Since the coronavirus pandemic began, ICMP has been working hard to ensure students are provided with appropriate, high-quality higher education support and guidance. 

Currently, our campus is open for teaching and all students can book and use our rooms, studios and other facilities for private practice, rehearsal, recording, study and assessments. Our sites are fully COVID-secure and appropriately staffed.

The prospect of starting the new academic year at university may be concerning for some, but we’re here to set your mind at ease. While it’s impossible for us to guarantee many things – like when life will return to ‘normal’, exactly what social distancing measures will look like next September – we are prepared, with engaging alternative methods of study ready to implement quickly, should the need arise.

We've tied to address many of your most pressing questions below, with the view to starting a conversation with you. We’re keen to understand what you’re most concerned about, what you expect from us, and how we can provide the choices and opportunities you’re looking for.

 

Ready to book your vaccine?

Students registered with a GP can book their appointment at a larger vaccination centre, a community pharmacy run site or at some GP run sites through the National Booking Service website or by phoning 119.

National Booking Service

More information

 

Understanding your individual needs

As part of our ‘Confirm your place' process, which runs during the summer months, students and applicants will receive a survey asking about their needs so we can find out whether they’re financial, academic, equipment-based, wellbeing-related, linked to disability support, or a combination of these. We anticipate you'll have many questions for us, so we do invite and encourage your feedback.

Current students, please send your queries to our Academic Support team on academic.support@icmp.ac.uk.

New students, please send your queries to our Admissions team on enquiries@icmp.ac.uk in the first instance.

Additional Information

In addition to the information contained on this page, we have also detailed our approach to delivering higher education during the pandemic which was written in consultation with our current student body and provides further details about to studying at ICMP during this period.

Current Students

If you require additional support during this period, please get in touch. We're here to help and support you throughout your time at ICMP in whatever capacity we can.

Please contact the Academic Support team (academic.support@icmp.ac.uk) or your Programme Leader.

Financial Hardship

Financial support packages are available to students as per previous years, please visit MyICMP for full details and to make an applications.

Our Wellbeing Team are on hand if you have any questions, please email them in the first instance at studentwellbeing@icmp.ac.uk

FAQs - Students

What should I do if I'm currently experiencing COVID-like symptoms?

If you have any coronavirus symptoms, please adhere to the latest government guidelines. Let us know as soon as possible using the form below and don’t attend ICMP.

REPORT SYMPTOMS

How do I report a positive COVID-19 test?

It’s crucial we’re aware of any students who test positive to coronavirus. We have an obligation to return data on our students to our regulators and Public Health England, and being aware of any positive cases allows us to act accordingly within our ICMP community.

If you do test positive to COVID-19, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing spoc@icmp.ac.uk with the following details. 

  • Screenshot confirmation of your test results 
  • Dates of your self isolation
  • Date you were last on site at ICMP
  • Name of your course

Is ICMP currently open?

Yes. Both our sites remain open for classes, rehearsal, recording and study. All teams and support services continue to be available to students, and this has remained the case throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

What are the current safety guidelines I need to be aware of?

Face coverings – We continue to recommend that face coverings are worn in communal spaces and whilst moving around the building. Staff and students will need to make their own judgements as to whether they feel comfortable in the classroom but this will now be a matter for personal choice. We fully support any staff and students that continue to feel safer wearing a face covering throughout the building and expect all students to do the same.

Checking in/out – it's important that all students (and staff) continue to tap in and out of the building with their ID cards, this allows us to know who is onsite at any specific time. 

Building Flow – please continue to use the single direction staircases when ascending or descending the Dyne Road building.  

Cleanliness – please continue sanitising your hands on entry to our buildings and throughout the day. All equipment will continue to be rigorously cleaned in line with our current covid-safe procedures.  

Feeling unwell – please do not come on to site if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any covid symptoms. You must self-isolate, arrange a PCR test and inform us by emailing spoc@icmp.ac.uk  

What should I do if I need to self-isolate?

