Postgraduate Diploma in Solo Performance/Vocal Studies (International Artist Diploma)
The Postgraduate Diploma in Solo Performance/Vocal Studies and Opera (International Artist Diploma) represents the pinnacle of achievement in performance at the RNCM and is intended for a small number of artists on the cusp of international careers.
Through intensive tuition and specialist classes, you’ll receive advanced musical training to the highest level in performance or conducting, honing your artistic, technical, presentation, and communication skills. You’ll also expand your recital and concerto repertory and benefit from prestigious performance opportunities with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and with the College.
Key Information
- Duration
- 9 months full-time
- Course Code
- IADP
- Application Opens
- 1 Oct 2026
- Application Deadline
- 31 Jan 2027
- Fees
- Fee guide
Entry Requirements
This course is available to a maximum of four students from any of the performance schools each year who demonstrate at audition exceptional ability, and the clear potential for an international career as performers. You will normally have already completed postgraduate studies in performance at a conservatoire or similar specialist environment and be in a position to benefit from working intensively upon solo performance to facilitate your final transition from student to professional practitioner.
For applicants whose first language is not English, the normal International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or equivalent standard for entry to the PG Diploma is 5.5. In exceptional circumstances, the normal IELTS level may be reduced from 5.5 to a minimum of 5.0, subject to the approval of the Programme Leader. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) does not apply to this programme.
Routes Available
Solo Performance offers high-profile public performance opportunities, bespoke packages of intensive one-to-one tuition with a range of tutors, access to a professional pianist, and professional career development. Assessment is a full-evening public recital at the RNCM and a concerto with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Vocal Studies and Opera offers opportunities to work with renowned international coaches, directors, and conductors to develop performance skills through intensive one-to-one coaching, as well as vocal consultancy and language coaching, experience of a wide range of classes focusing on stage skills, and major roles in the RNCM’s opera productions.Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Admission to the International Artist Diploma (Level 7) is by competitive two stage audition process and entrants must demonstrate exceptional ability and potential for an international career.
The deadline for completed Stage 1 applications is 31 January 2027. Stage 2 auditions will take place at the RNCM in March and April 2027. (Please note that dates may be subject to change.)
Applicants should apply via UCAS Conservatoires in the first instance and submit a recording of 30 minutes of repertoire to Acceptd. The 30 minutes of repertoire should be taken from the Stage 2 guidance below (and will probably be shorter if a Vocal application). No further guidance on repertoire will be given. Successful shortlisted applicants will then be invited to the RNCM for a live audition.
If you are successfully shortlisted for Stage 2, please prepare the following:
Keyboard: 30-40 minutes of solo repertoire and a movement (or excerpt 10-15 minutes) from a concerto.
Strings: 30-40 minutes of varied repertoire, to include an unaccompanied work. You may include a concerto movement.
Winds, Brass and Percussion: a 40-50 minute programme to include a 21st-century piece (either solo or accompanied) and at least one unaccompanied work.
Vocal: four contrasting arias in at least two languages (a minimum of three must be operatic, one may be from the oratorio repertoire).
If you have any questions, please email our Admissions team at [email protected].
Professors
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David Horne
Professor in Composition and Head of Graduate School
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Lynne Dawson
Head of School of Vocal Studies and Opera
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Chris Hoyle
Head of School of Strings, Professor of Cello
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Simone Rebello
Head of School of Wind, Brass and Percussion and Director of Percussion
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Kevin Gowland
Head of School of Wind, Brass and Percussion, Director of Woodwind and Professor of Flute
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Murray Greig
Head of School of Wind, Brass and Percussion and Director of Brass
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Graham Scott
Head of School of Keyboard Studies and Professor of Piano
Alumni Spotlight
Abel Selaocoe | Cello
‘I initially came to the RNCM strictly to play classical music, which I’m still completely passionate about and want to play as much as possible. It’s just for me, as a musician, it’s important to put myself in different situations and prosper. Looking back, I think that while I enjoyed playing classical music I also started to miss home quite a bit and playing African music was a good way of taking me back there. Initially it was for fun, but it quickly became a bigger part of my life and my career too.’
Abel Selaocoe (cello, 2016) is a celebrated South African cellist, singer, and composer and an RNCM Associate Artist. He is the founding member of the Bantu Ensemble, a former Southbank Centre Artist-in-Residence, and a Warner Music signed artist.
Photo credit: Phil Sharp
Additional Information
Accommodation
All applicants who accept a guaranteed offer before X February will be reserved a room in Sir Charles Groves Hall of Residence, which they will be invited to book in the months following their audition. Private en-suite rooms are grouped in clusters of four with shared kitchen facilities.
Scholarships and Bursaries
All applicants are automatically considered for a scholarship, and these are awarded based on performance ability and potential demonstrated at audition and interview. Scholarship awards are for the first year of study only (unless specifically stated otherwise).
A limited number of bursaries are also available for International and postgraduate students, allocated based on need and merit. If you’re successful in gaining a bursary, this will be deducted from your tuition fees, leaving you with a net balance to pay.
Undergraduate home students may apply for an Access Bursary if their income meets the published criteria. To apply for an Undergraduate Access Bursary, please contact Student Finance England (or the relevant local authority for your country). You need to apply as an income assessed student and you and your sponsors (usually your parents) need to consent to share their household income with the RNCM.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are split into two categories – home and international. Your fee status will be determined by the information provided within your UCAS Conservatoires application. Full guidance on tuition fee statuses can be found on the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website, but if you have any queries or think you have been assigned an incorrect status, please email [email protected] and we would be happy to undertake a full fee assessment with you.