BA (Hons) Songwriting - 2026 Entry

Note: This course is found under the Undergraduate option when making a UCAS application NOT the Conservatoires option.

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Study BA (Hons) Songwriting at Leeds Conservatoire

Our BA (Hons) Songwriting degree is designed for songwriters who want to refine their own style and sound, develop their unique artistry, build a sustainable career and make a lasting impact on the music industry.


*Please note this course is for 2026 entry only*

Looking to study in 2025? click here

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 3 Years /
    4 Years (with Foundation)
  • UCAS Course Code(s): W310
    W3J4 (with Foundation Year)
  • UCAS Institution Code: L30
  • Apply Via: UCAS Undergraduate Application (note: this course cannot be found under the 'Conservatoire' application option)
  • Study Mode: Full time
  • Validated By: University of Hull

Course Overview

Whatever your musical interests – acoustic to electronic, mainstream to left-field – you’ll explore the art and the mechanics of songwriting in a way that enables you to identify and develop your own unique direction, rooted in originality and purpose. 

Through individually tailored one-to-one tuition and taught collaborative group writing sessions with professional songwriters, you will develop advanced songwriting skills, refine your artistic identity, and cultivate your collaboration skills. You’ll have the creative freedom to develop your own projects with other writers and performers, focus your creative practice, and work in our Apple Mac labs where you will learn the skills required to realise your ideas into recordings using industry-standard software and facilities. 

You’ll explore the cultural, social and industry context of popular music and will learn how to analyse songs and recordings, empowering you to become an informed and adaptable songwriter. Through expert tuition and a regular series of visiting masterclasses and Q&A sessions, you will also learn the music industry skills that prepare you for the realities of a portfolio career. 

Whether you want to be behind the mic or behind the scenes, this course will nurture your songwriting voice and help you build a sustainable career in the music industry. 

Industry Collaboration

Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, live sessions, and input from alumni and industry guests provide insight and mentorship.

Creative Opportunities

You’ll have the chance to perform on and off campus or collaborate with other songwriters, producers and artists, and build a songwriting showcase portfolio for the industry. 

Facilities

You’ll have access to rehearsal suites, industry-standard studios, Mac Labs, and fully equipped performance spaces for band practices, showcases and recording sessions.

Graduate Destinations

Graduates go into songwriting, production, live or studio performance, music education, promotions, working at label and journalism. Progression to our postgraduate music degrees in songwriting, performance and production will be available.

“You have so much time to spend on developing your musical approach that it progresses very quickly. I’ve found myself experimenting with genres and sounds that I don’t think I would have got round to for a long time had I not come here.” – Henry Bateman, graduate songwriter

What You Will Study

Foundational Songwriting 1 

You'll develop core songwriting skills through one-to-one tuition, group workshops, and structured exercises. From lyric writing to harmonic and melodic development, this module gives you a solid foundation in contemporary songwriting. Working closely with your tutor, you'll explore your creative instincts while learning essential techniques that support your growth as a confident and adaptable writer. 

Foundational Songwriting 2 

Building on the first module, you’ll deepen your songwriting abilities and begin to shape your personal style. Through co-writing sessions, seminars, and one-to-one guidance, you’ll refine your creative voice, enhance your musicianship, and explore industry-focused practices. This module supports your artistic development while pushing you to collaborate, experiment, and apply your skills in more complex songwriting contexts.

Musical Analysis (Pop, Folk, Songwriting) 

You’ll explore the structures, techniques, and creative decisions behind influential songs and records. Using analytical tools, you’ll study arrangement, songcraft, and form—then apply these insights to your own music. Through lectures and peer discussion, you’ll sharpen your technical vocabulary, deepen your compositional understanding, and develop a more focused and reflective creative approach. 

Musical Contexts (Pop, Folk, Songwriting) 

You’ll examine how music operates within social, cultural, and industry frameworks. This module introduces musicological and theoretical approaches that help you understand music as both an art form and a commercial product. By analysing repertoire and musical discourse, you’ll gain the tools to critically evaluate your work and position your creative output within wider contexts. 

Songwriting 1: Skills 

You'll explore the foundations of songwriting and discover your direction as a writer. Through seminars, lectures, and personalised tuition, you'll develop your skills in melody, harmony, and lyrics while building confidence in part-writing. With an emphasis on creativity and adaptability, this module helps you shape a unique artistic voice while preparing you for the demands of professional songwriting. 