If you fall into any of the self-isolation categories outlined by the UK Government, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing academic.support@icmp.ac.uk. You can read the latest NHS details about self-isolation on their website.

Can students now access vaccines in the UK?

The COVID-19 vaccination is available to everyone aged 18 or over at local sites run by GPs or community pharmacies, at larger vaccination centres and in some hospitals. Local areas may also work with partners to set up “pop up” temporary clinics at locations convenient for students to access, for example, on university campuses.

Students registered with a GP can book their appointment at a larger vaccination centre, a community pharmacy run site or at some GP run sites through the National Booking Service website or by phoning 119.

Students registered with a GP in their hometown, but not where they study (or vice versa) can still book both appointments online through the National Booking Service at a location that is convenient to them, or book a first dose through their GP and a second dose in a different location through the National Booking Service. 

International Students

International students are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination in the UK for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

Do international students need to pay for the vaccine? Nobody in England has to pay for the COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccination is free of charge and does not count as the kind of care that requires payment. International students or anyone seeing requests for payment should report this activity to their university institution and to Action Fraud. More information on COVID-19 vaccine scams is on the Action Fraud website here. 

How does an international student get a vaccine? International students should be encouraged to register with a GP and get an NHS number. An NHS number can be found on any letter the NHS has sent you, on a prescription, or by logging in to a GP practice online service. You can also find an NHS number using this tool.

It is possible to request to book COVID-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient by approaching a local GP practice.

While registration with a GP is encouraged to access the vaccine, individuals can request to book COVID-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient through a local GP practice. Students can be directed to nhs.uk/register for more information on GP registration.

If an international student is not registered with a GP, will they still be invited for their vaccination? Students who are not registered with a GP will not be proactively contacted by a local NHS service. We encourage all students to register with a GP and they can be directed to www.nhs.uk/register for more information.

However, international students can book their vaccination appointments via the National Booking Service with their NHS number if they have previously received NHS treatment. You can also find an NHS number using this tool.

Read full NHS Student Vaccination FAQs here

I'm struggling with my mental health. What should I do?

ICMP’s Wellbeing Team is available to help and support you with mental health-related issues. Please contact them via student.wellbeing@icmp.ac.uk.

There are also plenty of external resources available if you need to speak with someone at any time:

SAMARITANS
www.samaritans.org
Talk anytime you like, about anything that’s bothering you, in your own way and off the record.
Phone 116 123
jo@samaritans.org.uk
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 or visit give us a shout.

TOGETHERALL
www.togetherall.com
You're not alone. Togetherall is a safe place to talk, share the load and support others like you. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year and is FREE for all ICMP students.

STUDENT MINDS
www.studentminds.org.uk
Supporting you to look after your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

NHS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ONLINE
www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
Looking after your mental health.

I'm struggling financially. Can ICMP help?

If you’re a current student and have immediate financial needs, you may be able to access support from our Hardship Fund. Please contact studentwellbeing@icmp.ac.uk to find out more or visit the Hardship Fund page on My.ICMP to start your application.

I live in shared-housing, how can I keep myself and fellow housemates safe?

If you’re currently living in a shared house or bedsit, please be extra careful, as you’re more at risk from COVID-19. Preventing the spread of coronavirus can be more difficult when living in close proximity to other people. The new strains of COVID-19 are highly contagious and positive cases can spread very quickly. Around one in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms, so will be spreading it without them realising.

It’s really important that you follow public health advice to keep yourself and others safe:

  • If you have symptoms, don’t use shared facilities at the same time as other people
  • Don’t invite visitors into your home
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Clean the bathroom and kitchen more frequently with household cleaning products
  • Clean things people touch the most, such as taps, tables, door handles, light switches and remote controls
  • Open windows regularly

If you are worried about symptoms, or someone you live with, call NHS 111. In an emergency, dial 999.

Information taken from https://www.brent.gov.uk/your-community/coronavirus/staying-safe-in-shared-housing

What happens if I'm clinically vulnerable and can’t attend ICMP face-to-face teaching?

