Graduate Diploma of the RNCM
The College is relaunching the GRNCM/MusB for 2025 entry, following a full review and pause in applications for 2024 entry.
It can sometimes be difficult for young musicians and composers to choose between university or conservatoire study. This unique offer takes that difficulty away, giving those with outstanding musical and academic ability the opportunity to study two degree-level courses simultaneously: the Graduate Diploma of the RNCM (GRNCM) and the Bachelor of Music with Honours (MusB (Hons)) at The University of Manchester, located just meters away.
The distinctive and competitive pairing of these programmes is designed for students who enjoy not only being busy performers and composers with a wide variety of professional experience, but also intelligent musical thinkers.
Study comprises the entire three-year MusB (Hons) programme at The University of Manchester and approximately two-thirds of our four-year Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus (Hons)) or Bachelor of Music with Honours in Popular Music (BMusP (Hons)). Your time with us involves intensive one-to-one tuition, specialist classes and masterclasses, performance opportunities and a series of modules dedicated to ensembles, a professional industry placement, production and composition (for Popular Music students), and a wealth of elective options. This is complemented by the strong academic foundation gained through your studies.
Embracing a combined conservatoire and university experience means that all bases are covered, enabling you to progress as a resilient and highly adaptable performer ready to create a thriving portfolio career or progress into postgraduate study.
Programme Overview
Duration: 4 years, full-time
UCAS Conservatoires Code: 399F
Tuition Fees
2025 Entry
Applications opened: 10 July 2024
Deadline for on-time applications: 2 October 2024
2026 Entry
Applications open: 10 July 2025
Deadline for on-time applications: 2 October 2025
Entrance Requirements
Age, Qualifications and Standards
Entrance to the GRNCM/MusB programme is dependent on the following:
- All applicants must be at least 18 years of age on 31 December in the year of entry.
- All applicants must achieve AAA or above at GCE A level (A2), normally including music, and passes in three different subjects at GCSE level (grades A*-C/9-4) or acceptable equivalent.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must have IELTS 7.0 or equivalent with no component lower than 6.5.
- 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.
- All shortlisted applicants must pass a University of Manchester interview in the year prior to entry, demonstrating academic suitability to the course.
- UK applicants may be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check to participate in some professional placement modules within this course. Applicants from countries other than the UK, or UK residents who have spent six months or more in any non-UK country within five years of the course start date must additionally provide a police certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.
Alternative Qualifications
International applicants, candidates with Scottish or Irish qualifications, and those with alternatives such as a BTEC or NVQ, should contact Admissions on 0161 9075 465 or email [email protected].
Principal Study Options
Piano
Harpsichord
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Harp
Guitar
Singing
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone
Recorder
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba
Cornet
Tenor Horn
Euphonium/Baritone Horn
Percussion/Timpani
Piano/Keyboards (Pop)
Guitar (Electric) (Pop)
Guitar (Bass) (Pop)
Drumkit (Pop)
Voice (Pop)
Music Production (Pop)
Pop-Focussed Instrumentalist
