Make [Game Dev] Happen
Make [Music Production] Happen
Make [Live Music] Happen
Make [Music Performance] Happen
Make [Social Commerce] Happen
Make IT ACM
Who we are
Academy of Contemporary Music
Creativity can’t be bottled. It isn’t learned as a formula, it’s developed through practice, collaboration, and real experience.
Here at ACM, we’re a specialist creative university for music, media, and performance, offering industry-focused degrees built around professional practice. Students learn in real studios, rehearsal spaces, and production environments, taught by tutors who are active professionals in the industry.
Since opening in 1996, ACM has seen over 25,000 graduates embark on careers across the music and wider creative industries, with alumni achieving success at the highest level, including Grammy, BRIT, Ivor Novello, and Billboard Music Awards recognition.
Here, the future doesn’t happen to you. You build it.
Our Pathways
Clearing 2026 is open at ACM
If your results didn’t go to plan, you’ve exceeded expectations, changed your mind, or you’re applying for the first time, there’s still time to secure your place for September. Choose from career-focused courses across music, games development, production, and social commerce. Learn from industry professionals, gain hands-on experience in professional facilities and build the skills, portfolio and connections to turn your passion into a career with ACM.
Our Admissions Team is here to guide you through every step of the process and help you find the right course for you.
3 Campuses
ACM has three vibrant campuses in the UK: Guildford, London, and Birmingham – each offering a unique experience rooted in creativity, collaboration, and industry connection.
Whether you’re drawn to Guildford’s lively music scene, London’s heart-of-the-industry energy, or Birmingham’s cutting-edge facilities and cultural diversity, every ACM location is designed to help you thrive in your creative journey.
Metropolis Studios
At the heart of ACM is Metropolis Studios — one of the world’s most iconic recording facilities, home to a multi-award-winning team of engineers and producers.
Used by some of the biggest global artists, Metropolis provides students with unparalleled access to the cutting edge of contemporary music creation. As part of your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to book studio downtime and work in the same rooms used by leading industry professionals. There is simply nowhere else like it.
Practical Learning From Day One
At ACM, learning is centred on doing. Students work in studios, rehearsal rooms, production environments and creative labs, developing skills through hands-on experience.
This approach allows students to understand how creative work is made, refined and delivered, building confidence through practice rather than theory alone.
Accelerated Degree (2-Year)
Our Accelerated Degree allows you to complete a full undergraduate qualification over two years instead of the traditional three, giving you the same outcome, but faster and more efficiently. The most immediate benefit is financial. By completing your degree in two years, you reduce both tuition fees and living costs across an entire year, meaning less overall borrowing and a quicker route into paid work or further study. Academically, nothing is lost. You still experience the full Creative Industries Futures model — including Skills Units, collaborative projects, and industry-facing work, but delivered through a more intensive structure across the year.
Step into ACM
Latest News
ACM Part-Time School
Know a young musician who's ready to take things further? ACM's Part-Time School runs weekly evening courses during term time at the…
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Welcome Week Is Here — Everything New ACM Students Need
Masterclasses with industry pros, bandeoke, open mics and wellbeing drop-ins — Welcome Week is underway across all three ACM campuses, and it's…
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Clearing 2026: Your Place at ACM Is Still Available
Missed your grades, changed your mind, or applying late? ACM Clearing 2026 is open until 19 October — and all offers are…
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Issue 7 – WRITERS CORNER: Where ACMies wax lyrical about their favourite music
Words: Bo, a multidisciplinary creative artist studying production at ACM Clapham, working within all genres in collaboration with mixed pathway peers on…
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Issue 7 – UP NEXT, singer-songwriter Samira
Dream pop with unmanufactured sentiment and rich, slightly husky vocals. Yes please. Words: Ngaire Ruth Singer-songwriter Samira arrived at ACM to take…
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Issue 7 – SINGLE REVIEWS: House We Built, Samira Manners
Words: Ngaire Ruth The bus driver’s playing Radio One; Samira’s song House We Built comes on next. The school girls at the…
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Alumni
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran, one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of our time, continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry. With his soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and unmatched talent for storytelling, Ed Sheeran has captivated audiences worldwide. His incredible success spans numerous chart-topping hits across six studio albums, including tracks such as “Shape of You,” “Thinking Out Loud,” and “Photograph.” Ed’s versatility as a musician is showcased through his ability to seamlessly blend genres, effortlessly transitioning from heartfelt acoustic ballads to infectious pop anthems. Beyond his undeniable musical prowess, Ed’s philanthropic efforts and dedication to social causes have inspired millions. As a highly anticipated and revered artist, Ed Sheeran’s influence continues to grow, solidifying his position as a true musical icon of our time.
Kenya Grace
Kenya Grace (born May 9, 1998) is a South African-born British singer, songwriter, and producer known for her 2023 viral hit "Strangers," which topped the UK Singles Chart. She is a rare female artist who writes, performs, and produces her own electronic, drum 'n' bass-infused music, bridging emotional vocals with high-energy dancefloor production.
