Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced Studies

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.

An RNCM student laughs while holding a bassoon in a studio.

Programme Overview

Duration: 1 year full-time
FHEQ Level: 7
UCAS Conservatoires code:
Performance: 601F
Composition: 620F
Applications open: 12 July 2023
Deadline for on-time applications: 2 October 2023

The PGDip: Advanced Studies in Performance/Composition consists of 120 credits, and comprises the following 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 College 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.

Click here for fees.

Entrance 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).

Programme Details

Routes Available

Performance focuses on training in advanced-level techniques, styles and practices of musical performance or conducting, and the development of critical and reflective approaches to relevant repertoire.

Composition builds on skills such as composition craft, technique, and creative conception, and explores areas including interpretative and reflective skills, approaches to different repertoire, and enhanced presentation and communication.

Principal Study

Composition
Conducting
Piano
Harpsichord
Accompaniment
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Harp
Guitar
Singing
Répétiteur Studies
Flute
Piccolo
Oboe
Cor Anglais
Clarinet
Eb Clarinet
Bassoon
Contra Bassoon
Saxophone
Recorder
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba
Cornet
Tenor Horn
Euphonium/Baritone Horn
Percussion/Timpani

Advanced Performance/Composition tuition (60 credits)

Delivered through intensive one-to-one sessions, masterclasses, group classes, lectures and workshops. Applicants external to the RNCM may elect to be assessed through a flexible diet of possible performance/composition assessment formats that allow major College-led performances (e.g. major operatic roles, or concerto performances, subject to approval) to count towards your final degree.

Two elective modules (60 credits)

Students can choose from:

Accompanying
Arrangement
Aural Analysis and Critique
Composition Elective
Conducting Elective
Contemporary Songwriting
Dissertation (research module choice)
Dalcroze in Context (research module choice)
Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Dynamic Rehearsal
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)

Click here for module descriptions.