Course overview

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) programme at the Royal College of Music offers exceptional professional training alongside rigorous supporting studies, preparing students for diverse careers in the music industry. Whether your focus is instrumental, vocal or composition, the programme nurtures artistic individuality while developing essential practical and professional skills. With a strong emphasis on creativity, technical excellence, career preparation, and entrepreneurial skills, the BMus degree equips students to thrive in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

Your programme of study at the RCM is shaped by your principal study specialism, ensuring a tailored and immersive learning experience. Students receive individual lessons with world-renowned musicians alongside opportunities for solo, chamber, and ensemble performances. Core studies comprise aural skills, theory, improvisation, music history, music education, entrepreneurship and innovation, and health and well-being, fostering well-rounded professional and artistic development. A variety of elective options allows students to explore and refine their individual, artistic and professional interests.

Assessment in the BMus programme is designed to reflect the diverse skills required for a successful career in music. It is grouped into subject-specific, general, and key skills assessments, with tasks varying depending on the module. These include technical assessments, performance exams, and practical evaluations, as well as portfolios, essays, quizzes, and presentations in academic and theoretical modules. Additionally, students engage in critically reflective work, collaborative projects, workshops, and vivas in skills-based modules, ensuring a comprehensive approach to learning and professional development.

Learning & Teaching

Our undergraduate music degree is designed to be flexible, particularly in your third and fourth years, enabling you to shape your studies around your interests and career aspirations. With a wide range of options, you will have the opportunity to explore diverse areas of music, ensuring a learning experience that is both rewarding and relevant to your goals. Throughout your time at the RCM, you will be part of a diverse, vibrant and supportive community of world-class performers, educators, and composers from across the globe.

With the BMus (Hons) programme, you will benefit from small group tutorials, personalised academic supervision and exciting collaborative projects. Hands-on industry and education placements will equip you with practical experience, setting you up for a dynamic career in music. Supported by innovative digital technology, our teaching fosters versatile skills in communication, collaboration, and creativity, ensuring you graduate as a confident and adaptable musician. We're committed to supporting your well-being, and we’ll empower you to build the confidence needed to thrive as a performer, composer, educator, producer, or leader in the creative industries.

Entry requirements

All offers for performers and composers are made on the basis of their performance at audition, or portfolio and interview for composers. Candidates require two A levels at grade E or above, or 1 A Level at grade E or above and two AS levels, one at grade D and grade E and above. 

Alternative UK qualifications which are accepted instead of A Levels include:

• Three Scottish Higher grade passes at grade D or above
• Cambridge Pre-U certificate in at least two principal subjects at P3 level or above
• BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Diploma)
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (at least 24 points)
• Welsh Baccalaureate (accepted as equivalent to one A Level)
• RSL Level 3 Diploma for Music Practitioners

Please see the list of international qualifications below for details of qualifications that are commonly accepted by the RCM as equivalent to our UK entry requirements. This list is not exhaustive and other qualifications will be considered.

List of international qualifications

The RCM welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and alternative qualifications may be considered. If your qualifications are not listed here, please contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to discuss your suitability for the programme.

Fees & support

A full outline of tuition fees for all our courses, including details of charges for additional one-to-one lessons and reassessment fees, is available for download.

More than 50% of current RCM students receive some financial support, thanks to the generosity of individuals, legators, companies and charitable trusts.

More about our fees and funding

RCM: Tuition fees and other charges 2025-26

Additional Information

Enquiries

If you have any questions about studying at the RCM or about the admissions process please contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to help you.