Scholarships & Bursaries

Entering its third year in 2026, the Punch Records scholarship is available for Undergraduate applicants to the Birmingham campus.

The scholarship is designed to nurture and empower students from socio-economically diverse backgrounds and black, Asian, and ethnic minority students by fostering their talent and innovation, facilitated through the collaborative mentoring efforts of ACM and Punch Records.

Established in 1997, Punch is the UK’s leading creative development agency for young people from diverse backgrounds. Punch is an ideas-led organisation that champions partnerships between culture, tourism, learning, engagement and music; and one that positions Black arts as an industry that will make meaningful and measurable contributions.

The DJ Semtex Rap Scholarship is dedicated to discovering and developing the next generation of rap artists. Available to Undergraduate applicants across all campuses, this scholarship celebrates originality, excellence, and entrepreneurship.

Named after influential broadcaster, label exec and DJ, DJ Semtex, the award reflects a commitment to supporting artists who push boundaries and represent diverse voices within hip hop culture.

This scholarship is designed to elevate emerging talent, providing a platform for artists to refine their craft, amplify their voice, and build a lasting presence in the music industry. 

The Supermassive Games Scholarship supports aspiring game artists who are passionate about creating immersive visual experiences and developing their skills within the games industry. It is aimed at students with a strong interest in areas such as character design, environment art, concept art, and 2D or 3D asset creation.

Delivered in partnership with Supermassive Games, the scholarship is designed to nurture creative talent and help students build the technical and artistic skills required for a career in game development. It encourages individuals who demonstrate originality, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of visual storytelling within interactive media.

The award supports students in refining their artistic voice while preparing for industry-level work, providing a strong foundation for careers in game art, design, and related creative fields.

The Metropolis Scholarship supports students pursuing a career in sound recording and engineering, with a focus on technical excellence and studio practice.

Delivered in collaboration with Metropolis Studios, one of the UK’s most iconic recording environments, this scholarship offers students the opportunity to develop industry-standard skills and gain insight into real-world studio practices.

The award aims to nurture the next generation of audio professionals by supporting those who demonstrate attention to detail, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. It is ideal for students looking to build a career in music production, mixing, mastering, and live or studio sound engineering.

Keeping the Blues Alive at ACM

At ACM, we believe in celebrating musical legacies that inspire future generations. The Matt Long Scholarship honours the life and music of ACM alumnus Matt Long – a gifted blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who left an indelible mark on everyone he worked with.

This scholarship is designed to support and nurture emerging talent in blues and related genres, helping passionate guitarists take the next step in their musical journey.

About Matt Long

Matt was more than an extraordinary musician – he was a creative force whose energy, generosity, and spirit touched everyone he met. As a member of ACM’s community, Matt went on to tour extensively, release acclaimed albums, and build a loyal fan base with his powerful performances and heartfelt songwriting.

This scholarship keeps his memory alive by giving back to the music community he loved.

The Musician’s Company Award is a prestigious accolade celebrating outstanding talent and achievement in popular music performance at ACM. Delivered in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Musicians, this award recognises a graduating performance student who exemplifies exceptional musicianship, creativity, and potential for a successful career in the music industry.

It is designed for emerging artists who are serious about pursuing a career in music and are looking to refine their technical skills, stage presence, and artistic identity. The scholarship encourages students to push their creative boundaries while building confidence as performers in both live and recorded settings.

The award is one of the longest-standing and most respected honours in the UK music community, with a heritage of recognising and supporting exceptional musicians across all genres. At ACM, it provides an opportunity for one deserving student to be recognised not only for their technical skill but for their innovation, artistry, and forward-thinking approach to performance.

The Rex Brown Social Commerce Scholarship supports students interested in the fast-growing intersection of digital content, branding, and online business. It is aimed at individuals who are passionate about building audiences, creating engaging content, and developing innovative ideas within the social and digital marketplace.

Inspired by Rex Brown Ltd, market leader in social commerce, which created the blueprint for live-stream commerce on TikTok shop, the scholarship encourages entrepreneurial thinking and creativity, particularly in areas such as social media strategy, influencer marketing, e-commerce, and digital brand development. It is ideal for students who want to explore how creative industries and online platforms can be combined to build sustainable and impactful businesses.

The award is designed to nurture forward-thinking individuals who understand the power of digital communities and are motivated to shape the future of commerce through content, culture, and innovation.