Applying to study at a BIMM Institute in the UK
If you already know the course you wish to apply for then just follow our simple step by step guide below to making an application.
If you are not yet sure what the best course is for you, please contact our Admissions Team on 0344 2 646 666 or email [email protected].
Good luck. We can’t wait for you to start your career in music.
Choose your course level
Click your chosen qualification to find out all about applying to study:
Single And Joint Honours
Step 1: Apply
All applicants will need to submit an application through UCAS at www.ucas.com using the appropriate UCAS Course Code (which you can find on our course pages). Once your application has been received, we’ll invite you to an interview or audition.
Our interviews and auditions are conducted in a relaxed and supportive manner. They are as much about you assessing us and making sure BIMM Institute is the right place for you to study. The audition or interview also gives you another opportunity to learn more about the course you have applied for.
Step 2: Personal Statement
Part of your UCAS application is writing a personal statement. This gives us an insight into your ambitions, skills and previous experience, as well as giving you a chance to show your passion for your preferred path. For information on how to write a personal statement, check out our essential documents.
Step 3: Auditions, Interviews And Portfolio Submissions
Depending on which course you choose, you may need to attend an audition, interview or submit a portfolio of work as part of your application.
We have plenty of handy resources online to help you prepare for your audition or interview. The BIMM Admissions Department will also send you preparation guidelines, which will be specifically for the course you have applied for.
Undergraduate Courses Requiring An Audition*:
- Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals and Keyboards)
- Songwriting
*Your audition can be completed in person, by demo submission or via Zoom.
Non-Performance Undergraduate Courses Requiring An Interview:
- Music Business
- Event Management
- Music Marketing, Media and Communication
Undergraduate Courses Requiring A Portfolio Interview:
- Music and Sound Production
- Electronic Music Production
Step 4: Offers
If your UCAS application is successful, you’ll either be made a ‘conditional’ or ‘unconditional’ offer.
- ‘Conditional’ offer means that your place is pending until we receive any further information required, such as exam results and certificates
- ‘Unconditional’ offer means that you have met the entry criteria for the course
Step 5: Confirm Your Place
Confirmation of your place will be made through ‘Track’ on www.ucas.com. It’s then up to you to confirm your place. Once you have accepted the offer, the BIMM Admissions Team will be in touch with further guidance and information where applicable.
Our Admissions Team is available to help with any queries you may have about applying to BIMM.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 08442 646 666, emailing [email protected] or filling in the Application Enquiry web form.
We’ve put together some handy guides to help you with your application, view BIMM’s UCAS Application Guides.
UK Applicants
Step 1: Apply
You can apply to join us for a Further Education course by calling our Admissions Team directly on 08442 646 666 to request an audition. Alternatively, you can complete the Application Enquiry form on our website. A member of our team will then contact you to arrange an audition.
Step 2: Audition
Once we have booked your audition, you will be sent a confirmation email detailing the date, time and location of your audition. Guidelines will also be included, outlining what you will need to prepare.
On the day of your audition, your assessor will let you know if you have been recommended to study one of our diploma courses and provide you with valuable feedback and tips on how to further develop your skills. They will then send this information to the Admissions Team who will process your offer.
Step 3: Offer
The Admissions Team will send you an offer pack and contract. This will be Conditional until you are able to prove that you have achieved the GCSE/Level 2 entry requirements.
We will be able to amend your offer to Unconditional once you have sent us copies of your GCSE certificates and we have verified that you meet the academic entry requirements.
Step 4: Acceptance
If you wish to accept your place, you will need to respond to your contract offer. If you are interested in studying the MA Teaching & Learning in the Creative Industries, you will be required to complete a DBS check upon acceptance of your place. This can be arranged directly with BIMM Institute.
Step 1: Start Your Application
The first step will be to complete an application form, relevant to the course you wish to study:
Step 2: Interview
Once we have received your completed application form, we will be in touch to arrange your interview with a Course Leader. This can be in person or via phone/Skype subject to availability.
