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Advanced Studies in Popular Music (PGDip) at Royal Northern College of Music - UCAS

Course summary

The RNCM’s specialised Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced Studies (PGDip) is ideal for performers and composers who have a Master’s-level qualification and wish to perfect their craft. Designed to enhance your musical experience, the programme offers exceptional Principal Study and group tuition, complemented by a flexible choice of modules that reflect the dynamic and evolving music industry. You’ll also benefit from a range of performance and professional development opportunities to further enhance your creative and technical skills and employability.

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.

Joint main specialism

You would like to study two specialisms, both studied equally.

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

  • Cello
  • Drumkit
  • Flute
  • Guitar (Bass)
  • Guitar (Electric)
  • Harp (Pop)

Secondary instrument/specialisms

  • Cello
  • Drumkit
  • Flute
  • Guitar (Bass)
  • Guitar (Electric)
  • Harp (Pop)

How to apply

This course is not open to application until the 10th July 2025.

*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:
604P
Institution code:
R57
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Entrants must hold an MMus or equivalent. Candidates whose first language is not English must meet the English language requirements for this course. These are IELTS 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI). Some options within the course may require IELTS 6.5 or 7.0. UK applicants may be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check to participate in some professional placement modules within this course. Applicants from countries other than the UK, or UK residents who have spent six months or more in any non-UK country within five years of the course start date must additionally provide a police certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.


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
Online£80£80
RNCM, Manchester£80£80
Beijing£80£80
Singapore£80£80
Shanghai£80£80
Shenzhen£80£80
Hong Kong£80£80
Chengdu£80£80
Xi'an£80£80
USA£80£80
New Zealand£80£80

Joint principal specialism assessment

LocationOn-time FeeLate Fee
Online£120£120
RNCM, Manchester£120£120
Beijing£120£120
Singapore£120£120
Shanghai£120£120
Shenzhen£120£120
Hong Kong£120£120
Chengdu£120£120
Xi'an£120£120
USA£120£120
New Zealand£120£120

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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Advanced Studies in Popular Music (PGDip) at Royal Northern College of Music - UCAS