCAS Conservatoires?
You can create a single electronic application that’ll be submitted simultaneously to a maximum of six conservatoires.
You can still make a separate application through UCAS to other universities and colleges offering music, dance, drama, screen and production courses, although you can only accept a place through one system (i.e. via either UCAS Conservatoires or UCAS).
Key dates for 2024
31 January 2024 | Deadline for most UCAS Conservatoires undergraduate dance, drama, or musical theatre applications |
1 February 2024 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 3 January, you must reply to any offers by this day or they'll be automatically declined |
10 April 2024 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 15 March, you must reply to any offers by this day |
5 June 2024 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 15 May, you must reply to any offers by this day |
10 July 2024 | Conservatoire decisions on applications submitted by 1 May |
10 July 2024 | 2025 entry for UCAS Conservatoire applications open |
24 July 2024 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 10 July, you must reply to any offers by this day |
1 August 2024 | Conservatoire decisions on applications submitted by 5 June |
10 September 2024 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 1 August, you must reply to any offers by this day |
2 October 2024 | Deadline for 2025 entry UCAS Conservatoires applications for music courses |
8 October 2024 | Deadline for conservatoire decisions on all outstanding applications and for applicant replies |
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