You will be sent a confirmation email with the date, time and location as well as some guidelines on what to prepare. If you have any concerns regarding your interview or require assistance with preparation, please contact the Admissions Team.
If you are attending your audition in person, the Course Leader will let you know if you have been recommended to study and provide you with valuable feedback and tips on how to further develop your skills. In some circumstances, your application may need to be reviewed by a specialist in the department before a final decision can be made.
All information will then be sent to the Admissions Team.
Step 3: Offer
The Admissions Team will send you an offer pack and contract. All offers will be Conditional until you are able to prove that you have achieved the entry requirements for the course.
We will be able to amend your offer to Unconditional once you have sent us copies/clear photographs of your certificates and we have verified that you meet the academic entry requirements.
Step 4: Acceptance
In order to accept your offer, you will need to sign and return the contract within 28 days of receipt. Please return this to [email protected].
Once you have confirmed your place, our finance department will be in touch during the summer months to confirm your method of payment for the course. You will then receive information regarding enrolment.
Any questions?
If you require any further assistance, please contact our Admissions Team on 0344 2 646 666 or email [email protected].
Applying to study at a BIMM Institute in Germany
If you already know the course you wish to apply for then just follow our simple step by step guide below to making an application.
If you are not yet sure what the best course is for you, please contact our Admissions Team on +49 (0)30 311 99 186 or email [email protected].
Submitting Your Application
Applications for entry to all courses for the Winter Semester (September 2022) are now open. Please note all BIMM Institute courses have one entry point.
You can apply directly to BIMM Institute Berlin or BIMM Institute Hamburg by completing and submitting our online application forms:
Undergraduate Online Application Form
Postgraduate Online Application Form
Please try not to leave your application to the last minute, as courses fill up very quickly and we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed if our places are full.
Writing a Personal Statement
Our application forms for undergraduate and postgraduate study contain a section for you to submit a personal statement outlining why you are interested in studying at BIMM Institute and giving you the opportunity to explain more about yourself and your musical/creative industries journey. You’ll also be able to tell us about your career aspirations and how BIMM Institute can help you achieve this.
Please check out our Personal Statement Guide (PDF) for some ideas of what to include. Postgraduate (Masters) applicants should include one or two academic references in their personal statements.
Applying through UCAS
UK applicants can also apply for BIMM Institute Hamburg or BIMM Insitute Berlin courses via UCAS: the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. When applying for a BIMM Institute Germany course through UCAS, you’ll need to enter our Institution Code (B39) and the Hamburg Campus Code (H) or Berlin Campus Code (B).
If you’re applying this way, you may find our UCAS Application Guide (PDF) helpful. Here, you’ll find useful information about completing your application. However, you may find it cheaper and easier to apply for BIMM Institute Hamburg or BIMM Institute Berlin directly.
Virtual Open Days
We also recommend that you attend one of our Virtual Open Days throughout the year to find out all you need to know about BIMM Institute before you submit your application. We also offer regular individual College Tours in Berlin and Hamburg, providing a great opportunity to see the campus and college facilities.
Application Deadlines
Early Application Deadline: 31st January 2022
Are you applying from overseas, and interested in studying at BIMM Institute Berlin or BIMM Institute Hamburg?
From 31st January, you will still have eight months before joining our BIMM Institute community and taking your first step towards your life in music. Tuition starts on the 26th September 2022. Enrolment, Freshers and induction activities run from 12th until 23rd September 2022, and all students will receive their localised Freshers schedule in the lead-up to enrolment.
Although this might sound like a lot of time, we recommend submitting your application by 31st January 2022. Our application process includes specific entry requirements when it comes to submitting your exam grades for different study areas, proof of an English language certificate (e.g. IELTS), and a study visa if you’re planning to move to Germany to study from outside Europe.
Applying by the Early Application Deadline allows yourself enough time to:
- Arrange your English language test
- Apply for your visa (if required)
- Arrange your move to Germany
- Prepare and succeed in your audition or interview
If you apply on 31st January, this also gives you enough time to listen to our lecturers’ advice, work on your skills, and complete a resit if your first audition or interview isn’t successful. For all applications submitted by 31st January 2022, we can also guarantee availability on your chosen course.