Songwriting 2: Technique 

This module helps you sharpen your songwriting techniques and grow as a creative professional. You’ll explore advanced lyric, harmonic, and melodic structures while deepening your understanding of collaborative and creative theory. Through focused tuition and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn to apply theory in practice and develop the adaptability, technical skill, and artistic awareness needed for professional environments. 

Songwriting Creative Environments 1 

You’ll learn how to write collaboratively and produce songs using industry-standard DAW software. Through tutor-led sessions, group writing tasks, and peer feedback, you’ll co-create original songs, experiment with new styles, and build digital production skills. This module helps you develop your creative instincts and technical confidence in a supportive, collaborative environment. 

Songwriting Creative Environments 2 

You'll refine your collaborative and production skills while exploring the roles of Tracker, Topliner, and Allrounder. In group sessions and recording workshops, you’ll deepen your understanding of the songwriting process from concept to realisation. This module strengthens your creative approach and technical know-how using professional studio tools and software, preparing you for real-world songwriting scenarios.

Songwriting 3: Artistry 

You’ll focus on refining your artistic voice while applying it within a professional context. Through lectures, workshops, and one-to-one tuition, you'll explore the work of iconic songwriters, develop advanced songwriting techniques, and take a deeper dive into lyrical and musical analysis. Collaborative projects and creative challenges will push your boundaries and support your growth as an expressive, industry-aware songwriter. 

Songwriting 4: Performance 

This module helps you refine your compositional identity with a sharper stylistic focus. Whether working solo, co-writing, or composing in a band, you’ll explore advanced techniques and creative approaches. Through individualised support and performance-based workshops, you’ll strengthen your songs from demo to delivery—ensuring they’re not only well-written but also performance-ready. 

Songwriting Creative Environments 3 

You’ll write to commercial briefs, develop your production skills, and gain experience working to industry expectations. In practical songwriting and Mac Lab sessions, you’ll explore how to collaborate with others while meeting creative goals and stylistic demands. This module builds your technical confidence in a DAW environment while helping you realise fully arranged, professionally focused songs. 

Songwriting Creative Environments 4 

This module helps you specialise as a Tracker, Topliner, or Allrounder while expanding into media and educational songwriting. You’ll experiment with sound design, mixing, and creative production using DAW software, while also learning to write for different audiences and briefs. With a strong focus on creative flexibility, this module prepares you for life as a collaborative, industry-ready songwriter. 

Industry 1: Infrastructure (Pop, Songwriting, Folk) 

You’ll explore the structure and workings of the UK music industry, gaining insights into income streams, management, legal frameworks, and professional bodies. This module provides the essential knowledge to start building a career as a songwriter or performer. You’ll learn to navigate industry mechanics and develop transferable business skills for long-term sustainability. 

Industry 2: Portfolio Skills (Pop, Songwriting, Folk) 

You’ll explore three complementary disciplines—Journalism, Pedagogy, and Musicology—to broaden your career prospects. This module helps you develop skills that can support or extend your creative practice. Through lectures and practical tasks, you’ll gain the tools to deliver work in one of these areas, strengthening your employability and portfolio as a music professional.

Major Songwriting Showcase 

You’ll create a portfolio that showcases your unique voice and professional readiness—whether through original artist material, industry-focused songwriting, or a mix of both. With expert support and feedback, you'll refine your writing, production, and performance skills while crafting a body of work that reflects your identity and ambition as a songwriter. 

Focus 1 (Pop, Songwriting, Folk) 

You’ll design and deliver a specialist project that aligns with your professional goals in ensemble performance, collaborative songwriting, or research. This module lets you showcase the skills and insights developed throughout your degree. You’ll refine your creative or academic approach while producing work that meets professional industry standards and reflects your artistic identity. 

Focus 2 (Pop, Songwriting, Folk) 

You’ll continue to develop your chosen specialism—whether performance, songwriting, or research—through a major project. Building on Focus 1, you’ll deepen your expertise and creative focus while demonstrating originality and professionalism. This module supports your transition into industry or further study by encouraging self-direction and high-level project delivery. 

