Course summary

The BMus (Hons) Joint Principal Study (JPS) pathway at the RCS is a specialist four-year pathway that enables students with exceptional potential in two disciplines to pursue these in parallel at degree level. It is strongly practical and vocational in purpose, with most of your study time devoted to activities in the two principal study areas, but this is substantially complemented by a core curriculum in professional skills development, research skills, and development of critical and reflective thinking. The programme’s structure and content are designed to allow you to develop the full range of your creative and technical abilities and to equip you with the professional skills and knowledge that will enable you to pursue your musical interests and aspirations to the highest level. The BMus Programme offers a unique opportunity for you to immerse yourself in a creative and supportive environment dedicated to the study and practice of music in a multidisciplinary setting that includes dance, drama, film and production programmes alongside music. Our aim for our graduates is to prepare you for both postgraduate study and professional employment as performers, teachers, and in other careers as part of the portfolio career common within the contemporary music profession. JPS is a demanding programme and students taking this study additional credits (140 credits per year instead of the usual 120). At the end of each academic year, students on JPS will be asked if wish to continue on that route, or to specialise in one or other of their Principal Studies. To continue on the Joint Principal Study pathway, students must normally achieve a specified mininum grade for each Principal Study module; failure to achieve this level in both Principal Studies will normally result in the student being required to pursue the better Principal Study as a ‘single study’ (i.e. transfer to the Performance/ Composition/ Jazz route). The JPS pathway includes Conducting as a principal study. Applicants will need to demonstrate an existing level of achievement in this area in order to be considered for the Conducting pathway. Conducting cannot be taken as a “single study” pathway if a JPS student later transfers away from the Joint Principal Study pathway. 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 2024, but we would encourage applicants to apply by the 2nd October 2024 to be guaranteed consideration for first round of scholarship If you apply for the JPS pathway, you do not need to apply for the single specialism pathway, unless it is in a subject area out with what you have already selected Overseas Auditions Please note, we will not be able to audition certain instruments at our overseas auditions, please see our website for more information.