Professional Industry Placements

As well as the opportunity to apply for a Professional Experience Scheme, all undergraduates will undertake work experience during their studies.

Placements are across the music industry and include everything from performing and teaching to arts administration, marketing, and outreach projects in schools, hospitals and care homes.

Students are required to apply for and attend an interview for each placement, which offers an additional opportunity for professional development.

We also encourage MMus students to undertake an optional Work Experience Placement. And those studying for a BMus in Popular Music will complete the course-specific RNCM Professional Engagement module which offers the chance to work as a professional freelance musician as part of your degree.

The Professional Placement module is open to all postgraduate students and works with a range of placement providers such as the BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, Band on the Wall, Special Virtuosi and more.

The module offers students the chance to develop professional contacts, gain experience and develop new skills. In addition to a selection of pre-arranged placements, students in the Graduate School are encouraged to develop their existing contacts in the music industry by creating a bespoke Independent Placement.