ICMP started in 1986 as a guitar school and grew into one of London's larger specialist schools for popular music. Its buildings are on Kilburn High Road in north-west London. Students study performance, songwriting, production and music business, with a lot of time in rehearsal rooms and studios. Many already gig or release music while they study.
London, England, United Kingdom
Official website: icmp.ac.uk
1986
Specialist popular music school
Kilburn, north-west London
£16,000 – £20,000
International students, undergraduate and postgraduate
£17,000 – £23,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on icmp.ac.uk before you apply.
BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BA (Hons) Songwriting
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BA (Hons) Music Production
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BA (Hons) Music Business
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
MA Music Industry Management
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Performance training for guitar, bass, drums, vocals and keys.
Songwriting and production degrees.
Industry events and gigs in London venues.
Graduates work as session musicians, touring players and teachers.
Songwriters and producers release music and write for other artists.
Music business graduates join labels, publishers and live music firms.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Selected courses
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus sits on Kilburn High Road, a busy street of Irish pubs, Caribbean food and music venues. Kilburn station on the Jubilee line reaches the West End in 15 minutes.
London is expensive, but students get access to a huge live music scene. Rehearsal and gig opportunities are everywhere.
CAS from ICMP
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Undergraduates can apply through UCAS or directly, and ICMP accepts applications after the January deadline if places remain. Performance courses include an audition.
Most courses start in September; several undergraduate courses also start in January.
You'll apply for a Student visa. ICMP gives you a CAS number once your offer is unconditional and the deposit is paid. You can then apply online up to six months before the course starts, with bank evidence and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Performance, songwriting, production and music business are popular. Entry is based on audition or portfolio, with IELTS 6.0 for international applicants.
ICMP offers a small number of scholarships and bursaries. Ask admissions whether any apply to international students.
