Strings in an RCM orchestral rehearsal

Study at the Royal College of Music

The Royal College of Music is one of the world's greatest conservatoires, training gifted musicians from all over the world for international careers as performers, conductors and composers. We are 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.

We welcome and support students from all over the world. Our international reputation is matched by our commitment to students who benefit from world-class facilities, amazing performance opportunities and exceptional professors. You can see our facilities for yourself at our annual Open Day, where you can also meet staff and current students.

A male violin professor, holding a violin, teaching a male student, holding a violin, with a female student sitting by a piano.

Faculties with exceptional professors

Our dedicated professors come from across the world, including respected international musicians

A female student, with a blonde wig on and a blue bow, is putting on make-up, getting ready with other students for an opera performance.

Outstanding performance opportunities

Our students perform across the world and the RCM hosts more than 500 events every academic year

The front of the Royal College of Music building, with a group of students sitting on the steps going down to the college.

Our inspiring location

London is a dynamic city full of opportunity and South Kensington is a thriving cultural quarter

A women, with long dark hair, holding a Union Jack bag, taking a photo of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

International community

We currently have musicians from more than 50 different countries studying here

RCM student at an art and music event at the Royal Academy of Art

Outstanding opportunities

We provide advice, support and access to a range of job opportunities through our Creative Careers Centre, which offers the chance to earn money, make industry contacts and perform at prestigious events. For orchestral musicians we offer sit-in schemes with some of the major London orchestras. Our learning and participation programme, RCM Sparks, offers the opportunity to gain workshop leadership experience, building skills much prized by the music industry.

Find out more

RCM student at an art and music event at the Royal Academy of Art

'All my teachers have had a huge impact on my learning, the knowledge and passion that they share is inspiring but also the support and guidance is something I’m extremely grateful for.' 

Heledd Gwynant, RCM graduate

A silhouette of a black student, playing a violin, with people watching them perform.

Excellent facilities & digital innovation

We constantly invest in our physical and digital facilities to provide the best support for students

An Asian female conductor, teaching a male student, who is playing the violin.

Bespoke study options

We devise and award our own degrees, allowing you to craft a course to meet your aspirations

'Studying at the RCM has provided me with invaluable teaching from incredible professional players and extensive performing opportunities.'

Judith Richmond, Bachelor of Music

A group of students, sitting around a dark-wooden table, surrounded with books, looking at a laptop and reading a manuscript.

World-leading research

The work of our researchers, ranked top for London conservatoires, drives our teaching and support

An Asian female student playing the marimba, in a well lit room.

Applying to the RCM

Find out how to apply for the Royal College of Music, where you can audition and how to prepare

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