International Foundation Certificate in Music

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: £17830

Departments

Centre for Academic Language and Literacies
Music

Top facilities
We offer excellent rehearsal and performance facilities including our own music studios.
Enjoy London life
We are based in London, rich in history and culture, and voted the world's top student city (QS Best Student Cities, 2023)
Employability
Eight out of ten Goldsmiths students go into highly skilled work or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2022)

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 2024/2025 academic year.

 

  • International - full-time: £17830

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.