Royal College of Music ranked Global No. 1 for 3rd consecutive year

Wednesday 10 April 2024

The Royal College of Music has been ranked the Global No. 1 institution for Performing Arts for the third year running and earned the inaugural top spot for Music in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject. 

The QS World University Rankings measure institutions across the world based on not only strength and quality of teaching, but also quality and output of research activity, employability, international profile and sustainability. Rankings are compiled from the opinions of academics and employers and from analysis of research output and impact.  

Director Professor Colin Lawson comments: ‘I am absolutely delighted that for the third successive year the Royal College of Music has been placed Global No. 1 for Performing Arts in the QS World University rankings and has earned the No.1 place in the inaugural Music category. This accolade is a tribute to our community of supremely talented staff, whose commitment and generosity of spirit ensure that the RCM remains a natural first choice for gifted students from around the globe.’ 

The latest results are in line with the recent Teaching Excellence Framework where the Royal College of Music achieved a Gold ranking. A vibrant community of students, teachers and staff, the Royal College of Music has one of the richest artistic programmes of any conservatoire with over 500 events each year giving RCM students unparalleled performance experience, developing their artistry with some of the world’s most distinguished professional musicians. 

The Royal College of Music completed a major redevelopment in 2020 transforming the campus with new performance, practise and social spaces as well as a new interactive Royal College of Music Museum, and this year opened a world-leading immersive Performance Laboratory providing RCM students with a unique chance to hone the art of performing utilising state-of-the-art simulations. The College’s Creative Careers Centre gives access to a wealth of opportunities, guidance and training, and graduates from the Royal College of Music go on to a range of extraordinary careers including as conductors, soloists, principal seats in leading orchestras, classical music festival directors and many other careers in the music industry and beyond. 

Discover more about studying at the Royal College of Music and find out more about what’s on.   

Find out more and be inspired by some of the Royal College of Music’s alumni.

View the full QS World University Rankings by Subject league table for Music and Performing Arts.