Composition
Immersed in the legacy of Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Alexander Goehr, Sally Beamish, Benjamin Wallfisch, Emily Howard, Daniel Kidane, and Grace-Evangeline Mason, our School of Composition is a laboratory of invention.
It’s a place where new things happen, where artistry evolves, and where compositions come alive: on stage, on screen, online, and in the studio.
With a focus on developing your own compositional identity and professional skills, you’ll learn from inspirational professors through intensive one-to-one training, classes in compositional techniques, and regular School-wide seminars. You’ll also have the chance to try out your works in progress via our Composer Lab and enjoy live performances of your pieces by our Brand New Orchestra and other ensembles.
All students also have the chance to undertake specialist training in composition with technology and sound art and can access immersive audio and a reactive acoustic through our worldclass Studio 8. Festivals focusing on the work of living composers and new music provide additional opportunities for student composers to showcase their work, and our relationship with professional industry partners (such as the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Singers, the Hallé, Northern Ballet School, and the Filmmaking and Creative Writing courses at Manchester Metropolitan University) bring real-world experiences and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Principal Study Options
- Composition
Professors
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Larry Goves
Head of School of Composition
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Laura Bowler
Professor of Composition
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Gary Carpenter
Professor of Composition
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Adam Gorb
Professor of Composition
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David Horne
Professor in Composition and Head of Graduate School
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Emily Howard
Professor in Composition and Head of Artistic Research
‘I love seeing our students develop their craft and build the confidence to hear their music come alive. They engage with diverse approaches to composition in a supportive, adventurous School.’
Head of Composition
Courses
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Undergraduate
Bachelor of Music with Honours
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Undergraduate
Graduate Diploma of the RNCM
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Graduate
Master of Music
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Graduate
Master of Performance
Auditions
Auditions are an integral part of the conservatoire application process. They’re a chance for you to excel, share your personality and get to know us a little better too, so it’s important that you’re as prepared as possible.
Requirements
All applicants will be invited to a live audition at the RNCM in November or December 2026. In-person applicants (excluding those opting for an overseas audition) are not required to submit a recording prior to their audition, but must still complete an Acceptd application. Overseas applicants who are unable to travel are invited to apply for an online audition.
To qualify for an online audition, you must select ‘Online’ under ‘Audition Location’ on UCAS Conservatoires and submit an audition recording within your Acceptd application. Your recording will be pre-screened and if you are shortlisted for an online interview, you will be notified via UCAS Conservatoires.
Audition requirements are outlined below, but if you require further information, please email [email protected] or call 0161 907 5465/210.
Stage 1: Initial Requirements and Shortlisting
Undergraduate and postgraduate applicants are required to submit a portfolio of three works via Acceptd by Thursday 2 October. Your portfolio should include at least one notated score (where possible with a recording). Electronic music, music without scores, multidisciplinary work, and music with non-traditional or alternative scores are welcome. Scores should be submitted in an easy to open universal format (e.g. PDF) and recordings should be uploaded (e.g. MP3/MP4) or shared as audio/video links. Each score should be sent as a single document (please do not send each page of your score separately).
These are then assessed by a shortlisting panel.
Stage 2: Interview and Score Analysis
If you are successfully shortlisted at Stage 1, you’ll be invited to undertake an in person with the Head of School and one of our Composition Tutors. Here you’ll be asked to talk about your background, work and study aims, as well as to discuss your portfolio. You will also be given a booklet with several short extracts from late 20th and 21st century compositions to consider, select from, and discuss. You will be given 30 minutes before the interview to look at these extracts.
Overseas applicants who are unable to travel may attend their interview online via Zoom. If your interview is online, you will receive the extracts via email 30 minutes before your interview start time.
Undergraduate Online Test
BMus applicants are also required to complete an online test as part of their audition. This is because academic studies are a key component of your degree and we want to ensure that you’re in a position to thrive from the outset. The multiple choice test isn’t pass or fail, but the results do tell us about your knowledge of music theory, general musicianship and contextual awareness. If you have any queries, please email [email protected] or call 0161 907 5465/210.
Opportunities
In Focus
Each year, our In Focus series invites trailblazing composers to the RNCM. Behind the scenes, they work closely with our staff and students, culminating in a compelling day of performances. Recent guests include David Fennessy, Roxanne Panufnik, and Laurence Crane.
Lab Week
Our annual Lab Week encourages students from all disciplines to push the boundaries of traditional music practice and develop their creativity in a ‘safe to fail’ environment.
Manchester Contemporary Orchestra
No longer confined to traditional orchestral formats, today’s composers explore diverse ensembles, electronics, and expanded instrumentation. Manchester Contemporary Orchestra reflects this evolution, giving students a platform to experiment with large-scale forces in innovative ways.
Alumni
We’re always proud to celebrate the successes of our alumni, whether from the RNCM or our two founding institutions, the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Northern School of Music.
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Sir Harrison Birtwistle
Composition
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Emily Howard
Composition | 2004
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Sir Peter Maxwell Davies
Composition | 1956
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Grace Evangeline Mason
Composition | 2018
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Gavin Higgins
Composition | 2005
Alumni Spotlight
Anna Appleby | 2024
‘The RNCM’s fresh and innovative approach was the reason I moved to Manchester. My teachers on the MMus course guided me with so much insight and inspiration, creating a warm community in which to grow. The College also provided a great site for artistic experimentation and creative risk-taking – the best way to learn! I went on to work with companies such as Rambert, Glyndebourne, Dutch National Ballet, and many more, but it’s not surprising that I returned to the RNCM a few years later to do a PhD; it felt like coming back home.’
Anna Appleby is an RNCM Professor of Composition, opera composer, pop musician, and recent PRiSM Doctoral Researcher with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Videos
News
Application FAQs
How do I apply?
UCAS Conservatoires applications open on 9 July and close on 1 October. Once you have submitted your UCAS application, you should submit an Acceptd portfolio that meets the audition requirements for your instrument.
How much does it cost to apply and audition?
The UCAS application fee for 2027 entry is £34.50. The RNCM audition fee for Single Principal Study is £80 and £120 for Joint Principal Study.
Audition fee waivers are available for UK applicants who meet any of the following criteria:
- Applicants in receipt of UK government benefits
- Applicants with a combined household income of £35,000 or below
- Applicants who are eligible for free school meals (FSM)
- Applicants who are care leavers
Please contact [email protected] if you think you are eligible for a fee waiver.
Do I have to come to the RNCM for my live audition and interview?
All UK-based applicants are encouraged to attend their audition live at the RNCM in Manchester. Overseas applicants and those unable to travel are welcome to apply for an online audition and interview, which will take place in our main auditions period alongside in-person auditions.
When will I receive a decision from the RNCM?
If you apply on time and audition within our main auditions period, you will be notified of the outcome of your application by Thursday 24 December.
For late applicants, we aim to process all application decisions within 2 weeks of each audition.