Learning and Development

The Royal College of Music is a vibrant place for learning with an array of practical and intellectual resources to support your studies. Our students are part of a strong musical community who learn from a wide range of world-leading experts, visiting professors and RCM staff, as well as from their peers. 

The RCM’s approach puts individuals at the centre of the learning experience. We select the most suitable performance opportunities and projects for students based on their needs. Our programmes are flexible allowing students to tailor their learning to their strengths, interests and professional aspirations. Learning takes place in the form of one-to-one tuition, faculty classes, rehearsals, performances, seminars, tutorials, supervision, practical workshops and online learning.

Undergraduate students

Students on our BMus(Hons) programme will benefit from high level training in their principal study as well as gaining knowledge of music past and present, and music in context. Performers will enjoy opportunities to participate in solo, chamber and ensemble performance, while composers will have the opportunity to compose for a range of contexts and hear their work performed. Students in years one and two take a range of core modules in historical, technical, practical, and vocational subjects alongside one-to-one lessons on their principal study. Years three and four are more flexible and students can choose to study from a range of modules to support their principal study.

Find out more about the BMus course

Postgraduate students

The RCM offers a range of taught courses for those wanting to continue their musical training. Our main Masters programme for performers and composers is designed to fulfill your potential as a musician and can lead to one of three qualifications: MPerf, MComp or MMus.

The MSc in Performance Science is designed for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of how music is performed, taught, created and perceived. Our MEd is an advanced course for those working in educational settings and aims to build on students’ professional experiences and vocational skills.

Artistic Diplomas are the highest level of taught postgraduate study offered by the RCM. They are designed for musicians who want to work intensively on their artistic development, past Masters level.

Find out more about postgraduate courses at the RCM

Doctoral programmes

Two doctoral programmes are offered by the RCM, the DMus and PhD. The DMus focusses on practical work in performance or composition, supported by a written commentary. The PhD has an emphasis on written work which may be supported by a practical element. It is possible for candidates to move between the programmes in order to best reflect their individual research project.

Find out more about research degrees

Equality, diversity and inclusion at the RCM

The RCM is a nurturing and supportive learning environment which places individual students and their needs at the centre of their studies. We provide an inclusive curriculum where all students, irrespective of background or circumstances, can realise their potential and achieve success at every stage of their studies.

We believe that diversity enhances our College culture academically, intellectually, socially and artistically. To that end, our programmes at all levels seek to reflect music in a wider societal context, underlining the vital role all RCM students and staff can play in improving representation in classical music.

The College promotes the study and performance of music by underrepresented composers, and we are taking proactive steps to ensure that our roster of visiting artists and professors better reflects the diversity of our wider society.

Enquiries

For all general enquiries about study at the RCM, including those relating to applications and the audition processes, please contact our Admissions team. The International team will be able to help with any questions relating to studying at the RCM as an international student.