There is a wide range of third-level undergraduate courses open to budding musicians. It may not be necessary to have done music as a subject in the Leaving Certificate in order to be accepted for many of these courses, but it is necessary to have musical ability and knowledge of the rudiments of music before you begin to study the subject at advanced level, according to the Council of Heads in Music in Higher Education (CHMHE).

CHMHE has produced a booklet detailing all of the courses on offer in the Republic and Northern Ireland. This is essential reading for students planning a career in the music area. Be prepared to continue your studies to postgraduate level - CHMHE also lists postgrad offerings in Ireland but many students will go abroad.

The majority of musicians make their living through teaching or performing. Many combine both careers, supplementing their performance income, by, for instance, giving private music lessons. Others may diversify into areas such as arts or music administration.

Admission to most third-level music courses is through the CAO. Nine of these courses are included in the restricted-application category, which means the final closing date for applications for the coming academic year was February 1st. You can not list any of these courses if you are applying by the late deadline of May 1st.

The reason these courses are listed as restricted-application is that assessments other than the Leaving Certificate apply. There may be an interview or performance test. Page 3 of the CAO handbook 2000 lists the restricted-application courses.

BMus courses in Queen's University and the University of Ulster are offered through the British Central Applications body UCAS. UU usually looks for 430 points in the Leaving Cert (with music). There is credit for having grade VIII practical but it is not essential. Applicants are interviewed and must perform at least one piece and attempt a keyboard sight-reading test.

QUB usually requires three higher-level B2s in the Leaving Cert (including music) and two higher-level C2s. Applicants are usually asked for interview. There may be tuition fees up to a maximum of £1,000 sterling for colleges in Britain and Northern Ireland (fees are charged on a sliding scale according to means).

If you're unsure that music is definitely for you or you want to brush up your skills before you begin a third-level course, then an access course such as that offered by the Royal Irish Academy of Music might be useful. It does not guarantee access to a third-level course but, many of those who complete the course will progress to the college's diploma in teaching and performance (which qualifies graduates as peripatetic music teachers rather than second-level teachers), while a few may go into the performance degree.

Applications should be made directly to the college - the downside is that there is a fee of £1,440. Ciara Higgins, PRO for the RIAM, explains that the year gives students a "feel for third level".