Primary instrument/specialism
- Composition
Course summary
The RNCM’s Master of Music (MMus) meets the needs of the music professional and is ideal for those who have a strong vision of where their future is heading. Helping you to shape your desired career through a personalised approach to study, you’ll refine your creative and technical skills through one-to-one Principal Study training, specialist classes and masterclasses, lectures and seminars, and a range of performance opportunities. You’ll also gain valuable real-world experience through an external professional placement, and benefit from performance, audition and networking opportunities with our professional industry partners.
Course details
Principal study options
During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:
Main specialism
Only one specialism is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.
Joint main specialism
You would like to study two specialisms, both studied equally.
Instrument/specialisms
For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.
Secondary instrument/specialisms
- Bassoon
- Bassoon (Contra)
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Clarinet (E flat)
- Cor anglais
Modules
Principal Study (Composition, Conducting, Performance or Popular Music) forms the major component of the MMus. Students also have the opportunity to pursue studies in a related specialism preparing them for research degree-level study, specifically Artistic (practice-based) Research, Musicology, Music Education, and Music Psychology. The core structure includes:
- Performance/composition activity complemented by access to a mentor and tutors who will support you in your choice of modules and discuss with you your career aspirations
- Two elective modules drawn from a wide range of activities, enabling you to develop a portfolio of practical, vocational and research-based areas of activity relevant to your own professional development
- Performance/composition activity, which can be assessed either through traditional recital or composition portfolios or through a flexible diet of possible performance/composition assessment formats (e.g. major operatic roles or concerto performances, subject to approval) to count towards your final degree
- Repertoire Research through which you will undertake and present research into your chosen performance repertory or compositional activity delivered through seminars and one-to-one tutorials
Assessment method
Summative Assessment is undertaken through live examinations and submitted coursework. In all cases assessments are undertaken or submitted at the end of the module. Examinations and coursework submissions normally occur once in a module. The balance of assessment through either mode depends on the optional modules you choose. Principal Study in Conducting, Performance and Popular Music is normally assessed through examination, and Composition is assessed through coursework (final portfolio) with a viva voce.
How to apply
*If you are an international applicant, or you are applying for a postgraduate course, or are choosing certain assessment locations, the 'on time' deadline may be later in the year - please contact the conservatoire directly.
02Oct
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 823F
- Institution code:
- R57
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Over 900 students from more than 60 countries currently call the RNCM their home, and our vibrant community is continually enriched by the international students we welcome each year. If you are hoping to join us from overseas and your first language is not English, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For the MMus, an IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI), is required. For further information, visit rncm.ac.uk/international
Entry requirements
- All applicants hold a good honours degree or equivalent (normally in Music: FHEQ Level 6). - All applicants must be able to satisfy the RNCM that they have already achieved an advanced standard in their main discipline area and have the potential to develop further towards a professional level of attainment. - Applicants whose first language is not English must obtain an IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI). Some options within this course my require IELTS 6.5 or 7.0.
Additional entry requirements
Audition
All applicants must pass an RNCM audition. All applicants must pass an RNCM audition. For Composition, applicants must submit a portfolio of three works as part of their main application which will be reviewed by a shortlisting panel. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake an interview and score analysis exercise during our main audition period.
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
Portfolio
Other
All applicants are required to submit an academic transcript of undergraduate studies achieved to date and an example of prior written work demonstrating academic referencing in electronic format (e.g. Word document or PDF).
Assessment locations
In the event of a successful assessment, applicants may be invited for a further interview prior to being made an offer.
Remote assessment recordings may be accepted in the event that you cannot attend an assessment in person.
Single specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online | £80 | £80 |
| RNCM, Manchester | £80 | £80 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online | £120 | £120 |
| RNCM, Manchester | £120 | £120 |
Additional information
Please note that to be selected for audition, all applicants should submit a composition portfolio via getacceptd.com/rncm alongside their UCAS Conservatoires application. Information on requirements for the composition portfolio can be found at rncm.ac.uk/your audition.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The RNCM charges tuition fees to all students for each year of study. To determine the status of undergraduate students for fee purposes, we follow regulations issued by the UK Government. If you don’t qualify for Home status, you’ll be enrolled as an International student.
Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for course fees and information about scholarships and bursaries.
Sponsorship information
Scholarships are offered to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential at audition. There’s no separate application process for these as everyone is automatically considered. Scholarship Awards are for the first year of study only (unless specifically stated otherwise). A limited number of Bursaries are also available for International and postgraduate students, allocated on the basis of need and merit. If you’re successful in gaining a Bursary, this will be deducted from your tuition fees, leaving you with a net balance to pay. Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for information about scholarships and bursaries.
Provider information
Royal Northern College of Music
124 Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9RD