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Bachelor of Music (BMus) Pop Music

Amsterdam University of the Arts (Conservatorium van Amsterdam) · Amsterdam, Netherlands

100% taught in EnglishNo CAO points neededSelectiveArts academyAuditionOriginal songs
Duration4 years
StartsSept 2027
EntrySelective
Deadline (EU)15 Jan 2027 (TBC)
EU fee 2027/28€2,771 / yr

About the course

A four-year, 240 ECTS pop degree built on four pillars (instrument, creativity, education and organisation), covering instrumental skills, songwriting, production and the music business, and ending with a performance at the MayDays festival and an EP of at least five original tracks. It is a practical, career-focused conservatoire degree at an arts academy.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • The institution assesses the Irish Leaving Certificate individually and does not publish a fixed Irish requirement. Contact admissions to confirm.
  • No school subject requirements are published. You need a secondary school diploma recognised as equivalent to Dutch HAVO or VWO, and admission is decided mainly by audition.
  • You must submit three song recordings (at least two your own compositions); the audition is an oral aural skills test plus a live performance of three pieces, at least two original, with or without a band.

How to apply

  1. Apply onlineComplete the Conservatorium’s application form with diploma copies (with English translation), ID, a biography and three song recordings (last cycle deadline: 15 January 2026).
  2. Pre-selectionYour recordings are assessed to decide whether you are invited to audition.
  3. AuditionAural skills test and live performance of three pieces; online auditions via Zoom are possible for international applicants. 2026 dates were listed as to be announced.
  4. Enrol in StudielinkAfter you receive proof of admission, enrol through Studielink before the September start.
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: Apply through the Conservatorium’s own application form. The last published closing date was 15 January 2026 for 2026 entry. The 2027 date had not been published when checked, so expect a similar mid-January deadline and confirm on the closing dates page..

Costs

  • Statutory EU/EEA fee: €2,771 for 2027/28, as published by the Amsterdam University of the Arts (it was €2,694 in 2026/27). This applies if you do not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
  • EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).
Places are limited and decided by audition; if more students pass than there are places, a waiting list can be used. Lessons are taught in Dutch or English, and you need a good command of English (or Dutch), not both.

At a glance

CountryNetherlands
CityAmsterdam
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaStudielink
PlacesLimited (number not published)
EntrySelective
Pop Music bachelor programme ↗Pop Music entrance exam ↗Closing dates ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked against the official Conservatorium van Amsterdam website: September 2026 (2027 entry). Deadline details are from the 2026 entry cycle; confirm the 2027 dates on the official site. Always confirm details with the university before applying.