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Artist Diploma in Composition at Royal College of Music - UCAS

Royal College of Music

Degree level: Postgraduate
UCAS Conservatoires

Artist Diploma in Composition (Taught)

Course summary

The Artist Diploma in Composition is designed for students wishing to work intensively on the technique and practice of Composition or Composition for Screen, as a prelude to professional activity as a composer. It provides time for concentrated study with a principal study composition teacher, or teachers, and enables sustained focus on one or more specific projects leading to final examination in the form of a portfolio submission of work. Composers are offered a wholly exceptional performance environment in which they have the opportunity to hear their compositions played by resident and visiting musicians, RCM orchestras, ensembles and fellow students of the highest technical and musical ability. The Royal College of Music's Artist Diploma Programmes represent the highest level of taught postgraduate study. They are aimed at musicians who want to hone their skills by working intensively on particular 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. This course is normally offered over 1 year, but may be studied over 2 years according to the artistic development of the student. Applicants interested in the 2 year version of the course should discuss this with the panel if invited for interview.

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.

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.

Primary instrument/specialism

  • Composition
  • Composition for Screen

Modules

The Artist Diploma in Composition provides time for concentrated study with a Principal Study composition teacher, or teachers, and enables sustained focus on one or more specific projects.

Assessment method

The final examination is in the form of submission of a final portfolio of composition work.


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.

Application codes

Course code:
606F
Institution code:
R56
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

The Royal College of Music has a long tradition of welcoming international students from all over the world. Our broad community of staff and students makes the RCM an exciting and diverse hub of musical activity. Almost half of our students are from outside the UK, studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Candidates who are unable to attend an interview in London can choose to have a video interview instead - please select this option in your application. We are unable to offer composition interviews at our international audition venues.

Entry requirements

A Masters degree, postgraduate diploma or equivalent experience.

Additional entry requirements

Portfolio

Portfolios must be submitted by the application deadline. Details of how to submit your portfolio are available at http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/auditions/


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)5.5Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 5.5 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid.
PTE Academic59Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 59 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid.
Cambridge English AdvancedLevel B2Overall score of 160-179 and no less than 160 in any component.
Trinity ISEPassTrinity ISE II certificate. Must include a pass in all components.
TOEFL (iBT)72Overall score of 72, with minimum component scores of: Reading -18, Listening -17, Speaking -20, Writing -17

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UK Home Office) do not need to sit an English test if you can provide a valid passport from an English speaking country. Some other exceptions apply - please consult our website for details.

The RCM's English Language Requirements are available in full at this link:

http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/


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

LocationOn-time FeeLate Fee
London£115£115
Online Interview£115£115

Joint principal specialism assessment

LocationOn-time FeeLate Fee
LondonNot available at this location
Online InterviewNot available at this location

Additional information

Composition applications are assessed through a two stage process. Composers audition by submitting a portfolio of work to the RCM for consideration. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. Composition for Screen candidates will also be sent a short practical task to complete prior to interview. Please see www.rcm.ac.uk/composition/auditionrequirements/ for further details of how to submit your portfolio.


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

Our tuition fees are still to be confirmed for the 2025-2026 academic year. More information can be found at www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/feesandfunding/

Sponsorship information

All composers shortlisted for an interview, both in person and by video, will automatically be considered for a scholarship or study award. There is no separate application process. Scholarships are awarded on merit based on the strength of the portfolio and interview.

Artist Diploma in Composition at Royal College of Music - UCAS