We recommend that all non-EU students review our Visa & Immigration page for further useful advice.
Recommended EU Application Deadline: 25th April 2022
Are you applying from the EU, and interested in studying at our BIMM Institute Berlin or BIMM Institute Hamburg colleges?
There are five months from the 25th April until you start your studies at Europe’s largest music institute. If you are studying for your exams, we hope they’re going well and you can focus on your future studies.
Even if you’re moving from a European country and might not need a study visa, or a study visa is simple to access, there are still steps you should take into account and apply by the recommended date of 25th of April 2022. See our Visa & Immigration page for further useful guidance.
Please note that our application process includes specific entry requirements, such as:
- Proof of English language (e.g. academic English language results or ESOL/IETLS)
- An audition for our Performance and Songwriting courses
- An interview for our Music Production, Music Business and Postgraduate courses
Should your first audition or interview be unsuccessful, you still have time at this point to develop your practice and complete a second one.
Our German colleges are based in the heart of Berlin’s and Hamburg’s music and creative hubs. So, as finding accommodation might take a while, please allow yourself the recommended time to pass the application process, plan your move to Germany, and begin your career in the music industry.
Recommended German (domestic) Application Deadline: 13th June 2022
Are you living in Germany/ are of German nationality and interested in studying with us at BIMM Institute Berlin or BIMM Institute Hamburg?
We hope you have successfully passed the first round of exams and wish you the best of luck in your upcoming ones. Knowing that most of you will still be awaiting Abitur results, we would like to encourage you to submit your application for study at BIMM Institute before receiving your final results, and by 13th June 2022 at the latest. If you receive/ are awarded any Abitur results after this date, you can pass them onto our BIMM Institute Admissions Department via email. We’ll help coordinate this with you.
Courses will be filling up quickly by this point, and we recommend you apply by 13th June 2022 to guarantee your place on your chosen course. For all applications submitted after this date, course study is subject to availability.
From the 13th June 2022, there are 15 weeks until you join the BIMM Institute community and complete your first step towards a career in the music industry. Your first semester starts on 26th September 2022, and there are enrolment, induction, and Freshers activities scheduled from 12th until 23rd September. Our local Events & Guests teams will send you information on these via email.
The application process also includes an audition (for all Performance and Songwriting courses) or an interview (for Music Production, Music Business and Postgraduate courses). You will need some time to prepare for this. If you are not successful in your first audition or interview, we provide a second chance for you to take our lecturers’ feedback on board, develop your skills, and return for a second attempt. We highly recommend giving yourself time to complete these steps with minimal stress and applying by the 13th June.
Final Application Deadline: 29th August 2022
Are you interested in studying at BIMM Institute but haven’t applied yet? You still have the chance to submit your application!
29th August 2022 is the final deadline to apply and complete the required steps to gain entry at BIMM Institute. Our application process includes different steps and entry requirements, such as:
- Specific academic entry grades
- Proof of English language (e.g. academic English language results or ESOL/IELTS)
- An audition or interview depending on the course you are interested in
Our Admissions Teams in Berlin and Hamburg will do everything possible to still bring you on board for your Semester start on 26th September 2022. However, if you apply from a non-EU country, the Visa application process will require some time to complete.
If you encounter delays, it is possible to begin your studies through to the third week of Semester 1 (week commencing 10th October 2022). If you cannot join by this week, we will advise that you defer your application until September 2023, as we cannot accept any students starting after week three of Semester 1.
Study places will have been filling up quickly throughout the year. If you wish to apply for September 2022 study, and we receive your application after 29th August, then study is strictly subject to availability and capacity on your chosen course. You may have to join a waiting list for course entry if places are full by this point. Please contact our Admissions Team for further information.
