Entrance Requirements

Before you apply, it’s important that you understand the necessary entrance requirements for your course. 

Our key courses are outlined below, but if you’re unsure of anything please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Bachelor of Music with Honours - 4/3 Years

Entrance requirements (4 years):

  • All applicants must be at least 18 years of age on 31 December in the year of entry.
  • All applicants must have passes at GCE A level (A2) in a minimum of two subjects at grade E or above, normally including music, and passes in three different subjects at GCSE level (grades A*-C/9-4) or acceptable equivalent.
  • UK and Overseas applicants with alternative qualifications should contact our Admissions Team.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must have IELTS 5.5 or equivalent in each and every component (or CEFR B2).
  • All applicants must pass an RNCM audition in the year prior to entry, demonstrating a high standard of performance (or composition ability for composers) and potential, of at least ABRSM Grade 8 standard.

Entrance requirements (Direct Entry into Year 2):

Applicants for the three-year pathway should apply for the standard four-year BMus (Hons) on UCAS Conservatoires.

  • All applicants must be at least 18 years of age on 31 December in the year of entry.
  • All applicants must have passes at GCE A level (or equivalent) in at least three different subjects, normally including music, at grades AAB.
  • UK and Overseas candidates with alternative qualifications should contact our Admissions Team.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must have IELTS 7.0 or equivalent in each and every component (or CEFR C1).
  • All applicants must pass a HE Level 4 diploma in music performance (such as DipABRSM or ATCL). This must be achieved either by 30 April prior to September entry or by means of the annual special DipABRSM examination. This is usually held at the RNCM in April/May with results in June.

Course information

Bachelor of Music with Honours in Popular Music

Entrance requirements:

  • All applicants must be at least 18 years of age on 31 December in the year of entry.
  • All applicants must pass an RNCM audition in the year prior to entry, demonstrating a high standard of performing ability, equivalent to ABRSM, Rockschool or Trinity Grade 8.
  • All applicants must have a level of theoretical ability equivalent to ABRSM Grade 5 theory.
  • All applicants must achieve 2 A levels, Rockschool Level 3 Music Practitioner qualification, or BTEC National Diploma in a music related subject, or international equivalent.
  • All applicants must achieve 4 passes (A*- C) at GCSE including Maths and English.
  • UK and Overseas candidates with alternative and/or equivalent qualifications to the above, should contact our Admissions Team.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must obtain an IELTS score of 5.5 (or CEFR B2) in all components.

Course information

Master of Music

Entrance requirements:

  • All applicants must pass an RNCM audition and hold a good honours degree or equivalent (normally in Music: FHEQ Level 6). Candidates must be able to satisfy the College that they have already achieved an advanced standard in their main discipline area and have the potential to develop further towards a professional level of attainment.
  • 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). Some options within the course may require IELTS 6.5 or 7.0.
  • All applicants are required to submit an academic transcript of undergraduate studies achieved to date and an example of prior written work demonstrating academic referencing in electronic format (e.g. Word document, PDF). The work will be assessed by academic staff members using the following Marking Guidelines for Written Work. Examples of prior written work must:
    • Be in history or analysis of music (if you have not written an essay on music in your undergraduate degree, an example of writing, with referencing, on another topic, will be acceptable.)
    • Written in English
    • Total no more than 1000 words (a section drawn from a larger essay is acceptable)
    • Be original, by the applicant (a plagiarism test will be conducted.)

Course information

Master of Performance

Entrance requirements:

  • All MPerf entrants must pass an RNCM audition and normally hold a good honours degree or equivalent (or be of equivalent professional standing). This qualification need not be in music, but all candidates must be able to satisfy the College that they have already achieved an advanced standard in their main discipline area, and have the potential to develop further towards a professional level of attainment.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must have IELTS 5.5 or equivalent in each and every component (or CEFR B2).

Course information

Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Studies

Entrance requirements:

  • All 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).

Course information

Research Degrees (PhD)

To find out more information about Research Degrees, see our Research Degrees page.