Primary instrument/specialism
- Performance Science
Course summary
The Master of Science (MSc) in Performance Science is an internationally distinctive programme, providing opportunities to examine the art and science of performance in real-world educational and professional contexts. The programme encourages students to engage with key facets of peak performance, musicians’ health and wellbeing, musical development, and effective learning and teaching. Drawing on the expertise and facilities of the Centre for Performance Science, as well as the lively performance environment of the RCM and of London, the MSc in Performance Science will benefit anyone who is motivated to gain a scientific understanding of how music is created, learned, performed and perceived, including performers and teachers aiming to progress their current careers through continuing professional development. Equally, it serves as an ideal base for those wishing to pursue doctoral research and/or teaching in performance science, music psychology or musicians’ health, or in any area in which knowledge of scientific methods and techniques would be an advantage. The programme is taught through a series of seminars and tutorials organised around core study modules.
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.
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
Performance Psychology, Performance Education, Performers' Health and Wellbeing, Performing Arts in Health and Wellbeing, Performing Research I: Methods Performing Research, II: Project and Dissertation
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.
29Jan
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.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
The Royal College of Music has a long tradition of welcoming international students from all over the world. Our broad community of staff and students makes the RCM an exciting and diverse hub of musical activity. Almost half of our students are from outside the UK, studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The application process is the same for students of all nationalities.
Entry requirements
Candidates normally require an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 class or above (or equivalent international qualification) in music, another performing art, or a subject related to performance science, such as education, psychology, sociology, or biology. As part of the application process, candidates will be requested to submit a short writing sample following their interview. This can be any example of your academic writing, such as an essay you may have completed within a previous degree, and does not need to be directly related to performance science.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 5.5 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid. |
| PTE Academic | 76 | Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 59 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Trinity ISE III certificate. Must include a pass in all components. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall score of 180-200, with no less than 160 in any component. For tests sat before January 2015 we require an overall pass at Grade B OR Grade C and at least ‘borderline’ in all four components. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 95 | Overall score of 95, with minimum component scores of: Reading -24, Listening -22, Speaking -25, Writing -24 |
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UK Home Office) do not need to sit an English test if you can provide a valid passport from an English speaking country. Some other exceptions apply; please see the RCM website for further details.
The RCM's English Language Requirements are available at this link:
http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/#d.en.22587
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 Interview | £50 | £50 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online Interview | Not available at this location | |
Additional information
Following initial assessment of the application, shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview. These interviews will be online.
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
Our tuition fees are still to be confirmed for the 2025-26 academic year. More information can be found at www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/feesandfunding/
Sponsorship information
UK nationals who are ordinarily resident in England may be eligible to apply for a Masters Loan. Many EU students will also be eligible. See https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan for details. Education provision is a devolved matter for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where alternative arrangements apply.
Provider information
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
Kensington and Chelsea
London
SW7 2BS