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Taught postgraduate

The RCM offers a bespoke programme of study that will give you the support, training and knowledge you will need for the working world of music.

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Our Programmes

The RCM offers a bespoke programme of study that will give you the support, training and knowledge you will need for the working world of music.

Our main Masters programme for performers and composers is designed to fulfil your potential as a musician and can lead to one of three qualifications: MPerf, MComp or MMus.

The MMusEd is also for performers and composers and is aimed at graduates who wish to develop their skills as Teaching Musicians. Our MSc in Performance Science is designed for those who wish to gain a scientific understanding of how music is performed, taught, created and perceived.

We also offer a range of Artist Diplomas, the highest level of RCM taught postgraduate study, designed for those who would like to work intensively on further artistic development beyond Masters level.

Our Research degrees allow students to undertake advanced research in performance, composition, musicology, music education and performance science.

When to submit one application

Advice on vocal course applications

If you are a vocal applicant and unsure whether you are ready for our Masters Programme, we recommend contacting the Vocal & Opera Faculty for advice before applying. If you are still undecided whether you are best suited for the Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance (GradDip) or ready for the Masters Programme in Performance (MPerf or MMus study routes), we recommend that you apply for one of the Masters courses, the MPerf or MMus. You can indicate in your UCAS Conservatoires personal statement that you are also interested in the GradDip. Our audition panellists may recommend entry to a lower level course. You will have one audition, where you can discuss with the panel which course would be the best fit.

If you are unsure whether to apply to our Artist Diploma in Opera or Masters programme, we recommend you submit an application for Artist Diploma to ensure you are heard by the Director of Opera. You can discuss the most suitable course at your audition.

Advice on which Masters programme applications

We recommend that performers who are unsure whether to apply for the Master of Performance (MPerf) or Master of Music (MMus) in Performance submit one application for the MMus as you will have just one audition.

Composers who are unsure whether to choose the Master of Composition (MComp) or MMus study route are recommended to apply for the the MMus first. You will have portfolio assessment and interview (if put through to the second round) where you can discuss the most suitable study route for you.

The same advice applies if you are undecided whether you hope to be considered for the standard two-year or fast-track version of the MMus in performance or composition. 

When to submit two applications

Masters applicants: advice on preferred principal study

If you are undecided as to your preferred principal study and wish to be considered for two different principal studies (eg piano and conducting) please submit two applications. You will have two auditions and will be charged two audition fees.

Advice on being considered for both Composition and Composition for Screen

If you hope to be considered for both Composition and Composition for Screen you will need to submit two applications and two separate portfolios. You will also have two interviews if shortlisted. If you do not know whether to opt for the Master of Music (MMus) or Master of Composition (MComp) pathway in Composition or Composition for Screen, we recommend you apply for MMus in the first instance. You can discuss the most suitable course for you at interview and amend to MComp later if preferred.

When you are interested in more than one of our Masters courses

If you are interested in more than one of our Masters programmes, eg MMus in Performance and the MSc in Performance Science, or the MMusEd Teaching Musician, you will need to submit two applications. Please check the application process as the requirements for each course are slightly different. You will be assessed by two different panels.

Choosing your study routes

The RCM’s Master Programme in Performance/Composition offers two different study routes, which lead to different degree qualifications of equal standard:

  • The Master of Performance (MPerf) and Master of Composition (MComp) study routes develop your performance or composition skills to a high professional level through intensive training.
  • The Master of Music (MMus) in Performance and Master of Music (MMus) in Composition study routes augment MPerf/MComp study with two additional research-led modules, which are designed to train your critical, analytical and research skills, as well as your ability to express yourself verbally to a high level. Owing to the additional emphasis on research, the MMus is a more intensive undertaking that also requires an ability to speak and write confidently in English. The MMus is also available in a fast-track version taught over 12 months.

The RCM also offers the MMusEd Teaching Musician course, a specialist Masters course that combines practical training at the highest level in performance or composition with vocational training in music education. 

The Master of Science (MSc) in Performance Science is an internationally distinctive programme which examines the art and science of performance in real-world educational and professional contexts.

Admissions

Admissions and general audition enquiries

+44 (0)20 7591 4362

admissions@rcm.ac.uk

International team

International student enquiries

international@rcm.ac.uk