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Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM)

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CONTENTS
RANKING

Top 100 in the World

PROGRAMS

500+

SPOTLIGHTS

Port City

SCHOLARSHIPS

3.000 - 26.000 GBP

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The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) is a specialized higher education institution in the United Kingdom, with campuses in Guildford, Birmingham, and London. Founded in 1997, ACM began as an academy focused on music education; today it has become a respected institution offering diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and short-term programmes in areas such as music, game development, production, performance, and creative technologies. Focusing on hands-on learning, ACM provides students with a learning environment close to industry experience in professional studios, performance spaces, and creative production laboratories.

ACM stands out with its industry-focused educational approach, particularly in contemporary music, game development, and creative media. Classes are taught by professional instructors actively working in the industry, and students gain near-real-world work experience through masterclasses, live projects, and industry collaborations. The institution's partnership with Metropolis Studios allows students to experience professional music production and recording processes firsthand. ACM alumni include internationally acclaimed artists such as Ed Sheeran, Matty Healy, and Newton Faulkner.

Bristol, a historic port city, is rich in social and cultural life. It is home to various museums, art galleries, festivals, and over 30.000 students. It offers students a vibrant and dynamic social life, along with a friendly atmosphere, green spaces, and a bike-friendly environment. The city is approximately 3 hours from London, and popular cities like Exeter and Bath are easily accessible by train.

The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) campuses offer students a modern and hands-on learning environment at the heart of the creative industries. Campuses in London, Guildford, and Birmingham feature professional recording studios, performance spaces, production suites, and game development labs. Throughout their studies, students gain near-real-world work experience through projects, live performances, and industry collaborations.

In particular, ACM London connects students with London's creative industry network, while ACM Guildford offers a creative and interdisciplinary community in one of the UK's leading game development hubs. ACM Birmingham provides a dynamic campus life with modern studio spaces and live events. Furthermore, thanks to ACM's connections with Metropolis Studios and Blue Room Studios, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in professional music production and sound technology.

The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) boasts a large alumni network that has achieved successful careers in music and the creative industries. Its graduates include world-renowned artists, producers, sound engineers, and music directors. Ed Sheeran, in particular, is one of ACM's most famous alumni, with an international music career and Grammy awards. Other notable names include Matty Healy, Newton Faulkner, and Kenya Grace.

In addition to these names, ACM graduates pursue careers in various fields of the creative industry, such as music production, live sound engineering, artist management, and marketing. Artists like Zomboy, Amelle Berrabah, and Carmen Vandenberg are also among the successful alumni that ACM has contributed to the creative industries.

Academy of Contemporary Music

Matty Healy

Matthew Timothy Healy is an English singer-songwriter and record producer who was the lead vocalist and main songwriter of the 1975 pop-rock band. He is known for his lyrics, musical eclecticism, provocative stage persona described as performance art, and his influence on indie pop music.

Personal Web Page
Academy of Contemporary Music

Kenya Grace

Kenya Grace Johnson is a South African-born British singer, songwriter, and record producer. She is best known for her 2023 single "Strangers," which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.

Biography Page
Academy of Contemporary Music

E

Edward Christopher "Ed" Sheeran MBE is an English singer, songwriter, and album producer. He grew up in Framlingham, England, began his music career in 2005, and moved to London in 2008 to pursue it further.

Biography Page

At the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), undergraduate programs last 3 years (2 years with accelerated programs), and graduate programs last 1 year. Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week under their student visa.

Diploma

Turkish High School Diploma. If available, International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Level Diploma (if not, please contact EDUKAS consultants).

English

English Proficiency Certificate (Required: A sufficient score on internationally recognized IELTS UKVI or TOEFL exams) – Minimum IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate studies; minimum IELTS 6.5 for postgraduate studies.

Passport

You will not need a passport during the application process, but you must have a valid passport for at least 6 months prior to the start of the visa process.

transcript

Transcript (Transcripts must be in English; the EDUKAS team offers a free translation service)

CV

The document should contain answers to the questions that EDUKAS consultants will ask you and should be prepared in a sample format.

Letter of Intent & Letter of Reference

The letter of intent should answer the questions posed by EDUKAS consultants and should be prepared according to the sample format. A letter of reference, a document from your professors or employer regarding your academic or professional background, is required during the application process.

Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) Foundation Programs

Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) Foundation The programs are university preparatory programs designed for students aiming for careers in the creative industries but wishing to enhance their academic, technical, or creative skills before beginning their undergraduate studies. Offered at campuses in Birmingham, Guildford, and London, this one-year foundation program aims to build students' confidence and prepare them for undergraduate studies in areas such as music production, performance, songwriting, and creative media.

Within the program, students receive training in areas such as academic communication, project management, stage performance, collaboration, and instrument development, while also having the opportunity to develop their portfolios through applied projects and creative work. Students who successfully complete the Foundation program can transfer to ACM's BA/BSc (Hons) Creative Industries Futures undergraduate programs. More detailed information about program content, requirements, and dates can be found here. https://www.acm.ac.uk/courses/foundation/ You can reach it at.

Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate programs last a total of 9 semesters, 3 semesters per year (this number may vary for 2-year accelerated programs). These programs begin in September.

Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) Graduate Programs

Master's programs last one academic year and consist of two semesters. These programs begin in September.

Nick Gatfield Music Business

https://www.acm.ac.uk/scholarships-and-bursaries/ 

Education Level: Bachelor's Postgraduate Taught/Master, Postgraduate Taught/Master Programmes

This scholarship is for students who want to pursue a career in the music industry. It supports students with strong ideas, creativity, and an interest in the future of the industry.

DJ Semtex Rap Scholarship

Education Level: License

The DJ Semtex Rap Scholarship is offered to undergraduate students across all campuses with the aim of supporting and developing the next generation of rap artists. Named after renowned DJ and streamer DJ Semtex, this scholarship aims to help students advance in the music industry by promoting originality and diverse voices within hip-hop culture.

Supermassive Games Scholarship

Education Level: Bachelor's Postgraduate Taught/Master, Postgraduate Taught/Master Programmes

The Supermassive Games Scholarship supports students who want to pursue a career in the gaming industry and are interested in character design, environment design, and 2D/3D game art. The scholarship is aimed at students who want to develop their creative talents and gain professional skills in game development.

Metropolis Sound Recording & Engineering (SRE) Scholarship

Education Level: Bachelor's Postgraduate Taught/Master, Postgraduate Taught/Master Programmes

The Metropolis Scholarship supports students who want to pursue careers in sound recording and sound engineering, focusing on developing studio practice and technical skills. Offered in collaboration with Metropolis Studios, this scholarship aims to provide students aspiring to careers in music production, mixing, and mastering with professional studio experience.

Rex Brown Social Commerce Scholarship

Education Level: Bachelor's Postgraduate Taught/Master, Postgraduate Taught/Master Programmes

The Rex Brown Social Commerce Scholarship supports students who want to pursue careers in digital content, brand management, and online commerce. It is designed for students interested in areas such as social media, influencer marketing, and e-commerce, and who want to develop innovative ideas in the digital world.

WCOM Award

Education Level: Bachelor's Postgraduate Taught/Master, Postgraduate Taught/Master Programmes

The Musician's Company Award is a prestigious scholarship at ACM that recognizes students demonstrating outstanding talent and achievement in popular music performance. It supports students seriously focused on a music career in developing their stage performance, creativity, and technical skills.

For detailed information on application requirements and scholarships, you can get support from EDUKAS consultants.

The cost of living in London, Guildford, and Birmingham can vary depending on accommodation and location. Rent for a shared apartment, excluding bills, averages between £500 and £1,300 and is the most popular type of accommodation among students. Adding living expenses, you should have an average monthly budget of around £1,500.

Expenditure Type
Weekly Cost
Monthly Cost
Accommodation near the London campus (en-suite, studio or shared)
It ranges between £250 and £375.
It ranges between £1000 and £1,500.
Accommodation near Birmingham campus (en-suite, studio or shared)
It ranges between £150 and £300.
It ranges between £600 and £1,200.
Accommodation near Guildford campus (en-suite, studio or shared)
It ranges between £245 and £300.
It ranges between £980 and £1,200.
One-time bus ticket
Prices vary between £1,75 and £2,50 depending on the city.
-
Dining on campus
Meals range from £7 to £15 depending on the campus.
-

To study in the United Kingdom, you need to apply for a Student Visa. EDUKAS is here to support you throughout the entire application process.

CAS Letter

Universities send acceptance letters called CAS (Course of Availability) to students for use in the visa application process. You can request your CAS letter from the school through your EDUKAS consultant.

Bank account statement

Bank Statement (You need to have the school + accommodation fees in your current account or your sponsor's current account for 28 consecutive days prior to your visa interview appointment. The annual accommodation cost is determined by the visa department as 1529 GBP for London and 1171 GBP for locations outside London). You can find out the exact amount from your consultant when it's time for the visa process.

Passport

You will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months.

Identity register copy

If your mother or father will be financially sponsoring you for your education, you can easily obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate through the e-government system to prove their relationship.

Diploma & Transcript

The most up-to-date versions of these documents, as stated in your CAS document, are uploaded electronically during the visa application process.

Consent form for students under 18 years of age

Students under the age of 18 who are about to begin their education in England can obtain this document, confirming their parental permission, with the assistance of a notary.

Sponsorship Letter

If the student's education and living expenses are covered by the parents, a petition proving this must be provided, or if the student receives a scholarship from an institution (such as YLSY), a document from the institution proving this must be obtained.

Edukas is with you.

The translation of required documents and completion of forms for the visa application will be done with the assistance of your EDUKAS consultant.
Your advisor will inform you if any additional documents are required for your visa application.

The length of your stay depends on the length of your study program.

– If your program lasts 6 months or less, about 1 week.

– If your program lasts longer than 6 months, up to 1 month.

You can enter the United Kingdom in advance.

You will also need to pay a "Healthcare Fee" as part of your visa application. The amount you will pay depends on the duration of your visa.

– The UK government allows international students studying on a student visa to work. You can work while studying. 

– You are entitled to work part-time for 20 hours per week during your undergraduate or postgraduate studies, and full-time during holidays.

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