How do I apply?
Applications for our BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music are made online via the Central Applications Office (CAO) website, using course code TU 961.
The application form and handbook are available from CAO. We recommend all applicants read the CAO handbook carefully before submitting an application.
I have applied. What happens next?
Once the CAO applications close, applicants are contacted with the details of the audition. Auditions take place from March until early May. Applicants will receive at least ten days’ notice, and we are happy to organise video auditions for those unable to travel.
I don’t live in Ireland; can I still apply?
EU and international applicants are more than welcome to apply!
If you are applying as a non-EU international student, you should apply to the International Office of our partners, TU Dublin. You can apply online here, simply click the arrow on the blue ‘Apply Now’ box on the right-hand side and select ‘Non-EU Year 1’.’
I missed the 1st February deadline – can I still apply?
If you have missed the deadline, we recommend contacting our Admissions Team at [email protected] as soon as possible.
What are the entry requirements?
The minimum academic requirements for the programme are 2 H5s and 4 O6s/H7s (formerly 2 Higher Level C3s and 4 Ordinary Level D3s) in any subjects at Leaving Certificate. 5 Distinctions at QQI Level 5 are also acceptable.
Equivalent qualifications that will be considered from EU applicants can be found here.
Applicants must achieve the required number of points at Leaving Cert. Applicants can gain up to a maximum of 600 extra points at the audition to combine with their leaving certificate points towards this course. The required entry points are announced by the CAO each August.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must supply evidence of their English language proficiency by achieving a score of 6.0 on IELTS or equivalent in accordance with standards set by TU Dublin. The Admissions Office assesses the English language proficiency of all such applicants at TU Dublin.
In addition to achieving academic qualifications, all applicants must complete an individual audition to assess their musical ability. Applicants choose to audition in one of five areas: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals or Songwriting.
Can I apply as a Mature Student?
Yes! Mature applicants must be 23 on 1st January in the year of application to be classified as a mature student. Mature students must also apply via the CAO, where the primary entry criteria for consideration will be audition only.
What are the fees?
The fees are currently €3,000 per year for EU students under the Free Fees Scheme. Fees are payable directly to our validating partner TU Dublin, and more information on fees and grants can be found here.
For applicants who are not eligible for the Free Fees Scheme, the fee is currently €3,819.
The fees for International Students are currently €13,500 per year, and these are payable directly to TU Dublin.
Can I get a grant?
Further information on funding and grants can be found here.
Is there a scholarship available?
The Future Talent Scholarship has just launched, which will entitle one student on an undergraduate course to receive a full scholarship. Further details can be found on our website here.
What happens if I don’t meet the minimum entry requirements?
You can still apply for our Foundation Diploma in Professional Musicianship. This is a one-year part-time diploma also awarded by BIMM Institute at QQI Level 6 on the Irish NFQ. Graduates achieve 60 CATS credits at UK Level 4, equivalent to 30 ECTS credits at Level 6 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Applicants that apply for both the BA and Foundation Diploma are only required to audition once.
About 75% of the students who complete the diploma continue onto the degree course the following year. Diploma students who wish to apply for the BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music can be reviewed on their Level 6 Foundation Diploma. All academic requirements are reviewed by TU Dublin.
The minimum entry requirement for this course is the successful completion of one module at QQI Level 5. This is equivalent to one subject at Leaving Certificate level. The minimum grade accepted at Leaving Certificate is 1O6 (formerly one Ordinary Level D3).
Applicants must be 17 on 1st January in the year of entry.
You can apply by contacting our Admissions Team on [email protected] or calling +353 1 5133 666 to request an application form.
Can I take part in the BIMM Institute Study Exchange Programme?
Direct transfers from BIMM Institute Dublin to other BIMM Colleges are not possible. We are unique here in Dublin because of our partnership with TU Dublin and the free fees scheme due to this.
Our BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music is a four-year degree. At other BIMM Colleges, they offer a three-year private degree and use the UK credit system (UCS) rather than the standard ETCS credits used by TU Dublin. Unfortunately, this makes direct transfers impossible.
What facilities are available for BIMM Institute Dublin Students?
As a student at BIMM Institute Dublin, you will be taught by a range of successful music industry professionals on a daily basis. You’ll also have the opportunity for tutorials with our teaching team.
Our Careers team regularly bring in special guests and run masterclasses – giving you even more insight to working in the music industry and an opportunity to build your connections.
Alongside lessons, we run clubs, such as Women of BIMM, Yoga Club, Keyboard Club and Business Club. We also offer to unlimited career tutorials, so you can discuss your future music industry goals and pastoral meetings with our dedicated Student Services team to help you deal with any personal issues whilst you’re studying.
As musicians, you’ll be able to rehearse on campus with full back-line equipment during the day and evening. Evening rehearsals run from 6 pm – 10 pm Monday to Friday.
When you’re in your 3rd and 4th year, you’ll have access to our Mac Suite with industry-standard music and audio production software, including Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Logic DAWs.
You’ll also have access to the support and facilities offered by TU Dublin (formerly Dublin Institute of Technology). This includes library access, access to the TU Dublin’s counsellors and learning support, plus access to clubs and societies. Students can also use all seven libraries in TU Dublin.
The library located at the Conservatory of Music and Drama, Rathmines Road, has a library dedicated exclusively to music and drama. These holdings include books covering all module subjects and the full reading list for the BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music.
