Master of Performance in Popular Music (Intensive) at Royal Northern College of Music - UCAS

Course summary

Through a combination of advanced practical and pedagogical training and vocational studies, the RNCM’s specialist Master of Performance (MPerf) programme heightens the skills and techniques needed to ensure you thrive. It’s perfect for graduates who are looking to become professional performers, providing exceptional one-to-one tuition, solo and ensemble performance opportunities, and specialist guidance on self-promotion. The course also offers training in instrumental teaching, the chance to gain real-world experience via an external industry placement, and the opportunity to work with professionals to create and edit your own expertly-produced recording, ensuring your future is as sustainable as it is successful.

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

  • Bassoon
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Cornet
  • Double Bass
  • Drumkit

Secondary instrument/specialisms

  • Bassoon
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Cornet
  • Double Bass
  • Drumkit

Modules

The MPerf comprises five main components: Principal Study, Recording Project, Practical Pedagogy and Research Modules. Visit rncm.ac.uk/master-of-performance/ for more information.

Assessment method

Assessment methods are designed to develop and evaluate various skills in all students. Feedback is provided on all assessments, enabling students to enhance their learning by acting on constructive criticism and appraisals given in the context of all modules, both formatively and in relation to summative, credit-bearing assessments. Assessment methods are diverse, and include the following: recital or performance, dissertation, written project work, self-evaluation, evidence-based portfolio and viva voce.


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:
W330
Institution code:
R57
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Applicants whose first language is not English must have IELTS 5.5 or equivalent in each and every component (or CEFR B2). Visit rncm.ac.uk/study-here/international-students/ for more information about our international requirements.

Entry requirements

MPerf entrants must hold a good honours degree or equivalent (or be of equivalent professional standing). This qualification need not be in music, but all candidates must be able to satisfy the College that they have already achieved an advanced standard in their main discipline area, and have the potential to develop further towards a professional level of attainment.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)


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 Single Principal Study£75£75
RNCM, Manchester Single Principal Study£75£75
RNCM, Manchester Joint Principal Study£110£110
Online Joint Principal Study£110£110
New York£110£110

Joint principal specialism assessment

LocationOn-time FeeLate Fee
Online Single Principal Study£75£75
RNCM, Manchester Single Principal Study£75£75
RNCM, Manchester Joint Principal Study£110£110
Online Joint Principal Study£110£110
New York£110£110

Additional information

Visit rncm.ac.uk/youraudition for full audition requirements.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

The RNCM charges tuition fees to all students for each year of study. To determine the status of undergraduate students for fee purposes, we follow regulations issued by the UK Government. If you don’t qualify for Home status, you’ll be enrolled as an International student. Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for course fees and information about scholarships and bursaries.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships are offered to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential at audition. There’s no separate application process for these as everyone is automatically considered. Scholarship Awards are for the first year of study only (unless specifically stated otherwise). A limited number of Bursaries are also available for International and postgraduate students, allocated on the basis of need and merit. If you’re successful in gaining a Bursary, this will be deducted from your tuition fees, leaving you with a net balance to pay. Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for information about scholarships and bursaries.

Master of Performance in Popular Music (Intensive) at Royal Northern College of Music - UCAS