Primary instrument/specialism
- Voice (Alto)
- Voice (Bass-Baritone)
- Voice (Contralto)
- Voice (Counter-Tenor)
- Voice (Mezzo-Soprano)
- Voice (Soprano)
Course summary
The Artist Diploma in Opera is designed for students with the potential to become professional operatic singers. The programme is rich in individual and class provision as well as performance opportunities. Students develop not just their vocal technique, but also their acting skills and the number of roles in their repertoire. Most teaching on the Artist Diploma in Opera takes place within the RCM International Opera School. Practical experience is gained through performance of operatic scenes and the opportunity to participate in productions. We present three fully-staged operas a year, which are attended by international press and agents. Members of the RCM International Opera School also have the opportunity to participate in workshops with significant members of the opera world. The Royal College of Music's Artist Diploma (ArtDip) 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. All our Artist Diplomas focus on one-to-one provision and practical project work, tailored to your particular career aspirations. This course is normally offered over 2 years, but may be completed in 1 year according to the artistic development of the student. Applicants interested in the 1 year version of the course should discuss this with the panel at audition.
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.
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:
- 851F
- 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. The application process is the same for students of all nationalities.
Entry requirements
A Masters degree, postgraduate diploma or equivalent professional experience.
Additional entry requirements
Audition
Audition requirements are available at http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/auditions/
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | Score 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 Academic | 59 | Score 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 Advanced | Level B2 | Overall score of 160-179 and no less than 160 in any component. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Trinity ISE II certificate. Must include a pass in all components. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 72 | Overall 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:
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 |
|---|---|---|
| London | £115 | £115 |
| Recorded Audition | £115 | £115 |
| Australia (Melbourne) vocal applicants only | £115 | £115 |
| USA (New York City) | £115 | £115 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| London | Not available at this location | |
| Recorded Audition | Not available at this location | |
| Australia (Melbourne) vocal applicants only | Not available at this location | |
| USA (New York City) | No fee charged | |
Additional information
Auditions for the Artist Diploma in Opera are held in London, New York and by video audition. We understand that auditions are a significant milestone on every applicant’s journey towards a career as a conservatoire musician. Please see http://www.rcm.ac.uk/vocal/auditionrequirements/ for details of what to prepare. Vocal auditions during our main London audition period are conducted over two rounds. If you are put through to the second round, your second audition will be later the same day.
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 2025-26 academic year. More information can be found at www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/feesandfunding/
Sponsorship information
The RCM is able to support many students with scholarships thanks to the generosity of charitable trusts, companies, businesses, individual members of the public and legacies. Any student who auditions for a place at the RCM will automatically be considered for a scholarship or study award, whether you have applied by video or attended an audition or interview in person. There is no separate application process. Scholarships are awarded on merit based on performance at audition.
Provider information
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
Kensington and Chelsea
London
SW7 2BS