Primary instrument/specialism
- Clarinet (Jazz)
- Double Bass (Jazz)
- Drumkit (Jazz)
- Electric bass (jazz)
- Flute (Jazz)
- Guitar (Jazz)
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. International students on Student visas are not permitted to undertake any of the part-time routes. 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.
Modules
Please see our website for more information about this course.
Assessment method
Please see our website for more information about this course.
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.
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 are normally expected to hold a Masters Degree. Suitability for the programme will be assessed through the audition process.
Additional entry requirements
Audition
All applicants are required to complete an audition, the format of which will vary depending on your submission type. For in-person auditions, you are required to prepare the set work, and one contrasting work, details of which can be found on our website. A band will be provided for you if you are auditioning in-person. Auditions usually last around 20 - 30mins
Interview
For in-person auditions, an interview will be included in your performance time. For recorded submissions, it is at the departments discretion, as to whether they meet you live online or not.
Other
Some instruments may have to showcase some additional skills (e.g. drummers may need to showcase some rudiments), this will be at the discretion of the department at the point of audition.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | 6.0 with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | Overall score of 80, with minimum scores of: Reading – 18, Listening – 17, Speaking – 20, Writing – 17 |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall 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
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recording | £65 | £65 |
| RCS | £65 | £65 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recording | Not available at this location | |
| RCS | Not 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 | £6435* | Year 1 |
| England | £6435* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6435* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6435* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6435* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £6435* | Year 1 |
| EU | £13734* | Year 1 |
| International | £13734* | 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/
Provider information
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
100 Renfrew Street
Glasgow
G2 3DB