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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.


The 15 January deadline for UCAS undergraduate applications has been extended to 29 January 2021. Our advice is to not wait until this date to submit your application if it's complete. Use the extra time if you, your teachers or your school need it to finalise your reference and application.
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 College of Music
- 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 institutions that specialise in performing arts training. Often having bespoke facilities, they help you experience what it's like to actually work in the industry.
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 2021
15 January 2021 | Deadline for most UCAS Conservatoires undergraduate dance, drama, or musical theatre applications |
1 February 2021 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 4 January, you must reply to any offers by this day or they'll be automatically declined |
13 April 2021 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 16 March, you must reply to any offers by this day |
1 June 2021 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 15 May, you must reply to any offers by this day |
13 July 2021 | Conservatoire decisions on applications submitted by 1 May |
29 July 2021 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 13 July, you must reply to any offers by this day |
3 August 2021 | Conservatoire decisions on applications submitted by 1 June |
28 August 2021 | Deadline for 2021 entry UCAS Conservatoires applications |
8 September 2021 | If you get all decisions from conservatoires by 4 August, you must reply to any offers by this day |
22 September 2021 | Deadline for conservatoire decisions on all outstanding applications and for applicant replies |
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