Royal College of Music announces new 1851 MSc Studentships in Performance Science from September 2026
Friday 9 January 2026
We are delighted to announce that the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 will support a number of students undertaking our MSc in Performance Science.
The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 will support the full fees of four full-time students with Home fee status each year for three years, beginning in 2026/27. This dedicated funding will enable more students to study the MSc in Performance Science at the Royal College of Music and allow this distinctive course to be accessible to the best applicants regardless of financial means.
The Centre for Performance Science (CPS) leads research into the science behind human performance – from music and medicine to education and leadership. The CPS approach is ambitious, innovative and interdisciplinary, benefitting from a partnership with Imperial College London. Informed by cutting-edge research and knowledge exchange, students advance the science of performance in a multi-disciplinary environment.
In 2025, the Centre for Performance Science was awarded a Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for pioneering research and its impact on society.
Aaron Williamon, Head of the Centre for Performance Science, commented: ‘The 1851 MSc Studentships in Performance Science will offer tremendous opportunities for students to embark on in-depth learning, unparalleled networking and bespoke research opportunities in music performance. We are delighted to receive this generous support.’
John Lavery MVO MBA, Secretary for the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, said: ‘The Royal Commission is delighted to strengthen still further its relationship with the Royal College of Music through this studentship programme which will hopefully facilitate even wider participation in this world leading course. We look forward to welcoming the successful applicants into the wider 1851 community.’
The Royal College of Music (RCM) leads the world’s first Master of Science in Performance Science, which examines the science of performance in real-world educational and professional contexts. The programme supports students to learn and apply quantitative and qualitative scientific methods as well as to engage with key scientific research in performance psychology and education, performers’ health and wellbeing, and arts and health. Students develop an understanding of music performance through the lens of the scientific method while gaining the critical and analytical skills necessary to conduct high-quality, independent scientific research. They experience extensive professional and collaborative networking opportunities, one to one teaching with internationally renowned research experts in performance science and access to world-class facilities including the new Performance Laboratory which includes an advanced performance simulator.
This dynamic programme benefits performers, teachers and arts leaders who are interested in developing a deeper scientific understanding of how music is created, learned, performed and perceived. It is also ideal for those wishing to pursue doctoral research or teaching in performance science, performance psychology and arts and health.
Over nearly four decades, the Royal Commission’s philanthropic support has helped shape the RCM’s evolution, enabling the creation of new spaces and opportunities that allow exceptional talent to flourish. This support has underpinned the transformation of our physical environment, including the restoration of the RCM’s historic concert hall and the development of the 1851 Courtyard. These spaces provide environments in which students can learn, collaborate and perform; fostering a community that extends well beyond the RCM itself.
Learn more about our MSc in Performance Science and apply here. The deadline to apply to the MSc and to be considered for the studentships is 11 March 2026.
