The Royal College of Music, London is one of the world’s greatest conservatoires, training gifted musicians from all over the globe for a range of international careers as performers, conductors and composers.

Opened in 1883 by the future King Edward VII, the RCM is regularly visited by our current President, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

The RCM provides a range of performance opportunities for its students. We hold hundreds of events each year in our magnificent performance spaces and at external venues in London and further afield, including orchestral concerts, opera, chamber music and music by our very own composers. 

You will receive teaching from RCM professors who represent the best international talent and are committed to helping you through your studies, and you will be encouraged to develop as an artist by exploring the research behind music in practice. The RCM is the perfect place to do this as we were named the London conservatoire with the highest percentage of world-leading research in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2014). 

The RCM has trained some of the most important figures in British and international music. Situated opposite the Royal Albert Hall, we are at the heart of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group. We also seek to push the boundaries of music as leaders in digital innovation. The RCM’s exceptional facilities, teaching staff and state-of-the-art technology will help you to become the future of music.

Student support

Here at the Royal College of Music we consider our international community to be our greatest asset. Over half of our students come from outside the UK, and we currently have musicians from more than 50 different countries studying here. Our professors come from across the globe as well, bringing with them a wealth of experience and expertise. This helps to make the RCM a friendly, exciting and diverse hub of music-making and a truly international community. 

We understand that moving to a new country can feel like a big step, and we will do everything we can to help make you feel at home. Our Registry and Student Services staff provide advice and support for international students across a range of practical subjects including visas and immigration, financial advice or just finding out how to make the most of your time here.

Your fellow students will also help you to settle in. There are plenty of opportunities to get to know each other through RCM activities such as social events run by the RCM Students’ Union (SU) and welcome events at our hall of residence. The SU includes every student enrolled at the RCM. It represents all students and works closely with Student Services to ensure the wellbeing of students.

Our graduates all around the world tell us how fondly they remember their time at the RCM. We believe that you won’t find a more welcoming and inspiring place to study anywhere in the world.

Many RCM students receive financial support during their studies through scholarships and awards, thanks to the generosity of charitable trusts, companies, businesses, individual members of the public and legacies. Citizens of the United States of America may also be eligible for funding through US Stafford Federal Loans or Marshall Scholarships.

Our location

The Royal College of Music sits in the heart of South Kensington, which is widely considered one of London’s most attractive and desirable places to live and work. South Kensington's range of activities and diverse mix of people has allowed it to thrive as one of London's most exciting quarters. A wide selection of pubs, cafés, restaurants and shops are all available nearby, as are essential services such as banks and post offices.

London is one of the most international cities on earth, with communities from every corner of the world. Studying at the Royal College of Music in one of the world’s leading cultural capitals will offer you amazing opportunities.

Our students perform in venues across the city, including concert halls, churches, museums and galleries.

In addition to the major London orchestras which present exciting programmes every year, the finest international musicians, conductors and ensembles regularly perform in beautiful concert halls across the city. London also offers world-class theatre, dance and art, unmissable historical attractions and world-famous museums and art galleries, many of which are free to visit.

Accommodation 

The Royal College of Music’s hall of residence, Prince Consort Village, opened in spring 2016 and provides high-quality accommodation, including studio apartments, en-suite rooms and standard rooms.

Prince Consort Village is fully equipped and specially designed for RCM students, with acoustically treated bedrooms allowing you to practise at home. Services include: 23 dedicated practice rooms available 24/7, a film room, open mic space, high speed Wi-Fi, laundry, reception, gym, bicycle storage and indoor and outdoor communal spaces.

Career support

By coming to the Royal College of Music you become part of a continually unfolding story of success. For more than 135 years our students have gone on to international stardom, so at the RCM you can enjoy treading in the footsteps of the world’s leading composers, conductors, singers and instrumentalists.

At the RCM you can create a course to suit your individual professional aspirations. As you progress, you will be able to shape your degree to suit your preferences.

The Royal College of Music helps you to prepare for a successful career in the profession of your choice, with advice, support and access to a range of job opportunities. At the RCM you can deepen your knowledge, extend your skills and build networks of contacts – all of which will enhance your employability.

How to apply

Contact the Royal College of Music

If you have any questions please feel to contact us. Details for the most relevant departments are listed below, but you can also refer to our main contact page.