Find the best UK universities for Music in 2026. Discover courses with expert teaching, vibrant creative communities, and great performance opportunities.
Best Universities for Music: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | Royal Academy of Music | 92 | 75 |
| 2 Silver | Royal College of Music | 90 | 74 |
| 3 Bronze | Guildhall School of Music & Drama | 89 | 78 |
| 4 | University of York | 85 | 82 |
| 5 | University of Edinburgh | 84 | 81 |
| 6 | University of Glasgow | 82 | 79 |
| 7 | University of Bristol | 81 | 77 |
| 8 | University of Leeds | 79 | 78 |
| 9 | University of Birmingham | 78 | 76 |
| 10 | University of Sussex | 77 | 75 |
1. Royal Academy of Music Gold
2. Royal College of Music Silver
3. Guildhall School of Music & Drama Bronze
4. University of York
5. University of Edinburgh
6. University of Glasgow
7. University of Bristol
8. University of Leeds
9. University of Birmingham
10. University of Sussex
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Music rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what matters most to music students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Music Universities in the UK
Whether you’re a performer, composer, or aspiring producer, studying Music in the UK offers access to world-class training, performance opportunities, and creative communities. Our 2025 ranking highlights the best universities for Music in the UK, including leading conservatoires and top universities known for their teaching quality, research, and industry links.
Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music in London is a world-renowned conservatoire offering exceptional performance training, masterclasses with professionals, and outstanding industry connections. Its graduates often progress to international careers in classical and contemporary performance.
Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music is known for classical and contemporary performance excellence. Students benefit from individual tuition, ensemble work, and access to cutting-edge facilities, with strong graduate employability across performance, teaching, and composition.
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Guildhall offers a unique combination of music and theatre training within a collaborative, creative environment. Students enjoy state-of-the-art recording studios and regular public performance opportunities in the heart of London’s cultural district.
University of Leeds
Leeds provides a diverse range of music programs covering performance, musicology, and music production. With an active student society and vibrant city music scene, it’s ideal for students looking to combine academic study with live performance.
University of York
York’s Department of Music is recognised for research excellence and innovation in composition. Students can explore areas such as early music, technology, and sound design while enjoying a supportive community atmosphere.
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers high-quality teaching and creative freedom, blending traditional and modern approaches to performance and composition. The city’s rich cultural scene makes it an inspiring setting for music students.
University of Manchester
Manchester combines excellent performance facilities with a dynamic musical community. Students benefit from the city’s renowned live music scene and the university’s partnerships with local orchestras and venues.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham provides a well-balanced focus on performance, composition, and music technology. Its graduates are highly employable across classical, digital, and academic music sectors.
University of Southampton
Southampton is known for innovative music courses, digital creativity, and strong links to the industry. Students can specialise in areas such as music production, composition, and performance, supported by modern facilities.
University of Bristol
Bristol offers excellent student satisfaction and opportunities for extracurricular performance. Its city-wide cultural events and student ensembles make it a lively and inclusive environment for aspiring musicians.
Career Prospects After a Music Degree
Music graduates can work as performers, composers, sound engineers, producers, or teachers. Others move into event management, sound design, or creative arts roles. Related degrees include Drama, Theatre and Performance.
Entry Requirements for Music Degrees
Most universities and conservatoires require auditions or performance portfolios alongside academic qualifications. Typical UCAS points range between 100 and 140, depending on the institution and specialism.
Most Affordable Cities to Study Music in the UK
Leeds, Manchester, and Edinburgh offer excellent value for money, combining affordable living with lively music scenes and great facilities.
Best Universities for Nightlife and Student Life
Manchester, Leeds, and London stand out for their vibrant nightlife and creative culture, giving students plenty of opportunities to perform, collaborate, and socialise.
Student Wellbeing and Academic Support
Universities such as Leeds, Birmingham, and Southampton provide strong wellbeing services, one-to-one support, and accessible rehearsal and recording facilities to help students thrive academically and creatively.
Considering Alternatives to Music?
If you’re exploring related creative fields, check out Drama, Theatre and Performance or Media and Communication.
Summary: Which Music University Is Right for You?
When choosing where to study Music, consider your performance goals, course focus, and campus culture. The Royal Academy and Royal College lead for classical training, Guildhall for creative collaboration, and Leeds and Manchester for a lively balance of academic and performance opportunities. Compare your options to find the best fit for your musical ambitions.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Music
Top UK universities for Music include the Royal Academy of Music, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and Guildhall School of Music & Drama, renowned for their expert teaching and facilities.
The Royal Academy of Music often ranks highest for Music, combining performance excellence with academic rigour and industry connections.
A Music degree offers diverse career paths including performance, teaching, composition, and music technology, though success often depends on passion and networking.
Many courses require Music at A-level or equivalent, with some also valuing Maths or English. Auditions and portfolios are often key for admission.
Graduates pursue careers as performers, composers, music producers, teachers, sound engineers, or roles in music therapy and the music industry.
While competitive, demand exists in education, media, live performance, and digital music sectors for skilled and versatile music graduates.
Salaries vary widely; starting roles may range from £18,000 to £28,000, with higher earnings possible in performance, production, or education.
Courses with intensive performance, composition, or music technology components can be challenging, requiring dedication and technical skill.
Graduates often work in orchestras, studios, schools, media companies, or freelance as performers and composers.
Yes, Music is respected for its creativity and discipline, with strong appreciation in academia and the creative industries.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked