Course Entry

four students leaving the faculty of music through the double doors

UCAS Code: W300

Typical Offer Levels

A Level: A*AA

IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level

To apply to any of the Colleges for Music, you will need A levels/IB Higher Levels (or the equivalent) in:   

Music; or  
ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit or above.  

For other qualifications, see the Entrance requirements pages.
 

Admissions Assessment

Music is available as a course of study at all Cambridge colleges, except for Lucy Cavendish College, and all require an A Level/IB Higher Level (or equivalent) in Music.  ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit and above may be accepted as a substitute.

Before coming to interviewyou will be asked to submit representative written work and musical material. This will normally include:

  1. One or two essays on the history or analysis of music; and
  2. One or two technical exercises (if studied) and/or your own compositions.

At interview, you will normally be asked to comment on a piece of writing about music and a score. You should also be prepared to discuss your musical experience and interests.  We do not expect you to excel in all areas; rather we use the interview to form an impression of your skills and capabilities as well as your potential to develop further as a student within the context of the music course at Cambridge. 

In addition to these standard requirements, a number of colleges set further tests, which might include aural, keyboard, harmony, and essay-writing exercises, as well as the option to perform. Further details of interview arrangements at individual colleges are available here.

Application Statistics

Applications per place (2025): 2
Number accepted (2025): 67

Events for Prospective Applicants

University Open Days

Music Events and Activities

Further Information and Enquiries Office
Faculty of Music
11 West Road
Cambridge
CB3 9DP

+44 (0)1223 763481
undergraduate@mus.cam.ac.uk