We wish you the best of luck throughout your exams period and success in your audition or interview for your studies at BIMM Institute. We look forward to welcoming you as a student at Europe’s largest, most connected music institute.
Our Admissions Team is happy to support you in your application process. You can contact the Admissions Team via [email protected] or via phone at +49 (0)30 311 99 186 (Berlin) and +49 (0)40 874 09 632 (Hamburg).
All BIMM Institute courses have academic and English Language entry requirements.
Academic Entry Requirements
You can find an overview of our Academic Entry Requirements here.
If your qualification or nationality isn’t listed, no problem, please just contact the Admissions Team by email who will be able to confirm these for you. If you are concerned that you have not met the required academic entry requirement for study at BIMM Institute, again speak to our Admissions Team, as we may be able to give you the option of completing an academic and experience-based assessment as an alternative.
English Language Requirements
An overview of the English Language qualifications that BIMM Institute accepts is listed here.
Please note, if you have formally studied English at school then in some cases you will have met our English-language requirements for entry. Please check our Academic Entry Requirements for further information or speak with our Admissions Team.
BIMM Institute requires all students to have a certain level of English-language in order to study, as all our courses are taught in English and use academic and business terminology. We want all of our students to achieve their best potential during their studies, which is why we have these requirements for entry to study.
For further information speak to our Admissions Team via email [email protected] or phone +49 (0) 30 311 99 186.
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll invite you to attend BIMM Institute for an audition and assessment – this can take place at our Hamburg or Berlin campuses. If it’s difficult for you to travel to BIMM Institute in person, we’ll arrange for a remote audition/assessment to take place with one of our lecturers on your course area in either Hamburg or Berlin.
Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals) and Songwriting
If you’re applying to BIMM Institute for one of our performance-based courses and are an EU-based student, we’ll expect you to attend BIMM Institute for an audition in one of our performance rooms. If it’s difficult for you to travel to BIMM Institute in person, we’ll arrange for a remote audition to take place. We’ll send you details of the requirements before your audition so you know what is expected on the day.
All BIMM Institute auditions are free of charge. Upon arrival at the BIMM Institute campus, you’ll be greeted individually and have the opportunity to have any questions answered. During your individual audition, we’ll discuss your personal aspirations and the ways in which we can help you to achieve your goals.
After your audition, you’ll be debriefed by a member of the Admissions Team and this is an opportunity for you to ask any questions regarding the course you’re applying for. We’ll then either make you an offer of a place or suggest how you can develop your skills further to meet the required standard for entry to your course.
Music Production
If you’re applying to BIMM Institute for our Music Production course, we’ll want to review a small portfolio of work showcasing your production experience.
If you are an EU-based student, we’ll expect you to attend BIMM Institute for an interview. If you’re not based in the EU or if it’s difficult for you to travel to BIMM Institute in person, we’ll arrange for a remote interview to take place with a lecturer on your course area. An offer will then be made based upon your qualifications, portfolio review and a successful interview.
Music Business
For our Music Business course, you’ll be required to complete an application form including a personal statement. You will also be required to attend an interview in person and present an outline of your experience engaging with the music or creative industries to one of our lecturers. If it’s difficult for you to join us in person, we’ll arrange for a remote interview to take place via Zoom with one of our lecturers, and all interview requirements will be sent to you in advance so you can prepare.
An offer will then be made based upon your qualifications, experience and a successful interview.
Visit our auditions & interviews page for further information.
After your audition or interview, our lecturer will inform you immediately if you have successfully met the required entry standard for our courses, and you’ll be debriefed by a member of the Admissions Team who can also discuss any further questions you may have and advise whether you can be offered a Conditional (dependant on any outstanding proofs of qualifications) or Unconditional offer of study at BIMM Institute. The Admissions Team will follow this up by email.
If you are unsuccessful at your audition or interview, you will be provided with comprehensive development feedback so you know which areas of your practice to work on. You will also be invited back for another audition or interview at a later date. All auditions and interviews can be arranged by contacting our Admissions Team directly on +49 30 311 99 186 or emailing [email protected].
