Primary instrument/specialism
- Conducting
Course summary
The Application deadline for this course is 1 DECEMBER 2023. The MMus degree is intended for students who are seeking an extended and thorough professional grounding at Masters level in their chosen area of specialism. This is a two-year full-time programme, leading to 240 SCQF credits at level 11 (120 ECTS credits). Our conducting programmes provide you with the comprehensive and integrated training required of a professional conductor. You will concentrate on the technique and craft of conducting through diverse practical experience with the Royal Conservatoire orchestras, our opera department, and various classical and contemporary ensembles. Our extensive professional links offer opportunities to work in observation and collaboration with the country’s major orchestras, such as the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, the BBC SSO and the RSNO. In fact, the RSNO generously give the conducting cohort a whole day to experience professional demands – a day that the students unreservedly appreciate. Through individual lessons, in-house opportunities and aural classes you’ll develop perception, listening skills, and self-awareness to become a responsive leader in rehearsal and performance. In addition to the MMus/MA programme, the Royal Conservatoire also offers a highly prestigious two-year Leverhulme Conducting Fellowship, and a Joint Principal Study route for Undergraduate conductors.
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.
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
More information about what the course entails can be found on our website: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/postgraduate/masters-music-mmus/conducting/
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:
- 892F
- 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. Applications are welcomed from international applicants to this programme.
Entry requirements
Candidates for both the MMus and MA are normally expected to hold a good honours (at least 2:2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.
Additional entry requirements
Audition
After making an application through UCAS Conservatoires, Conducting applicants should submit a video recording by 1 October for shortlisting. Recorded auditions can be easily submitted online using Decision Desk. The recording should consist of two contrasting works, preferably including both performance and rehearsal time. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an audition at the Royal Conservatoire. Please refer to our Guide for Applicants for more information - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/studyhere/how-to-apply/music/
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 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
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recording | £65 | £65 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recording | Not available at this location | |
Additional information
Please note, there will be multiple audition rounds for this course, please visit our website for specific information. Final round auditions will only take place in Glasgow. For more information, please see our website - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/postgraduate/masters-music-mmus/conducting/.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £12870* | Year 1 |
| England | £12870* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £12870* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £12870* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £12870* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £12870* | Year 1 |
| EU | £27467* | Year 1 |
| International | £27467* | 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/.
Provider information
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
100 Renfrew Street
Glasgow
G2 3DB