Primary instrument/specialism
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Composition
- Cornet
- Double Bass
Royal Northern College of Music has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
This unique and competitive programme offers those with outstanding musical and academic ability the opportunity to study two degree-level courses simultaneously: the Graduate Diploma of the RNCM (GRNCM) and the Bachelor of Music (MusB) at The University of Manchester. This course is designed for students who are not only busy performers with a wide variety of professional experience, but highly intelligent musical thinkers.
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.
Modules
RNCM: Principal Study, ensemble work, practical and research electives including, for example, chamber music, conducting, teaching, etc.; and Professional Placement. University of Manchester: Performance, Musicology, Tonal Harmony, Musicianship, Music Theory, Music History, and more.
Assessment method
Assessment methods are designed to develop and evaluate various skills in all students. Feedback is provided on all assessments, enabling students to enhance their learning by acting on constructive criticism and appraisals given in the context of all modules, both formatively and in relation to summative, credit-bearing assessments. Assessment methods are diverse and may include the following: Live performance or composition portfolio assessment, written assessment, reflective portfolio, presentation, vlog or blog, arrangements, theory tests, aural and improvisation assessment.
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:
- 399F
- 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. An IELTS score of 7.0 with no component lower than 6.5 is required. For further information, visit rncm.ac.uk/international
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAA
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Additional entry requirements
Audition
All instrumental and vocal applicants must pass an RNCM audition in the year prior to entry, demonstrating a high standard of performance and potential, of at least ABRSM/RGT/Rockschool /Trinity grade 8 standard.
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
All shortlisted applicants must pass a University of Manchester interview in the year prior to entry, demonstrating academic suitability to the course.
Portfolio
All 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. All Popular Music applicants must submit a recorded and produced portfolio of original songs or instrumental pieces. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a production demonstration on your preferred DAW.
Other
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age on 31 December in the year of entry.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must have IELTS 7.0 or equivalent with no component lower than 6.5.
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 | Not available at this location | |
| RNCM, Manchester | Not available at this location | |
Additional information
Visit rncm.ac.uk/youraudition for full audition requirements for all instruments.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
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 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