Fees and funding

There are various funding opportunities available for postgraduate taught students and postgraduate research students. In addition, the Department of Music has the Julian Payne scholarship available.

Off

Mary Lill Scholarships 

The Department of Music at the University of Sheffield is delighted to offer the Mary Lill Scholarships for 2024 entry. These scholarships are funded through the generous bequest of Mary Lill, an alumna of the university (1953-1957) who retained a life-long love of music. They are intended to support aspiring music students who meet widening participation criteria, including those who come from low-participation backgrounds. Through these scholarships, the Department aims to further enhance not only the diversity of our own student body, but also the next generation of music performers, educators, scholars, and music industry professionals.

Up to two postgraduate scholarships will also be awarded, including at least one to an eligible UK Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidate. In order to be eligible, a student must meet the criteria, and must be accepted on to one of the Department of Music’s postgraduate taught programmes: MA in Composition; MA in Musicology; MA in Music Management; MA in Music Performance Studies; MA in Psychology of Music; MA in Transcultural and Traditional Music Studies (Distance Learning); and MA in Music Psychology in Education, Performance and Wellbeing (Distance Learning). 

Each successful applicant will receive £10,000 in the academic year; they can then choose to put the scholarship amount towards fees or living expenses. 

These scholarships will be administered through the Sheffield Postgraduate Scholarships system. For more information please view the central pages.  

Julian Payne Scholarship

2 tuition fee scholarships of £3000 are available for Department of Music Masters students.

Make an application

Who can apply?

Full-time, part-time, distance-learning, UK, EU and International Master of Arts (MA) students within the Department of Music.

Please note that the Julian Payne award cannot be combined with another award received from the University of Sheffield. Applicants who have been successful for multiple awards will be asked to choose which award they will accept.

The Charles Allan Bryars scholarship

The Charles Allan Bryars scholarship is earmarked for research related to the organ. Eligibility criteria: to support the current study of postgraduate organists, who through their research are contributing to organ-related scholarship in the department and beyond. 

Who can apply?

Full-time, part-time, distance-learning, UK, EU and International Master of Arts (MA) students within the Department of Music.

Please note that the scholarships cannot be combined with another award received from the University of Sheffield. Applicants who have been successful for multiple awards will be asked to choose which award they will accept.

Make an application

​Sheffield Cathedral Choral Scholarships

Frequency: up to six scholars are in post at any one time, maximum tenure three years.
Duties: rehearsals and choral services at Sheffield Cathedral; residency in Sheffield throughout the three choir terms.
Value: Annual Bursary and lessons. 
Eligibility: All applicants holding an offer to study at the University of Sheffield.
Enquiries: music@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk

​Sheffield Cathedral Organ Scholarship

Frequency: Senior Organ Scholar 
Duties: rehearsals and choral services at Sheffield Cathedral; residency in Sheffield throughout the three choir terms.
Value: £7000 
Eligibility: All applicants holding an offer to study at the University of Sheffield.
Enquiries: james.mitchell@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk

Sir Henry Coward Organ Scholarship

Frequency: one award is available
Duties: Postholder fulfils the conventional duties of an organ scholar at Sheffield Cathedral
Value: TBC
Eligibility: All applicants holding an offer to study at the University of Sheffield.
Enquiries: music@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk

​Escafeld Chorale Associate Soloist 

Frequency: one award is available, maximum tenure two years.
Duties: rehearsals and performances with Escafeld Chorale.
Value: £400
Eligibility: All current music students at the University of Sheffield

Assessment: Audition
Enquiries: Escafeld Chorale Sheffield

International Merit Postgraduate Scholarship 

We are delighted to offer 125 International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarships in 2024.

Each scholarship is a competitive award worth 25% of the original tuition fee for a postgraduate taught programme starting in September 2024. The scholarships are available to all new international students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Find out more

Sheffield Postgraduate Scholarships worth £10,000

The University of Sheffield is pleased to offer 100+ scholarships worth £10,000 each for home students starting a taught postgraduate course in 2024.

The scholarships are for students who meet at least one of the widening participation criteria and/or students who achieve a first in their undergraduate degree. If your application is successful you can use the scholarship towards fees or living expenses, the choice is yours.

Find out more

Alumni Rewards 

Our graduates may be eligible for up to a 20% tuition fee discount for their PGT programme.

Find out more 

Department of Music - Scholarship Winners  

Piano with scholarship winner

It is a great place to feel welcome and at home while earning a degree with a great education.

Zachary Brandt Winner of a Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship

Zachary was awarded a Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship to study MA Psychology of Music with Dr. Renee Timmers. Zachary talks about his experience living in the city of Sheffield and how the course has been able to combine his interests in both neuroscience and music.

Student Bruna standing in the Diamond

Sheffield has an amazing international environment

Bruna Francisco Martins Winner of a British Chevening Scholarship

“Sheffield has this amazing international environment where you can meet people from different places and are able to learn so much from them.”

Kuang-Chih Tsou

This city is a wonderful place.

Kuang-Chih Tsou Winner of a Postgraduate Merit Scholarship

I am so glad I chose to study at Sheffield, the friendly people and the beautiful scenery make this city a wonderful place.

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

International Merit Scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.