Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Overview

Guildhall School of Music and Drama is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists in the heart of the City of London. Ranked as the top school in Arts, Drama & Music by the 2023 CUG, one of the top ten performing arts institutions in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022) and the top conservatoire in the Guardian University Guide music league table, Guildhall School of Music and Drama deliver world-class professional training in partnership with distinguished artists, companies and ensembles.

A global leader in creative and professional practice, we promote innovation, experiment and research, and are also one of the UK’s leading providers of lifelong learning in the performing arts, offering inspiring training for children, young people, adult learners, and creative and business professionals.

Services for International Students

International students are invited to attend an orientation session prior to the start of the academic year. This provides an opportunity to meet fellow international students and learn more about the support services available through the Student Affairs department - topics covered include International Student Life, Money Matters, Health and Welfare, Study Skills, Cultural Awareness and Managing Transitions, and Safety and Security.

As part of the ongoing support service for International Students, the School operates a buddy scheme to put new students into contact with current students (both UK and international). Buddies write to new students before the start of the autumn term, sharing tips on adjusting to living and studying in a new environment, and are available to offer advice and support throughout the academic year.

Guildhall School gladly welcomes the recently established Graduate Route visa as a solution for international students wishing to spend up to two additional years in the UK (three for PhD graduates) without the need for work sponsorship or UK settlement rights.

Ranking

• 1st among UK conservatoires in the 2022 Guardian University Guide music league table
• 1st in the Arts, Drama & Music CUG League Table 2023
• 1st among music conservatoires for research in the Research Excellence Framework 2021

Accommodation

Sundial Court, the School's hall of residence, is located in Chiswell Street, just around the corner from the Silk Street building. Sundial Court has 176 bedrooms in thirty-nine flats, each with either three, four, five or six bedrooms.

Each flat has a communal kitchen with dining area, shower room and separate toilet. Some bedrooms are large enough to accommodate an upright piano and are furnished to a high standard.

Music students may practise in their bedrooms during permitted hours. Local amenities, including supermarkets, bars, restaurants and sports facilities are all within easy walking distance. Two underground stations are within minutes of the residence. Underneath the accommodation is the Basement, which houses the School Bar, a self-serve laundry, practice rooms and a communal television room.

Location

Guildhall School is located in the heart of London, one of the most exciting cities in the world. Training in music, drama and production arts in this culturally-rich and dynamic environment is a unique experience.

With West End theatres, the Southbank Centre, Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House all close by, Guildhall has an array of world-renowned cultural institutions on its doorstep.

As a student, you will be entitled to concessions on virtually all entertainment tickets, plus discounts for shops, restaurants and public transport. For students from abroad, we provide guided tours and excursions to help you find your way around. Other major European cities are easily accessible by train or plane.

Alumni

Alumni of Guildhall School of Music & Drama are at the heart of the performing arts in London, the UK and on the global stage. Their names are pre-eminent in the worlds of music (including opera, jazz, music therapy, and education and outreach work), drama (stage, screen, TV and radio), and production arts. 

Some of our alumni are household names, while others regularly win awards and industry recognition for work behind the scenes. Many are making an impact on society on a daily basis with the craft training and skills they learned at the School. You can explore a full alumni list here.