Applications for 2026 entry will open in July 2025.
The Artist Diploma (ArtDip) in Composition offers concentrated study in composition, allowing students to work on specific projects under the guidance of expert teachers, leading to a final portfolio submission.
The Artist Diploma (ArtDip) represents the highest level of taught postgraduate study. It is tailored to musicians aiming to hone their skills by working intensively on specific areas of their artistic development. Places on our Artist Diploma programmes are only offered to students who have already demonstrated a high level of ability at Masters level.
The ArtDip in Composition may be studied for up to two years. The duration for individual students will depend on their individual progress and readiness for assessment, but most students will complete the programme within one year.
RCM composers music inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition
No.1
Global No.1 for Performing Arts. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024/2023/2022
Gold
Achieved the highest ranking of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
RCM composers music inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition
Learning & teaching
All our Artist Diplomas focus on one-to-one provision and practical project work, tailored to your particular career aspirations.
Royal College of Music courses are internationally recognised as full degree courses with successful students awarded their qualifications under the RCM's Royal Charter.
One-to-one lessons are at the very heart of every RCM student’s learning experience. The RCM’s impressive list of professors includes renowned instrumental and vocal soloists, distinguished repertoire and operatic coaches, prominent composers and conductors, plus principal players in major London orchestras such as the as the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and Royal Opera House Orchestra. Our world-class professors offer students not only first-rate teaching, but also mentorship and networking opportunities.
All principal studies are delivered through a combination of one-to-one tuition complemented by performance classes, workshops, masterclasses, lessons from visiting professors, ensemble activities, seminars and lecture series as appropriate.
Composition for Screen
We also offer Composition for Screen as a principal study specialism for students looking to hone their skills and develop professional connections in this rewarding and competitive field. Our alumni work across the world, including Hollywood and London, winning BAFTAs, Grammys, Golden Globes, Academy Awards and other accolades for their work in film, television and video games.
Performance is at the heart of RCM life. Our students collaborate with the world's greatest artists and enjoyed unrivalled opportunities in the spotlight.
We continually invest so that all students can experience the cutting edge of sound and music technology.
Preparing for the profession
Our Creative Careers Centre
Our Creative Careers Centre provides an exceptional service to current and recent alumni. The dedicated team partners with leading consultants, reputable arts organisations and local communities, delivering unique career-building opportunities and a direct route to the music industry.
Tailored career support
The Creative Careers Centre allows students to discover their professional identity, gain hands-on experience and new skills, develop an entrepreneurial mind-set and build a fulfilling professional portfolio.
Our valuable guidance includes CV and biography writing, concert programming, communication skills, project management, marketing and publicity, online promotion, financial matters and how to develop a business idea.
Creative Careers Centre services
RCM Accelerate supports graduating RCM students to kick-start or evolve a creative project, social enterprise, or business idea.
Concert opportunities to perform at a variety of venues, including concert halls, churches, abbeys, museums, galleries and community settings.
Creative Careers Centre services
Professional Engagement Service allows organisations and members of the public to hire RCM musicians to perform at events.
RCM Teaching Service matches members of the public in London and across the globe with student-tutors.
All offers for performers are made on the basis of their performance at audition. Candidates require a postgraduate diploma or Masters degree in music, or equivalent experience. 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.
English language requirements
All applicants must be able to demonstrate that their level of English language ability meets the Royal College of Music’s minimum requirements in order for their application to be accepted.
The requirement for this course is to speak English to B2 standard on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, listening). This is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 5.5 in all four components.
If you require a visa to study at the RCM, you must meet the English language requirements before the RCM is permitted to sponsor your visa application.
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.
Applications for 2026 entry open in mid-July. The main application deadline is 2 October 2025. Composition portfolios must also be submitted by this deadline.
Late applications may be considered where places remain. If you miss a deadline contact our Admissions Team to check whether a late application is possible. All applications should be submitted online through the UCAS Conservatoires.
Composers are auditioned primarily on the basis of a portfolio of work submitted to the RCM for consideration. Shortlisted applicants are put through to the second round and invited to participate in an interview, which may be in person in London or online. Interviews for Composition are not available at the RCM's overseas audition venues. Details of how to prepare and submit are portfolio are available in the Composition audition requirements.
RCM courses are reviewed annually in response to student and external examiner feedback, which sometimes results in minor changes, such as the availability of particular modules. A more thorough review is undertaken every five to six years, after which more substantial changes may be made while maintaining the ethos that underpins the course. Our review process is part of the RCM’s continued commitment to provide the best possible education and music training. The information provided here reflects the official course outline as it currently stands. In the event of alterations following a review, we will update this page as soon as possible.
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