Associate Student Scheme and CPD

Associate Students are fully integrated into the RNCM community and may take a range of studies, drawn from the existing modular offer at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. They may elect to be assessed in the modules that form part of their Associate Studentship, but this will not be a requirement.
 
At completion, the RNCM offers a certificate of attendance, detailing the duration of the studentship, along with a transcript of studies. The transcript includes a description of those modules studied, and those for which assessment has been undertaken, and which have led to the award of credit. Results of Associate Students will be held on the same RNCM record system as all other students, although the credit accumulated will not normally build to an award. All modules will carry Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points.
 
For students who subsequently apply for an award-bearing course at the RNCM, credit awarded may contribute to the programme of study undertaken subsequently, at the discretion of the College.

Possible Packages

• Semester 1 and 2 (full academic year)
• Semester 1 (starts in September)
• Semester 2 (starts in January)

Please note: Anyone may study as an Associate Student if the RNCM considers that they have an appropriate background and the necessary skills to be successful, that they will benefit from the study, and that they can be accommodated.

Those who require a visa to study in the UK may be limited to a maximum of six months (equivalent to two terms) on the Associate Student Scheme. Please contact [email protected] for further information.

Our Associate Student Scheme also includes Associate Foundation Studies.
 
These courses are designed for those who wish to develop skills in performance or composition – music theory, history, and analysis – and English for academic study, with the intention of progressing to undergraduate study at the RNCM or another UK or English-speaking conservatoire.
 
For international applicants whose first language is not English, the areas of study are principal study, English or academic study, and Introduction to Musicology.
 
All students will receive an exit assessment in each area of study and successful completion of Foundation Studies will be recognised in an RNCM Certificate of Attendance (Associate Foundation Student).
 
For those wishing to apply for a place at the RNCM in the year following their foundation studies, an entrance audition will be offered without additional fee. Please note that completion of Associate Foundation Studies does not guarantee a place on an RNCM undergraduate programme. Offers are dependent on the outcome of the entrance audition.

Possible Packages

• Six-month course (October-March)
• Three-month course (October-January or January-March)

If you have already submitted an application to study at the RNCM via UCAS Conservatoires, please email [email protected] to express your interest in this programme. New applicants should view the application information for details of how to apply.

The RNCM’s bespoke CPD Studentships packages consist of one-to-one principal study tuition and access to practice facilities, available for singers and instrumentalists.

Applications must be submitted via Acceptd in the term preceding the proposed start date of the studentship (i.e. by 11 July 2027 for September 2027 entry).
 
If you are interested in applying for a CPD and would like more information, please get in touch with our Admissions team.
 
Please note: Those who require a visa to study in the UK may be limited to a maximum of six months (equivalent to two terms) as a CPD student. Please contact [email protected] for further information.