FAQs

What is the most popular route to completing the MA?

Most of our students choose to complete the MA over 3 years, taking Block A in year 1, Block B in year 2 and Block C in year 3 to spread the workload. You can study Block A over two years if preferred; two blocks can be taken in one year for a more intensive study experience (not available 2023-24).

Do I have to do my selected modules in a particular order?

All students take Block A at the start of their studies. Each block offers modules that have a specific timeframe, but this is typically quite long, meaning that there is a considerable amount of flexibility of study routines.

Where can I do my placement?

The 20-credit Placement Module as part of Block A offers you the opportunity to diversify your experience, through working in an unfamiliar context that is different to your current practice. Your placement supervisor and Trinity Laban’s Public Engagement Department will support you in identifying an appropriate placement. Past UK students have enjoyed placements with organisations such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Drake Music Scotland, Sound and Music and Junior Trinity. However, international students are welcome to take placements in their home countries or to travel to the UK for them, and we have a history of supporting students into placements with music education organisations across the globe.

How will I meet other students?

The programme has a very varied cohort, with students with different ages, backgrounds, musical specialisms and points in their career. Students will be placed into small groups for regular online live study groups, and will have contact with their wider cohort via discussion forums on Moodle, Trinity Laban’s online learning environment.

I am an international student. Can I apply to the programme?

We welcome applications from international students and do not charge international fees. All students study online only from their home countries, and the programme does not offer a UK student visa. Please visit gov.uk for up-to-date information on visas and travel guidance. All students are invited to the UK for one week a year for the voluntary complementary residential programme.

Approximately how much time per week will I have to commit to studying?

This depends on both the duration of study and qualification you choose. As a rough guide, 10 credits = 100 hours of study. So if you were to take a full block (worth 60 credits) over 1 year, you would do around 600 hours of study across the year. Many students find that this is possible whilst working full-time.

What are the application criteria?

Entry Requirements:

• A degree, or equivalent training and/or professional experience. The programme welcomes applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree, but can demonstrate equivalent previous study and/or experience. Applicants without a degree will be required to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning to demonstrate suitability for postgraduate study;
• Considerable professional experience in music education and/or participatory settings, which should normally be current or recent, and a current professional practice;
• Fluent musical skills on a principal instrument/voice (normally grade 8 or equivalent professional experience);
• (for International Students) IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 areas / Trinity College London – Integrated Skills in English III (ISEIII).

All students need a current teaching or music leading practice about which to write.

What does the accreditation mean?

The MEd Music Education (Online) programme is accredited by Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

When a programme is accredited it means that it has gone through a robust validation and quality assurance procedure. The programme has been scrutinised by a range of professionals to ensure it adheres to institutional standards, will meet the needs of learners, and fits within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

The QCF is a framework for England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, referenced to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The EQF is a meta framework intended as a reference so that qualifications are understood across member states.

The QCF/EQF categorises study at different levels starting at Entry, progressing through Degree and Master’s, to Doctoral study at Level 8. The MEd Music Education (Online) is a Level 7 qualification. This means the content, assessments, and delivery are set at a postgraduate (or post-degree) level.

How does teaching take place?

Most teaching is offered via -high-quality online videos which can be viewed at your own pace and schedule. Students will also be encouraged to read independently, accessing material in our extensive online library. Regular staff-led online small study groups will meet to discuss specific subjects, helping to generate a learning community that works for your time zone and schedule. You will also be expected to regularly contribute to online forum discussions. The programme is scheduled into a study sequence throughout the academic year, and regular credit-bearing assessments will help you space out your work and receive feedback on your developing understanding.

Programme Dates

The programme starts in mid Sept 2024 and progresses in annual cycles from there. Whilst there are study breaks over the Christmas and Easter, the self-directed nature of study on the MEd Music Education (Online)programme means that students are free to set their own study schedules around the fixed submission points.

What are the 2024/25 Programme Fees?

Academic fees for 2024 entrance are:

Fee per Block (60 credits)

£3,740

Termly instalment options are available (£1247 x 3).

BLOCK A Postgraduate Certificate Modules (30 credits a year over 2 years)

2024-2025: £2080

2025-2026: £2160

Learning Mentor Instrumental Lessons Additional Fee: £850

Please note that for those hoping to study with us beyond 2024/25, fees are subject to an inflationary rise each year broadly in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI).