Please note that on some occasions, our lecturers may advise a period of development lasting some months. For these reasons we highly recommend submitting your completed application form and arranging your audition or interview at the earliest opportunity to allow time for this if required.
If you are offered a place, you’ll be sent a contract and offer letter via email by our Admissions Team. It’s then up to you to confirm if you wish to take up your place and return the signed study contract to us within 14 days of receipt.
Our Admissions Team is available to help with any queries you may have about applying to BIMM. Please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling +49 30 311 99 186, emailing [email protected] or filling in the ‘Application Enquiry’ website form.
Please note: EU and some non-EU students may qualify for Bafög maintenance support from the German Government, which can be used to help pay your fees or living costs. This funding and eligibility will be reviewed after January 1st 2021 and will be dependant on the type of agreement between the EU and UK after the Brexit deadline. For further information, please check our Fees & Finance section on the BIMM Institute website.
UK Students should also be aware that BIMM Institute Hamburg or Berlin courses do not qualify for Student Loans Company funding.
Any questions?
If you require any further assistance, please contact our Admissions Team on +49 (0)30 311 99 186 or email [email protected].
Applying to study at BIMM Institute Dublin
If you already know the course you wish to apply for then just follow our simple step by step guide below to making an application.
If you are not yet sure what the best course is for you, please contact our Admissions Team on +353 1 5133 666 or email [email protected].
Good luck. We can’t wait for you to start your career in music.
Choose your course level
Click your chosen qualification to find out all about applying to study:
BA (Hons) In Commercial Modern Music
CAO Course Code: TU961
Applications
All Irish and other EU applicants must apply through the CAO.
Apply to: www.cao.ie/apply.php
Applications open from November and close at 5.15pm on 1st February each year. We encourage all applicants to apply before the 1st February deadline due to the audition requirement for this course.
Further information regarding CAO deadlines can be found here.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must achieve a minimum of two H5s and four O6s (formerly two Higher Level C3s and four Ordinary Level D3s) in any subjects at Leaving Cert Level or equivalent. A minimum of five Distinctions at FETAC Level 5 will also be accepted.
All applicants must attend an audition to determine their eligibility for the course. CAO applicants can gain up to a maximum of 600 additional points at an audition to add to their Leaving Cert points.
Mature students are welcomed and should apply through the CAO as usual. Applicants must be 23 years of age on 1st January in the year of application in order to be classified as a mature student.
Equivalent qualifications that will be considered from EU applicants can be viewed at: www2.cao.ie/downloads/documents/Guidelines-EU-EFTA.pdf
Auditions
Applicants will be required to complete an audition in order to determine their eligibility for the course. Auditions will begin in March and continue through to May.
Audition requirements will be sent to applicants in advance, and audition dates and times will be sent at least ten days in advance. Please note that all correspondence is carried out by email.
Progression
As with all BIMM programmes, this course is designed to equip graduates with the skills required for a sustainable career in the music industry.
BA (Hons) Music Business
Applications
Applications are made directly to BIMM Institute Dublin.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum academic requirements for the programme are a successful interview and 2H5s and 4O6s/H7s (formerly 2 Higher Level C3s and 4 Ordinary Level D3s) in any subjects at Leaving Certificate. 5 Distinctions at FETAC/QQI Level 5 are also acceptable.
The deadline to apply is 31st July 2021 for September 2021. You will need to apply directly to BIMM. Please register your interest with the Admissions Team and they will send you a link to the application form.
Equivalent qualifications that will be considered from EU applicants can be viewed. Please contact our Admissions team at [email protected] for further information.
Interviews
Our Admissions Team would normally be able to respond to your application within 48hrs of receipt on weekdays. The team will then be in touch regarding the next steps. You’ll be invited to attend an interview with our team to discuss your goals and experience. You may also be required to submit additional supporting documentation.
Progression
As with all BIMM programmes, this course is designed to equip graduates with the skills required for a sustainable career in the music industry.
