Music scholarships

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.

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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.

Julian Payne Scholarship

Two tuition fee scholarships of £3000 are available for Music masters students.

Make an application

Who can apply?

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

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) Music students.

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

Position: 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: Post holder 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 75 International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarships in 2025.

Each scholarship is a competitive award worth £10,000 towards the original tuition fee for a postgraduate taught programme starting in September 2025. The scholarships are available to all new international students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Scholarship information

Alumni rewards

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

Alumni discount information

Scholarship winners

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.