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Essential documents

Your journey to becoming a BIMM Music Institute student has begun! On this page, you’ll find all the information you need.

We’ve got you every step of the way, from completing your UCAS application to finding your student accommodation. Have a read through the documents below to find answers to the most common questions we get asked.

If you’re looking for a prospectus, these can be found on our downloads page.

Applying to BIMM

If you’re applying to university for 2026 entry, there are some important changes to the way you’ll write your personal statement. Instead of one long text, UCAS is introducing a new structure: three shorter sections, each with a different question to help you shape your answer.

This new format is designed to give all students the same clear structure and support. Each section has a minimum character count of 350, and the total across all three sections must not exceed 4,000 characters (including spaces). You’ll see helpful character counters and guidance in the UCAS form.

If you are an international applicant and require a visa to study, please see our How to Apply Page.

The Three Questions

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?

This is your chance to show what excites you about the subject you’re applying for.

Think about:

Specific areas of the course or industry that interest you
Your personal journey and what led you here
Where this course could take you in the future
Books, blogs, podcasts, or articles you’ve explored
Your career aspirations and how this subject fits in

2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Use this section to reflect on your education so far.

You could include:

Relevant subjects, modules, or topics you’ve studied
Dance, drama, or performance modules you’ve taken
Assignments or projects you’ve enjoyed
Independent research or reading you’ve done around the subject
Skills you’ve developed through coursework or exams

3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Here’s where you can show the bigger picture – your experience beyond the classroom.

For example:

Work experience or volunteering
Creative or personal projects
Clubs, societies, or extracurricular activities
Travel, languages, and leadership roles
Challenges you’ve overcome or goals you’ve worked towards

What not to Include

Keep it honest, relevant and clear. Make sure you answer each question properly and use your own voice. Write a first draft in a separate document so you can plan, edit and proofread it before you add it to your application.

Check your spelling and grammar – and don’t be afraid to ask someone you trust to check your work before you submit it.

Top tips

Please don’t include any information about support or access requirements in your personal statement. There’s a dedicated section on the UCAS form for this, which ensures the right support teams at BIMM University can help you.