Foundation Diploma In Professional Musicianship
Applications
All applications are made directly to BIMM Dublin, initially via our Apply page.
Applications open from November and due to high demand we encourage all applicants to apply before the 1st July.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed one module at Level 5 (i.e. one subject at Leaving Cert Level or one module at FETAC Level 5, or equivalent) and must be 17 years of age on 1st January in the year of application.
Mature students are welcomed and must be 23 on 1st January in the year of application in order to be classified as a mature student. The primary entry criteria for consideration will be the audition.
Auditions
All applicants must attend an audition to determine their eligibility for the course. Applicants for the Diploma course will be auditioned from March and throughout the summer. Audition requirements will be sent to each applicant in advance, and audition dates and times will be sent at least ten days in advance. Please note that all correspondence is carried out by email.
Foundation Diploma In Music Business
Applications
All applications are made directly to BIMM Dublin, initially via our Apply page.
You will be contacted via email with further instructions on how to complete your application.
Applications open from November. Due to high demand, we encourage all applicants to apply before the 1st of July.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed one module at Level 5 (i.e. one subject at Leaving Cert Level or one module at FETAC Level 5, or equivalent) and must be 17 years of age on 1st January in the year of application.
Mature students are welcomed and must be 23 on 1st January in the year of application in order to be classified as a mature student. The primary entry criteria for consideration will be the interview.
Interviews
All applicants must also attend an interview to determine their eligibility for this course. Interviews for the Diploma in Music Business will take place from March and throughout the summer. Please note that all correspondence is carried out by email.
Applicants will have an interview of up to ½ an hour where we can discuss your previous experience within music, interests and career goals, and ways in which we may be able to help you attain them.
Foundation Diploma In Music And Audio Production
Applications
All applications are made directly to BIMM Dublin, initially via our Apply page.
You will be contacted via email with further instructions on how to complete your application.
Applications open from November. Due to high demand, we encourage all applicants to apply before the 1st of July.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed one module at Level 5 (i.e. one subject at Leaving Cert Level or one module at FETAC Level 5, or equivalent) and must be 17 years of age on 1st January in the year of application.
Mature students are welcomed and must be 23 on 1st January in the year of application in order to be classified as a mature student. The primary entry criteria for consideration will be the interview.
Interviews
All applicants must also attend an interview to determine their eligibility for this course. Interviews for the Diploma in Music & Audio Production will take place from March and throughout the summer. Please note that all correspondence is carried out by email.
Applicants will have an interview of up to ½ an hour where we can discuss your previous musical experience and career goals, and ways in which we may be able to help you attain them. We encourage applicants to bring along any relevant material which demonstrates their experience in music and audio production.
Step 1: Start Your Application
The first step will be to complete an application form for the MA Popular Music Practice course.
Step 2: Interview
Once we have received your completed application form, we will be in touch to arrange your interview with a Course Leader. This can be in person or via phone/Skype subject to availability.
You will be sent a confirmation email with the date, time and location as well as some guidelines on what to prepare. If you have any concerns regarding your interview or require assistance with preparation, please contact the Admissions Team.
If you are attending your audition in person, the Course Leader will let you know if you have been recommended to study and provide you with valuable feedback and tips on how to further develop your skills. In some circumstances, your application may need to be reviewed by a specialist in the department before a final decision can be made.
All information will then be sent to the Admissions Team.
Step 3: Offer
The Admissions Team will send you an offer pack and contract. All offers will be Conditional until you are able to prove that you have achieved the entry requirements for the course.
We will be able to amend your offer to Unconditional once you have sent us copies/clear photographs of your certificates and we have verified that you meet the academic entry requirements.
Step 4: Acceptance
In order to accept your offer, you will need to sign and return the contract within 28 days of receipt. Please return this to [email protected].
Once you have confirmed your place, our finance department will be in touch during the summer months to confirm your method of payment for the course. You will then receive information regarding enrolment.
Any questions?
If you require any further assistance, please contact our Admissions Team on +353 1 5133 666 or email [email protected].