If you’re in a clinical high-risk category, please make contact with our Academic Support Team and they’ll advise you accordingly. The team can be contacted via academic.support@icmp.ac.uk

I’m an international student. Will I need to self-isolate after I return to ICMP from abroad?

Guidance for people entering the UK from abroad is constantly changing. We recommend you visit gov.uk closer to your travel time and follow the relevant up-to-date advice.

Can I now access studios and rehearsal space?

Yes, our facilities are open to students for rehearsal, recording, study and assessments. 

To avoid unnecessary travel or having too many students on-site at once, please book rooms or facilities in advance using our existing booking system.

Can I still hire equipment from ICMP’s hire facility?

Yes, our equipment remains available to students for onsite use. All our musical equipment is thoroughly cleaned after every booking. 

If you have specific equipment requirements that are critical to your academic work, please contact us at facilitiesteam@icmp.ac.uk and we'll see if we can assist.

What should I do if I’m not able to submit my coursework on time?

Please don’t worry! If you’re unable to complete your work on time, you can request additional time due to ‘extenuating circumstances’. Applying is straightforward and more information can be found here.

I’ve borrowed some books from the Library but can’t return them due to self-isolating. What should I do?

For now, keep the book safe and contact us at library@icmp.ac.uk to confirm you have it. We can then ensure a note is placed against your library record.

If you live with ICMP housemates, you could simply ask them to return the book/s to our Reception desk, or the library, with a note which lists your name as the current borrower of the book.

What should I do if I’m dissatisfied with my current experience at ICMP?

If you’re unhappy with your ICMP experience, you should speak with your Programme Leader. They’ll be able to address your concerns and escalate the matter, as appropriate.

Another route is to feedback to us on what is and isn’t working. You can do this through our well-established system of Student Reps and Student Officers, who will feed your concerns into our Student Senate, led by a Student President and Vice-President. Full details on how to access this route can be found here.

Will I be entitled to a refund or compensation as a result of changes caused by COVID-19?

Your rights are protected under UK law and our refund policy applies as normal. We’re doing everything we reasonably can to deliver what we’ve committed to and will ensure you can continue your course and achieve your goals regardless of the coronavirus restrictions imposed on us. If you think you haven’t received the right level of service or support from us, we’ll examine your situation and make sure we resolve your issues. If we’re unable to do so, we’ll consider your case under our refund policy.

We subscribe to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA). If you’ve already studied with us and feel we haven’t applied our policy fairly and appropriately in your specific case, you can ask them to review our decision. The OIA is completely independent and there’s no charge to use this service.

Current advice for applicants

If you’re keen to apply to join us at ICMP in September 2022, please know that our application and auditioning process is running as normal. If you need any help applying the ICMP Admissions team are on hand to help.

We've set out answers below to many common questions we're being asked about new applications, but if you still have queries after reading them, please contact us on +44 (0)20 7328 0222 or via email at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk

If you've not booked your ICMP audition yet, you can do so here: 

REQUEST AN AUDITION

FAQs - Applicants

What can I expect in September?

Whilst we're unable to predict what next September will look like, we can tell you about the positive study experience our students are having this year.

This academic year (2021/2022), our students' learning experience remains primarily onsite, with some non-practical classes taking place online.  Our buildings have remained open to all students for study, rehearsal, writing and recording 7 days a week. 

All subjects and classes that are best suited to face-to-face delivery – such as performance activity, studio classes and other practical workshops – are timetabled into the appropriate teaching spaces at our campuses. All of these sessions are socially-distanced and properly ventilated.

In order to facilitate socially-distanced learning, we have reduced our group sizes to a maximum of 13 and, because of the consequent need to run more sessions, some learning activity takes place online. We listened to student feedback and only planned online delivery for those subjects and classes that work well in this mode, such as lectures and discussion seminars. This blend of onsite and online education will ensures we continue to facilitate the highest quality of learning and teaching, whilst ensuring the ongoing safety of all students and staff. 

