Graduate Diploma of the RNCM (‘Joint Course’)

180 credits

Forming the foundation of the programme, Principal Study focuses on enabling you to realise your true potential, both technically and creatively, through one-to-one tuition, group classes, masterclasses and many additional creative and performance opportunities.

Whether you’re studying one Principal Study discipline or choosing to divide your tuition between two areas of specialism, you’ll work closely with your tutor(s) to develop a learning pathway that’s right for you. This will include personal goals, areas of strength, areas for development, repertoire planning, study materials, and methodologies tailored to challenge and develop you to the appropriate level.

You’ll also learn how to critically evaluate and perform a broad range of repertoire, inspiring a cultural connection between historic, contemporary and progressive material. And – with an emphasis on peer learning and peer support – you’ll be encouraged to develop your own musical voice through composition and performance, to reflect, analyse and draw on your wide scholarly activities, and engage in constructive critique.

40 credits

Delivered during Years 1 and 2, our Ensembles modules foster creative musical collaborations and are designed to develop initiative, teamwork, and commitment.

Chamber groups are formed in collaboration with the Head and Deputy Heads of Chamber Music (for instrumentalists) and Deputy Head of Opera (for singers), and composers develop their collaborative skills through working with creative artists in art forms such as dance and film.

In addition to regular tuition delivered by a designated tutor and masterclasses with visiting artists, students are expected to rehearse together weekly. All ensembles are given frequent opportunities to perform and, where appropriate, compete in the College’s chamber music prizes.

20 credits 

This optional module is designed to develop your artistry, technique and professionalism in aspects of Principal Study. It will enable you to execute to a high-standard a range of applied performance, composition or pedagogy skills in professional and proto-professional contexts.

Through individual or group activities you’ll demonstrate independence, motivation, self-discipline, resilience, collaboration and time-management. And you’ll build the confidence to perform, compose or teach to the standards demanded by the music and pedagogical professions in various settings.

Please note that Year 3 students must take at least one Principal Study Elective option.

20 credits

During Years 3 and 4 you’ll have the chance to choose practical and performance electives relating to and complementing your Principal Study work. These include conducting, chamber music, jazz improvisation, opera, and historical performance.

Once you’re in your final year, you’ll also have the option to take an additional elective in an area of emerging specialism.

Please note that credits also include options for Vocational Electives (see below).

40 credits

Through a series of lectures, seminars and workshops, you’ll engage with relevant themes for your development as a musician, artist, and global citizen, with a view to supporting a sustainable and rewarding career. You’ll also examine the different situations facing today’s musicians and the role of skills such as creativity within a holistic outlook, encompassing reflection on all areas of your RNCM activity.

Areas to be explored may include: creativity and its social, cultural, and financial values; how to reflect on personal skillsets and imagine future career options; the practicalities of being a professional musician, such as personal budgeting and generating an income; and the role of health and wellbeing in a rewarding professional life. You’ll also develop practical skills useful to a career in music, such as self-recording techniques and the production of audition or social media videos.

20 credits

All GRNCM students undertake a Professional Placement during their third year, with preparation beginning towards the end of Year 2.

Working alongside industry professionals in a range of jobs, possible career choices can be explored through placements with organisations such as the BBC Philharmonic (Learning and Digital Department), Hallé (Youth Orchestra and Choral Management), One Education Music, LIME Music for Health (Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital), Manchester Camerata (Music in Mind), National Children’s Orchestra (Mentor), Northern Ballet (Repetiteur), Streetwise Opera, The Bridgewater Hall (Arts Administration) and TiPP (Theatre in Prisons and Probations).

20 credits

Year 4 students undertake a substantial Creative Project, allowing you to concentrate on personal interests and consolidate specific strands of the programme. Supported by a professional mentor, the opportunity enhances your initiative and employability, while building a portfolio of career-focused experiences. You will also benefit from parallel workshops on topics such as project management, curating an online presence, marketing and PR, and business skills including record-keeping and accounting.

In the past, students have promoted and organised their own concerts, competitions, masterclasses and workshops, commissioned new works, and studied Music for Health at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

20 credits

During Year 3 and 4 you’ll choose specialist areas of study from a range of electives, including options exploring education, health and wellbeing, psychology, history, theory and analysis, technology and the music industry.

Once you’re in your final year, you’ll also have the option to take an additional elective in an area of emerging specialism.

Please note that credits also include options for Practical and Performance Electives (see above).