International Foundation Certificate in Music
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Why study International Foundation Certificate in Music at Goldsmiths
This one-year programme gives you the opportunity to develop your English language, become familiar with UK academic culture, and prepare to study for a degree in Music.
- Learn about the historical and cultural context of music studies.
- Develop your own musicianship
- Improve your language skills in academic English.
- Familiarise yourself both with ways of working in British academic culture and in the standards required at degree level.
- You will have a personal tutor, who you meet in small groups or on a one-to-one basis to discuss progress on the course, general approaches to study, and ways of maximising language learning.
- Build skills including how to work independently.
- If you pass the programme at the required level (a pass in all modules with an overall score of 50% or more), you are guaranteed a place on the BMus Music. Alternatively you may choose to continue your studies at another university.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Naomi Matsumoto.
UCAS code
Entry requirements
Length
1 year full-time
Fees
International - full-time: £18750
Departments
What you'll study
You'll complete the following modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Foundation for Performance | 15 credits |
| Foundation for Music Studies | 15 credits |
| Foundation for Composition | 15 credits |
| Introduction to Musicology | 15 credits |
| Academic Reading and Writing | 30 credits |
| Academic Listening and Speaking | 30 credits |
| or | |
| Collaborative Research | 30 credits |
Depending on your English language proficiency, you choose between either Collaborative Research or Academic Listening and Speaking.
Language and study skills
Half of the programme will focus on the four compulsory modules of language development:
- Academic Writing
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
The other half of the programme will introduce you to the historical and cultural context of music studies and give you an opportunity to develop your own musicianship. The music modules will give you a taste of undergraduate study in that area at Goldsmiths.
How you'll be assessed
The English for Academic Purposes modules of the programme are assessed by a mixture of coursework, written examination and presentation.
The music modules will include assessment of a portfolio of harmony exercises and composition, a research project and a listening assessment.
How to apply
As part of your application you'll need to include:
- A reference
- A personal statement
- English Language certificates
- Transcript or student record
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for the International Foundation Certificate in Music are:
|
Academic |
A good high school leaving certificate or equivalent academic study with some evidence of learning in relevant subjects. You will need to demonstrate achievement in practical exams in music equivalent to ABRSM Grade 6. |
|
English |
Evidence of English language proficiency: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) IELTS 5.0 overall with no element lower than 5.0. If you have a lower English language score you may be accepted after successfully completing one of our Pre-sessional English courses. |
|
Age |
You must normally be 17 years of age or above. |
|
Country of residence and nationality |
All non-native English speakers will be considered. However, please be aware that all students will be subject to the International rate of fees. |
If you are not sure which type of IELTS test you need to take, contact our Immigration Advisory Service.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of UKVI IELTS 5.0 (with no individual score lower than 5.0) to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- International - full-time: £18750
Find out about our tuition fees and funding opportunities.
Funding opportunities
We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