While we can’t predict what the exact impacts of COVID-19 will be in September 2022, we'll remain prepared for every eventuality. Our blended-learning model has proved to be very effective and popular with our students and, whatever the future holds, we can continue with this form of education to ensure you’re able to access a proportion of your course on-campus. You can read more about our blended-learning model here. 

We're looking forward to our new cohort of students joining us next September, we'll have exciting new facilities opening and we're confident we'll continue to successfully deliver a world-class educational experience of the same high standard thousands of ICMP students have enjoyed over the past 30 years.

How can I learn more about the ICMP Admissions process and how it's changed?

In short, our admissions process hasn't changed. We're simply working remotely and unable to offer face-to-face auditions. Our friendly Admissions team remain on hand to give you all the support you need, book your Skype audition or answer any questions you might have. You can contact them via email on enquiries@icmp.ac.uk, by phone on 020 7328 0222 or through our LiveChat below.​

I’d like to audition but am not sure how this will work now

Our Auditions are available both onsite and online. We encourage applicants to audition in person, simply to allow you the opportunity to see our campus/facilities and really get a feel for what studying at ICMP is like. However, we understand that not all applicants will want to come on site during this period and therefor we're happy to offer online auditions.

We’ve been auditioning overseas students for many years via online platforms such as Skype, so we’re very familiar with the practicalities of assessing students remotely.

Our experienced assessors are ready to help you overcome any issues you may have to ensure you get the most from the experience. Auditions are a crucial part of our application process. While we need to assess your abilities and understand your aspirations, we also need to check that ICMP is the right fit for you, so the audition process is likely to be just as useful to you as it is to us. You should be wary of any music schools that don’t follow this thorough audition process.

If you’d like more information about booking a remote audition, please contact our Admissions team via email at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk, by phone on +44 (0)20 7328 0222 or using our LiveChat function below. You can also book your audition outside office hours using this form.

Will any disruption to my exams impact my application to study at ICMP?

Please know that any disruption you suffer due to unexpected COVID-related circumstances won’t affect your application to study at ICMP. All applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and you won’t be disadvantaged.

While we consider academic ability within our application process, our primary focus is on the audition/interview element of your application, as it helps us decide if ICMP is the right place for you as a creative musician. This advice remains the same for all applicants, whether from the UK, the EU or outside of Europe.

I'm an EU/Overseas student and concerned that I may not be in a position to move to the UK next September

If you’re unable to travel to the UK because of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions,  an online delivery mode may be available to you. This will let you connect with your tutors and fellow students until you're able to come to the UK to start your studies in person. If your face-to-face start at ICMP is delayed, our Admissions team will help you with any necessary administration so your Student Route visa isn’t impacted.

If you’re an overseas student and need to take an English language assessment, please continue with your application as normal and contact our Admissions team for advice on enquiries@icmp.ac.uk, by phone on +44 (0)20 7328 0222 or through our LiveChat below.​

 

 

WHAT IF MY PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES STOP ME FROM TRAVELLING TO ICMP IN SEPTEMBER?

Some students both within the UK and overseas may have individual circumstances that mean they can’t join us for on-campus lectures at the same time as others. This may be due to a long-term health condition, because you live with a vulnerable relative, or you may be unable to travel or relocate to London immediately due to local lockdown or restrictive measures. 

If you fall into any of these circumstances, or have a legitimate reason not to join us in person in September, we can work to establish a plan that supports you to commence your studies off site. In order to do so, simply email academic.support@icmp.ac.uk letting us know your individual circumstances, before 1 September 2022, and our team will advise you accordingly.  

Once we’ve received your details, we'll be in contact to outline how we can support you to continue your studies off site for an agreed period of time. 

What if I still have concerns about what ICMP is offering in September?

Your rights are protected under UK law. We’re doing everything we reasonably can to deliver what we’ve committed to and ensure you can continue your course and achieve your goals regardless of the coronavirus restrictions. We acknowledge that your life as a student at ICMP may be different to the one you imagined when you first applied. If you think our approach won't work for you, we’ll examine your situation and will resolve any issues you may have. If we’re unable to do this, we’ll support you to look at other options.

