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Jazz (MMus) at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - UCAS

Course options

Course summary

The MMus Jazz programme is a specialist pathway designed for students interested in furthering their development in jazz at the postgraduate level. Led by internationally renowned jazz saxophonist and composer Tommy Smith OBE, these programmes offer bespoke tuition from Scotland’s best jazz performers and educators. This programme accommodates performers, writers, and arrangers. The tailored course fits individual needs and requirements, allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest and specialisms. Regular one-to-one lessons centred on a principal study instrument support students in maximising their skills and potential. Additional one-to-one lessons are available for those interested in developing a second instrument. Concert series and masterclasses also give students excellent exposure and regular opportunities to perform with tutors, guest performers, and jazz orchestras. The strong connections between RCS and external professional organisations prepare our students to contribute to vibrant jazz scenes across Scotland and beyond. Participating in the greater jazz community widens our students’ prospects, supporting their transitions into the professional jazz scene. Please note, the international deadline for this programme is the 2nd December 2024, but we would encourage applicants to apply by the 2nd October 2024 to be guaranteed consideration for the first round of scholarship. Curriculum Review We are currently in the review cycle for our postgraduate music programmes starting in 2025, these courses are currently designated 'subject to validation'. This is standard practice during curriculum review periods. The outcome of this process, may mean there are some changes to how your programme is delivered.

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

  • Clarinet (Jazz)
  • Double Bass (Jazz)
  • Drumkit (Jazz)
  • Electric bass (jazz)
  • Flute (Jazz)
  • Guitar (Jazz)

Modules

More information about what the course entails can be found on our website.

Assessment method

More information about what the course entails can be found on our website.


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:
808F
Institution code:
R58
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Currently around 20% of our students come from outside the UK. Between them, they represent over 60 different nationalities and add a rich diversity to the Conservatoire.

Entry requirements

Candidates for both the MMus and MA are normally expected to hold a good honours (at least 2:2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.

Additional entry requirements

Audition

Details of the repertoire requested for your in-person audition and recorded submission can be found below: 1. OLEO by Sonny Rollins (Rhythm Changes) 2. Original Composition Please refer to our departmental website page for information on what to prepare for audition. This can be found under the 'how to apply' section: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/courses/mmus-ma-jazz/

Interview

You will be required to take part in an interview as part of the audition process. For those auditioning live in-person, this will be part of your audition timeslot. For those who have submitted a recorded audition, if successful to round two, the interview will take place live online. Details will be sent via our admissions team.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)66.0 with no component below 5.5
TOEFL (iBT)80Overall score of 80, with minimum scores of: Reading – 18, Listening – 17, Speaking – 20, Writing – 17
PTE Academic59Overall score of 59 with a minimum of 59 in all components (reading, listening, speaking, writing)

More information about our language requirements can be found at the weblink.

https://www.rcs.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-requirements/


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
Recording£65£65
RCS£65£65

Joint principal specialism assessment

LocationOn-time FeeLate Fee
RecordingNot available at this location
RCSNot available at this location

Additional information

All applicants need to complete an Acceptd account profile, regardless of which location you choose, this is part of the audition process. For the best audition experience, we would encourage all UK applicants (and where possible international applicants) to attend in-person. You can view the audition requirements and what to prepare for this course at the following page on our website: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/courses/mmus-ma-jazz/


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £12870* Year 1
England £12870* Year 1
Northern Ireland £12870* Year 1
Scotland £12870* Year 1
Wales £12870* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £12870* Year 1
EU £27467* Year 1
International £27467* Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

*Please note, fees are subject to change for AY25 entry* Associated programme costs may be required for this programme for any new student at the start of their studies. For more information on please see our website - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/fees/

Sponsorship information

The Royal Conservatoire is able to offer a number of entrance scholarships which are awarded as part of the audition/selection process on the basis of merit and financial need. Please see our website for more information - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/scholarships/

Jazz (MMus) at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - UCAS