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. 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
Module options include: Performance/composition activity, Repertoire Research, Aural Analysis and Critique, Musicianship, Pedagogy and more. Visit rncm.ac.uk/rncm-graduate-school-summary-of-available-modules/ for a full list of module options.
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: Live performance or composition portfolio assessment, written assessment, reflective portfolio, presentation, vlog or blog, arrangements, theory tests, aural and improvisation assessment.
How to apply
This course is closed for the 2024 academic cycle. Please contact the provider or view the 2025 courses.
*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
PGDip applicants 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). Visit rncm.ac.uk/study-here/international-students/ for more information about our international requirements.
Entry requirements
PGDip applicants 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).
Additional entry requirements
Audition
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
Portfolio
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 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
| Location | On-time Fee | Late 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
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 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.
Provider information
Royal Northern College of Music
124 Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9RD