Please note that the MEd Music Education (Online) programme does not usually offer scholarships. However, we have the following discounts available:

5% off for members of ISME, the ISM and the MU;

10% group discount if an employer puts 4 or more employees through the programme.

Employers’ contribution scheme – please see details on our website.

When are the deadlines for instalment payments?

For 2024/2, instalment payments will be scheduled on the below dates. The first invoice and instructions for setting up payment will be sent 3 weeks before the instalment 1 payment deadline.

Instalment 1	6 September 2024
Instalment 2	5 January 2025
Instalment 3	27 March 2025

Please note that if you choose to take 2 study blocks in one year or add on instrumental lessons as part of Block B, the full cost of your programme for that year will be divided equally across the 3 payment dates.

Are my programme fees refundable?

Tuition fees for The MEd Music Education (Online) PG Cert/MA are non-refundable. When students accept their place on the programme, they are committing to pay the fees in full, even if they decide to terminate their studies before completion.

Can my employer pay my fees?

Yes. We offer a discount of £100 from each block’s programme fee for each employer that pays up front for a student, and where they pay at least £100 of the student fee.

For more information about Employer Discounts and how Trinity Laban works in partnership with employers to support professional development of music teachers, please visit our webpage for Employers.

If I apply but then cannot commit to the programme, can I defer my place for the year after?

Unfortunately, we do not offer deferrals for The MEd Music Education (Online) programme. This is because applicants are normally assessed according to their current teaching practice, which can change year to year. You would need to apply again and pay the fees set for the year you intend to study with us.

Is there any financial support available for this programme?

If you wish to undertake the MA and are a UK student, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to help with programme fees. More information and eligibility.

UK Ex-service personnel may be eligible to use the MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme to support programme fees. Please contact admissions@trinitylaban.ac.uk to find out more.

Please visit gov.uk to find out about Professional and Career Development Loans.

You may be eligible to apply to Arts Council England as part of their Grants for the Arts programme.

Another web page that may be useful is the Prince’s Trust’s page on other funding sources.

What additional support is on offer to Trinity Laban students?

Once you are enrolled on the programme, you will have access to our student support services and resources (with the exception of practice and rehearsal rooms unless taking instrumental lessons as part of Block B). These include our library and IT services, learning support, English for Academic Purposes classes, careers advice, health and disability support, counselling, and access to the student union. If you are a UK student you will also have the opportunity to take up a student placement with our Learning and Participation department, which runs a range of different programmes, classes, and training days in partnership with local schools, music hubs, and other organisations. As part of your programme you will receive inductions to both the Library and Moodle, and information on how to get support and assistance remotely throughout the duration of the programme.

I have disclosed a health condition/impairment. What support can I access for my studies on The MEd Music Education (Online)?

Trinity Laban has considerable experience in supporting students with a range of disabilities including sensory impairment, neuro-diverse conditions, mental health problems, long-term illness and mobility difficulties. Trinity Laban invites disabled applicants to contact the Disability Coordinator to discuss any particular requirements they may have in relation to your enquiry, application or audition and interview.

Do I have to apply through UCAS Conservatoires?

Yes, we are only able to accept applications through UCAS Conservatoires. For 2024 entry, the application fee is £27.50 (payable when applying to UCAS Conservatoires). Follow our step-by-step application guide. 

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications for Sept 2024 are now open and close 1 July 2024 , with an ‘on-time’ deadline of 6pm 31 Jan 2024. We would encourage you to apply on time as applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Late applications may be considered.

What are the UCAS Conservatoire course codes I need to apply for the MEd Music Education (Online) programme?

The MEd Music Education (Online) programme sits under course code 555P. You will need to quote this code when submitting an application through UCAS Conservatoires.

Once you have decided which route you wish to take through the programme and your preferred duration, this should be included in your personal statement within the application form (see the diagram of routes through the programme above). You may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to help with programme fees if you wish to undertake the MEd. More information and eligibility.

What should I include in my Personal Statement?

Your personal statement within the UCAS application form should include details of any current and previous teaching, workshop leading or other music education practice, information about your performance history and practices, why you have chosen to undertake the programme and what you hope to achieve along with any long-term aspirations.

Does this programme offer Qualified Teaching Status (QTS)?

No, this programme does NOT offer QTS.

Does this programme offer Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)?

No, this programme does NOT offer FHEA for 2024.

I have an enquiry about the MEd Music Education (Online) programme or application process. Who can I contact?

If you have an unanswered question after reading these FAQs, please email us at admissions@trinitylaban.ac.uk