Music Production, Performance and Business with Foundation BA Honours

• International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
• We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
• We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.

English language requirements

• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
• If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.

More information

• How to apply
• Visas and advice

Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be asked to submit a short portfolio of their current production work. This will be two tracks, which can be submitted using Google Drive or Dropbox, or via social media sites such as SoundCloud, YouTube, Bandcamp or similar. The tracks are to demonstrate production work and only need to be demos.

Portfolio guidance

Number of recommended portfolio pieces.

A maximum of two portfolio pieces.

What should I include in my portfolio submission?

Music Foundation Portfolio requirements:

Tracks

Provide links to 2 tracks of your current production work. These can be submitted using Google Drive or Dropbox, or via social media sites such as SoundCloud, YouTube, Bandcamp or similar. The tracks should demonstrate your production work and only need to be demos.

Please make sure your tracks meet the requirements:

• Tracks should be no shorter than 2 minutes in length with 3 minutes as the ideal.
• Please do not use backing tracks sourced from YouTube, Soundcloud, Beat Stars and so on.
• We are interested in hearing your own music, so you should make sure that at least one of the pieces submitted is your own composition.

Written Work

We would also like you to complete one piece of reflective academic written work. This is a 350 word written exercise, where you reflect on the following question:

In what ways has your experience of music and your chosen style or genre specialism prepared you for a sustainable career in the music industry?

The following video will help you to formulate your perspective, especially the distance between taste and execution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2wLP0izeJE

The link might not be available to everyone, so here is a transcript:

"What nobody tells people who are beginners — and I really wish someone had told this to me . . . is that all of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, and it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not.

But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase. They quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn't have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story [song or performance].

It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I've ever met. It’s gonna take a while. It’s normal to take a while. You've just gotta fight your way through." Ira Glass

In your writing, we are looking for clarity and quality of thought and expression, supported by objective reasoning and reflection. You need to present evidence of your ability to produce creative thinking on your specialism issues by critically addressing and assessing key areas of your music production, performance and business practice. Include links to social networks and social media use to illustrate points in your essay.

How should I structure my portfolio?

Format and Access:

• You may submit your portfolio via Google Drive, Dropbox, or a similar cloud storage service, ensuring that access is granted to anyone with the link.
• Alternatively, you can submit a PDF or Word document with hyperlinks to your work, such as tracks, videos, or reports.
• Written work must be submitted as a Word document.
• For tracks, you can hyperlink to streaming platforms. Please ensure that private YouTube or SoundCloud links are accessible with the provided link.
• For videos, ensure these are of a high enough quality to be viewed clearly (preferably 720p or higher).

How will my portfolio be evaluated?

The approach of the Foundation year is to develop core skills in making musical and academic work. Your portfolio is assessed on your current production level and how the course can best assist you in developing your skills, providing you with a good solid start for working in music.

What happens next?

Your portfolio and application will be reviewed by one of the academic team and selected applicants ill be invited to an applicant event that allows you to experience the university campus and course learning.

Top Tip from our course team

Whatever the genre or field of the music industry you are most interested in or have skills in, showcase your originality and creativity. Let your unique voice and aspirations shine through in your portfolio.

Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

• Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
• Attending an international summer school or field trip
• Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.