Join us in September and progress your career in music

Start your application

Campus Access and Safety

HOW CAN I BE SURE ICMP IS TAKING MY SAFETY SERIOUSLY?

The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. All building users should adhere to the following guidance when visiting our facilities: 

Entering the buildings
When visiting, please enter the building through the usual front door and exit from the rear. Students will need to sign-in, using their ID card, on the Reception desk and touch out on the Exit point adjacent to the rear door as they leave. It’s essential that students check-in and out each time they enter or leave, even if only going out for lunch. 

Moving around the building 
At Dyne Road, please continue to use the front staircase to ascend the building and the rear staircase to descend. 

Social distancing and managed movement around the buildings remains in place throughout, with 2m social distancing required wherever possible.

WHAT ARE ICMP’S CLEANING PROCEDURES?

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, our daily on-site cleaning procedures have intensified. In addition to our regular cleaning regime, our hygiene programme now includes additional focus on all touch points and surfaces across the building, ensuring they’re cleaned with anti-viral disinfectant each morning.

We also have an enviable selection of musical equipment and instruments available for students to borrow and use on site. Each piece of equipment is cleaned thoroughly after use.

DO I NEED TO WEAR A FACE MASK ON SITE?

We continue to recommend that face coverings are worn in communal spaces and whilst moving around our buildings. Staff and students will need to make their own judgements as to whether they feel comfortable in the classroom but this will now be a matter for personal choice. We fully support any staff and students that continue to feel safer wearing a face covering throughout the building and expect all students to do the same.

Face coverings are available at Reception at both of our buildings.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I BECOME UNWELL ON SITE?

If you become unwell at the ICMP campus, please report to staff at the Facilities Desk immediately.

This includes any known coronavirus symptoms including: 

  • Temperature/fever
  • Persistent cough
  • Vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of taste or smell

General Coronavirus Advice

WHERE CAN I FIND OFFICIAL UK COVID-19 ADVICE?

You can read the latest UK official information on coronavirus from the following sources:

I FEEL ILL. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms.

Stay at home if you have either:

  • A high temperature (i.e. you feel hot to touch on your chest or back)
  • A new, continuous cough (i.e. you've started coughing repeatedly).

Please don’t visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. 

You don’t need to contact 111 to tell them you have symptoms, but please inform ICMP either via your Programme Leader or Academic Support so we can note your authorised absence, support you by minimising any impact your absence might have on your academic progress, and help you apply for extenuation from any imminent academic deadlines you may have. 

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

  • You feel you can’t cope with your symptoms at home
  • Your condition gets worse
  • Your symptoms don’t get better after seven days.

Only call 111 if you can’t access the help you need online.

Please ensure you’re registered with your local health services in line with current Public Health England guidance.

THE COVID-19 CRISIS HAS AFFECTED MY WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH. WHO CAN I TALK TO?

The coronavirus pandemic and the constraints of being confined to our homes during lockdown have placed a great strain on many students’ physical and mental wellbeing. During this period, our Student Wellbeing team is on hand to direct you to appropriate support if you’re concerned, stressed, anxious or low. You can also access the reassuring online services of Togetherall at any time. 

It’s important we do all we can to support our friends, peers and colleagues during this time. We encourage you to keep in regular touch with each other, checking in on your friends’ wellbeing, offering help and support, and making allowances for the pressure we’re all facing. Additional advice is available from the NHS, World Health Organization and music industry sites such as Help Musicians and Music and You.

I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY EDUCATION. WHO SHOULD I ASK?

The Department for Education has launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19, specifically in relation to education. Parents, carers and students can contact the helpline Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm on 0800 046 8687 or by emailing DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Have further questions? Just drop us a line...

Our friendly team remain on hand to give you all the support you need and answer any questions you might have. You can access them via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk by phone +44 (0)20 7328 0222 or through our LiveChat below.​

Contact us