Up to five Vaughan Williams Bursaries, of £6,000 each, will be awarded annually. Bursaries are given to talented students who have been accepted on their first taught Masters’ courses in composition at British universities or conservatoires and who anticipate a career as a professional composer.
British or Irish composers, or those who have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years, may apply. Priority is given to composers under the age of 30 though, in exceptional circumstances, composers under the age of 35 may be considered.
Applicants are asked to complete an online registration form; submit three original scores; at least one recording of a performance; a short personal statement and two references – full details are in the guidelines.
- Unfortunately, we are NOT able to support the following:
Courses in TV/film composition
Courses teaching only electro-acoustic composition
Performance courses or courses where composition is not the sole focus
Research courses centred on musicology or analysis
PhDs
Courses outside the UK
Before you start
1. Download and read our guidelines for applicants which which detail how to register, and what to include with your application, as well as the conditions of the bursary award.
HOW TO APPLY
Bursary applications for courses starting in autumn 2023 are now open
HOW TO APPLY
Application is a two part process:
You must first register your application by completing the online form. Please refer to the guidelines for an outline of the questions asked. You can save and return to the form later if necessary.
On registering you will receive email instructions detailing how to upload supporting scores and references as requested in the guidelines.
All supporting information must be submitted by the given deadline. Your application will not be considered unless your supporting information is received.