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Scholarships & Bursaries

Small enough to care, big enough to make a difference
At ACM, we understand the challenges students may encounter while pursuing their passion.

That’s why we offer a range of support options including bursaries, awards, scholarships, and cost of living support to help alleviate financial burdens and ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and creatively.

Explore this page to learn more about the resources available to you and how ACM is committed to recognizing and addressing the unique needs of our student community.

 

Scholarships

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.

 

How to Apply

  • Submit a 10-minute video presentation pitch that provides an overview of your background, areas of interest, and reasons why the scholarship would be valuable to you.
  • Submit a Google Drive folder containing a portfolio of your work related to your pathway of choice to date.
  • Provide a 500-750 word reflective statement justifying your suitability for the scholarship.

 

This scholarship supports aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build a career in the music business. It is aimed at students with innovative ideas, strong commercial awareness, and a passion for shaping the future of the industry.

Named after renowned music executive Nick Gatfield, the award recognises forward-thinking individuals who demonstrate originality, leadership, and a clear vision for the future of music business. Whether launching a startup, managing artists, or developing new platforms, recipients will be supported in turning ideas into impactful ventures.

How to Apply

  • Submit a business proposal, outlining:
    Your idea or existing business
    Target market and customer base
    Revenue model and growth strategy
    How the award will support your next steps
  • Provide a personal statement (max 500 words), including:
    Your motivation and entrepreneurial journey so far
    How your business aligns with ACM’s values and creative industries
    Your long-term goals and how you plan to achieve them
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch live to a panel of ACM’s business experts and industry guests.

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. 

How to Apply

  • Submit a video performance (max 10 minutes) showcasing your rap ability, lyrical skill, and artistic identity.
  • Provide original material, demonstrating creativity, flow, and authenticity.
  • Include a short personal statement (approx. 300–500 words) outlining your musical journey, influences, and career aspirations.
  • Share a portfolio or links to released tracks, performances, or social platforms (if available).

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.

How to Apply

  •  10-minute maximum video presentation that provides an overview of your background, highlights your areas of interest within game art, and explains why this scholarship will help you achieve your dreams. Include demonstrations of your 3D or 2D artwork and outline your future aspirations in the game industry.
  • A portfolio website link or shared drive folder containing a portfolio of your work.
  • Reflective statement of 500-750 words that outlines why you are the ideal candidate for the scholarship.

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.

How to Apply

  • Submit a portfolio of audio work demonstrating your skills in sound recording and engineering (e.g., studio recordings, mixing projects).
  • Provide a video or written statement (max 10 minutes or 500 words) outlining your technical abilities, experience, and career goals in sound engineering.
  • Include a reflective statement (500–750 words) explaining your suitability for the scholarship and how it aligns with your future plans.
  • Successful completion of SRE audition

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.

How to Apply

  • Submit a video performance showcasing your blues guitar skills (max 5 minutes)
  • Tell us about yourself, your musical journey, and why you feel you’re a great fit for the scholarship (one side of A4) 
  • Applications will be reviewed by a dedicated panel, including members of Matt’s family and ACM tutors

 

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.

How to Apply

  • Submit a 10 minute recording showcasing your presenting skills within a social media environment. This could include:
    • A direct to camera TikTok shop style live stream where you sell a range of items
    • A product review 
  • Provide a portfolio of relevant work, from your social media accounts. This will be assessed for your originality, production values and editing skills
  • Include a personal statement (max 500 words) detailing your interest in social commerce, experience, and career ambitions. Focus on platforms you use regularly and software you use to create your content.
  • Shortlisted candidates may be invited to present their ideas to a panel.

WCOM award

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.

How to Apply

Awarded through committee for on programme students

 

Please note to be eligible for a scholarship, you must first submit an application to the university.

Bursaries

ACM offers Higher Education students the opportunity to secure financial support towards the cost of the first year of their course in the form of a Bursary.

ACM is pleased to announce that we will be providing two main types of widening participation bursaries for the 2026/27 academic year.

Widening Participation Student Bursary

This bursary is for new entrants in September 2026 on one of our undergraduate degree programmes, from a household with an income of £25,000 or less (as evidenced through your SLC application).

We have allocated a total bursary fund for this purpose, and individual allocation will be subject to the total number of eligible students, with a potential individual bursary of up to a maximum of £1,000.

The bursary fund is managed by the SLC, and payments will be made through three-equal termly payments. It is designed to support general living.

Widening Participation Equipment Bursary

This bursary is for new entrants in September 2026 on one of our undergraduate degree programmes, from a household with an income of less than £40,000, and from one of the following underrepresented groups: care-leavers, mature students (21 as of 1st September 2026) or disabled students, as evidenced through your SLC and UCAS application, and not in receipt of a Widening Participation Student Bursary.

The bursary fund is managed by the SLC, and payments are made through a single payment of £250 towards the end of Term 1. It is designed to support course-related equipment purchases.

Application process for bursaries

No application is required for widening participation bursaries. We will contact eligible students once we have received confirmation from the Student Loans Company as to eligibility.

All bursaries will be subject to Terms and Conditions, which will be published on our website. Students will only be considered for one bursary. If you believe you are eligible for a bursary and have not received a notification from ACM regarding a potential bursary, please contact studentfinance@acm.ac.uk

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