Music - Joint Principal Study (BMus Hons) at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - UCAS

Course options

Course summary

The Joint Principal Study pathway is a 4 year programme aimed at performers of outstanding potential and who are equally accomplished in two Principal Study disciplines (e.g. Flute and Composition, or Trumpet and Piano, etc.) and who wish to maintain this intense level of dedication in their musical studies. The degree prepares you for either specialist postgraduate study or for employment as performers, teachers or other 'portfolio careers' in the music profession. Along with your Principal Study, the core units are key practical studies (performance classes, workshops and masterclasses, orchestral and ensemble work), practical and contextual studies (teaching and community placements) and applied Academic Studies. Choosing to study music in Glasgow means you will be part of the UK’s largest music economy, outside of London. Glasgow is home to the national companies including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Opera, Royal National Scottish Orchestra and Scottish Ensemble. We have partnerships with all of these organisations and our students benefit from playing opportunities, internships and masterclasses with our professional neighbours. Please note, the international deadline for this programme is the 1st December 2023, but we would encourage applicants to apply by the 2nd October 2023 to be guaranteed consideration for first round of scholarship

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:

Single specialism

Only one instrument is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument formatively, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.

Alternative single specialism

You may audition for two instruments, with the intention of studying one instrument as a single specialism. The outcome of the audition will determine which instrument is taken as the main specialism.

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

  • Accordion (classical)
  • Bassoon
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Composition
  • Cornet

Secondary instrument/specialisms

  • Accordion (classical)
  • Bassoon
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Composition
  • Cornet

Modules

More information about what the course entails can be found on our website, please visit your instruments specific pages: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/undergraduate-courses/music/


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:
301F
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

Qualification requirements

A strong indication of potential is sought at the entrance audition for this programme. Successful applicants will normally be of a standard at least equivalent to Grade 8 with Distinction of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in their Principal Study. You can apply and audition without having obtained Grade 8 with distinction, however as an indication only, applicants are normally expected to have reached this standard in their performance.

Additional entry requirements

Audition

Please refer to our Guide for Applicants for what to prepare for audition - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/studyhere/how-to-apply/music/


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 in each component (with no component below 5.5) is required.

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£100£100
RCS£100£100
Singapore£100£100

Joint principal specialism assessment

LocationOn-time FeeLate Fee
RecordingNo fee charged
RCSNo fee charged
SingaporeNo fee charged

Additional information

We will continue to offer a recording option to international applicants and those who are unable to attend in-person due to exceptional circumstances. For the best audition experience, we would encourage all UK applicants (and where possible international applicants) to attend in person. For more information on what to prepare for audition, please see our website - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/courses/bmus-with-honours/.


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
65%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9250* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250* Year 1
England £9250* Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250* Year 1
Wales £9250* Year 1
Scotland £1820* Year 1
EU £27968* Year 1
International £27968* Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Additional fee information

For more information on fees and funding, please see our website - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/apply/finance/feesandfunding

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/apply/finance/scholarships/.

Music - Joint Principal Study (BMus Hons) at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - UCAS