UCAS Conservatoires: parents and guardians

Practical advice to help you support your child through the application cycle, as they research and apply to conservatoires.

Practical advice to help you support your child through the application cycle, as they research and apply to conservatoires.

What you need to know about the application process

Most courses start in September, and some require applications to be submitted almost a year in advance. There are a few different stages to the process – and application deadlines vary depending on the course – so the earlier your child can get started the better.

How the application process works

Top ten tips for your child

  1. Start research early – performing arts higher education has a lot of options to choose from.
  2. Know the deadlines – for some courses the application deadline is almost a year in advance.
  3. Browse through courses – so they can work out what they would enjoy or be interested in.
  4. Go to conservatoire open days – speak to us and higher education staff.
  5. Check entry requirements – make sure they can get the grades they need to get a place on a course.
  6. Watch them practice their chosen audition pieces with friends and family – they will need to perform them with confidence. 
  7. Understand student finance – so they can make the best arrangements to fund their studies.
  8. Be prepared for results day – make sure they’re prepared for all the possibilities.
  9. Remember it’s a separate application for university­ – which they can do simultaneously if they wish to.
  10. Visit our Facebook and Twitter pages regularly to get advice and ask questions.