Primary instrument/specialism
- Composition
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 with us. 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.
Secondary instrument/specialisms
- Bassoon
- Bassoon (Contra)
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Clarinet (Bass)
- Clarinet (E flat)
Modules
The PGDip comprises two strands: Advanced Performance/Composition tuition and two elective modules. All PGDip students receive regular tuition from the RNCM’s team of internationally-acclaimed staff, a wealth of performance opportunities both at the RNCM and externally, support of an appointed mentor who will advise you through your selection of options and in preparation for your final performance/portfolio, and vocational and academic elective modules options that complement specialist tuition and performance activities. Elective modules include: accompanying; arrangement accompanying; arrangement; aural analysis and critique composition; conducting; contemporary songwriting; dissertation (research module choie); Dalcroze eurhythmics and dynamic rehearsal; Dalcroze in context (research module choice); electronic experimental ensemble; the freelance musician; musicianship for instrumentalists; musicianship for vocalists: consort singing; practical pedagogy; professional audition; professional placement; research lecture recital (research module choice); research methods: artistic research, musicology, music education or music psychology (research module choice); repertoire project (research module choice); small ensemble performance (chamber music; historical performance; jazz; popular music).
Assessment method
Summative assessment is undertaken through live examinations and submitted coursework. In all cases assessments are undertaken or submitted at the end of the module. Examinations and coursework submissions normally occur once in a module. The balance of assessment through either mode depends on the optional modules you choose. Composition is assessed through coursework (final portfolio) with a 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.
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:
- 620F
- 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
Over 900 students from more than 60 countries currently call the RNCM their home, and our vibrant community is continually enriched by the international students we welcome each year. If you are hoping to join us from overseas and your first language is not English, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For the PGDip, an IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI), is required. For further information, visit rncm.ac.uk/international
Entry requirements
- All applicants must hold and MMus of equivalent. - Applicants whose first language is not English must obtain an IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI).
Additional entry requirements
Audition
All applicants must pass an RNCM audition.
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
Portfolio
English language requirements
If you are hoping to join us from overseas and your first language is not English, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For the PGDip, an IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI), 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Online | £80 | £80 |
| RNCM, Manchester | £80 | £80 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online | £120 | £120 |
| RNCM, Manchester | £120 | £120 |
Additional information
All applicants for this course should submit a composition portfolio via app.getacceptd.com/rncm alongside their UCAS Conservatoires application. Information on requirements for the composition portfolio can be found at rncm.ac.uk/youraudition.
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
The RNCM charges tuition fees to all students for each year of study. To determine the status of 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.
Provider information
Royal Northern College of Music
124 Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9RD