RNCM secures new Research Degree Awarding Powers
The RNCM has been authorised by the Office for Students (OfS) to grant Research awards.
On Mon 5 Jan, the RNCM was given Full Degree Awarding Powers (DAPs) up to and including Level 8, as well as the supplementary power to authorise other institutions to grant awards on its behalf.
Since 2009, the College has partnered with Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) to validate its doctoral degrees. The RNCM will now be able to independently award research degrees that recognise the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research and establish further appropriate Level 8 programmes. The College currently has around 40 research students and is planning to grow its Level 8 provision strategically starting with its own research degree programme as well as an Advanced Artist Diploma.
Director of Research, Professor Wiebke Thormählen, said the award affirms the RNCM’s academic standing as a world-leading specialist institution and speaks to the College’s excellence in research-led teaching.
She continues: ‘RNCM’s vibrant research culture is central to the institution’s ethos and learning environment. The authorisation of Full Degree Awarding Powers is a key piece in upholding and continually enhancing the music industry training that we provide for students across all levels of study. It will allow us to review and enhance our progression routes for students so as to enable them to obtain critical Level 8 qualifications that set them up for the competitive global creative industries market. It will enrich our research-led artistic culture and help us to fulfil our long-term strategy of educating flexible, entrepreneurial, and highly employable musicians and creative practitioners.’
The RNCM is now recognised internationally as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition, theoretical and applied musicology, music education, and music psychology. The Order grants the latest Power to Award Degrees until Mon 4 Jan 2030, at which time the College can seek authorisation on an indefinite basis.
6 January 2026