Industry 3: Strategy (Pop, Songwriting, Folk) 

You’ll learn how to promote and position yourself in the music industry using strategic tools like marketing, branding, and digital presence. Through case studies and practical work, you’ll explore how artists build sustainable careers. You’ll develop networking skills and gain the knowledge to release music, build an audience, and navigate industry landscapes. 

Industry 4: Implementation (Pop, Songwriting, Folk) 

You’ll bring together everything you've learned in your industry studies to shape your unique career path. This module helps you develop your creative vision, visual identity, and professional presentation. You’ll gain experience in branding, career planning, and income strategies, preparing you to secure employment or launch yourself as a self-employed music professional.

BA (Hons) Songwriting with Foundation Year - 4 Years

If you know that conservatoire study is for you, but you don’t think that you’ll meet the academic or musical entry requirements, our four-year courses are an excellent opportunity to start studying your degree while you focus on your musical development.

An extra year of access to our creative and collaborative environment, excellent facilities, expert staff and rich performance opportunities will build your confidence as a conservatoire musician.

Find out more about BA (Hons) with Foundation Year.

Academic Requirements

BA (Hons) - 3 Years

96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.

A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).

BA (Hons) with Foundation Year - 4 Years

64 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.

A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).

Performance and Musical Theory Standard

Read our full entry requirements to see more detail on musical performance and theory standards.

Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)

Read our step-by-step application guide

Applicants will need to audition, interview and/or submit a portfolio of work. 

Exact requirements vary depending on which programme you are applying for.

Find more detailed audition information for applicants.

Leeds Conservatoire does not charge audition fees for any Undergraduate or Postgraduate course.

In many cases, if you prefer to submit your audition online rather than attend in person, this is an option. However, we don't want travel costs to be a barrier to attending in-person auditions at Leeds Conservatoire, so help is available for many applicants where finances are an issue. Eligibility and bursary application information is available on our audition information page.

For detailed information regarding tuition fees, payment options, and financial support:

If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
UCAS Institution Code: L30
Validated by: University of Hull

Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.

BA (Hons) Songwriting

Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: W310 

BA (Hons) Songwriting with Foundation Year

Duration: 4 years
UCAS Course Code: W3J4 

Ewan Mainwood

  • Course Studied: BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting)
  • Year of Graduation: 2020

“I really enjoyed the songwriting course and Leeds Conservatoire. The opportunities are there for any aspiring songwriter/ artist if they are willing to take them. Whether that’s the attentive support from the songwriting tutors, masterclasses with accomplished songwriters and producers and even meetings with industry A&Rs which personally for me was huge as it helped me land my first ever publishing deal!”

Ewan says, ‘I think the main thing people have resonated with in my music is the honesty and relatability of my lyrics and the emotional delivery of my vocal. I really try to write songs which mean something to me whether that’s self-experience or experiences of other people I know’.

Since graduating, Ewan has supported the likes of Ed Sheeran and Tom Walker and signed with Warner Chappell. At the time of writing, he is about to release his single ‘Leave Me Lonely’, and is preparation for his first UK headline tour.  

Read more about Ewan

Tutor profiles

Louisa OsbornSenior Lecturer: Songwriting, Popular

Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting), BA (Hons) Music (Popular)

Read more
about 'Louisa Osborn'

MediaTracks

Our partnership with MediaTracks, an established and successful library music provider, powers our bespoke Quarry Music student library music platform. 

Through Quarry Music, we support talent development within the music industry, while creating new, relevant and authentic compositions for clients and users of library music catalogues.

Find out more
“The community of music here is huge. There are so many opportunities with other musicians. Having the Production course alongside Pop, Jazz and Classical gives you so many options for collaboration.” – Tom Harvey, graduate songwriter
Facilities

Our Mac Labs are equipped with over 100 high-specification iMacs, MIDI keyboards and audio interfaces. They can be booked at any time outside of lessons until late and are equipped with industry standard software such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools and Ableton.

Find out more
Open Days

Find out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days. 

As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.

Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.

Open Days
Open Days

Find out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days. 

As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.

Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.

Open Days

BA (Hons) with Foundation Year

If you know that conservatoire study is for you, but you don’t think that you’ll meet the academic or musical entry requirements, our four-year courses are an excellent opportunity to start studying your degree while you focus on your musical development.

An extra year of access to our creative and collaborative environment, excellent facilities, expert staff and rich performance opportunities will build your confidence as a conservatoire musician.

Find out more
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