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Royal Northern College of Music, RNCM Conservatory

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Current page last update date: 2025-04-21

Programs and prices, tuition fees in Royal Northern College of Music, RNCM Conservatory

Program name
date
Age
Dates
All year round
18+
from 4000.00 £ / 8 weeks
from 4000.00 £ / 8 weeks
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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Pre-Sessional English Language Course

  • Age of students – from 18 years old;
  • Dates – June-August;
  • The educational period is eight weeks.

The pre-sessional English language course is aimed at foreign students whose language skills do not meet the entry requirements for higher education programs. For eight weeks, they will improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, and replenish their vocabulary under the guidance of qualified native teachers. Along with language knowledge, students will gradually immerse themselves in the music industry, learning phrases, grammar, vocabulary and context for comfortable study in the specialization in the future.

The first two weeks of classes are organized in an online format, and the remaining six are in person. Students will be provided with the necessary academic materials and comprehensive support both as part of groups and individually.

Upon completion of the course, students who complete the assessment will be able to transfer to their chosen higher education program.

Dates
All year round
18+
from 29300.00 £ / year
from 29300.00 £ / year
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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Undergraduate Programs

  • Age of students – from 18 years old,
  • The term of study is four years.

Three specialized programs are available at RNCM, upon completion of each of which foreign students will receive a Bachelor of Science qualification:

  • Music art;
  • Popular music;
  • Conservatory Diploma: Study of the Master and BSc in Music with Honours programme at the University of Manchester.

The curricula of the educational programs consist of three components: core learning, career development (including internships and projects), and academic research. Over the course of four years, students will focus on developing their artistic and technical skills, participating in external activities according to their chosen specialization:

  • Composition;
  • Piano;
  • Harpsichord;
  • Violin;
  • Viola;
  • Cello;
  • Contrabass;
  • Harp;
  • Guitar;
  • Singing;
  • Flute;
  • Oboe;
  • Clarinet;
  • Bassoon;
  • Saxophone or other.

In their third year, students complete a professional internship, working alongside industry professionals. Through the Conservatory's collaboration with leading organisations around the world, students will be able to gain applied experience in companies such as BBC Philharmonic (Learning and Digital Department), Hallé (Youth Orchestra and Choir Management), One Education Music, LIME Music for Health (Royal Manchester Children's Hospital), Manchester Camerata (Music in the Mind), National Children's Orchestra (Mentor), Northern Ballet (Tutor), Streetwise Opera, The Bridgewater Hall (Arts Office) and TiPP (Theatre in Prisons and Probation).

In the fourth year, students carry out an individual creative project that embodies their personal interests, vision and talent. After presenting it to the qualification commission, students receive a graduation diploma and complete their studies.

Dates
All year round
21+
from 29300.00 £ / year
from 29300.00 £ / year
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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Graduate Programs

  •  
  • Age of students– from 21 years old,
  • The duration of education is one to two years.

Master's programs at RNCM are flexible and carefully designed to offer international students personalized refinement of their skills to start a competitive career. The following specialties are available for study at the conservatory:

  • Education;
  • Music art;
  • Performance;
  • Visual art.

Students are presented with a wide range of musical instruments, the study of composition and other musical areas in order to expand knowledge and improve abilities. Studying in the master's program will give students the necessary experience and skills to advance their careers and start collaborating with leading organizations in the creative industry.

Dates
All year round
23+
from 19000.00 £ / year
from 19000.00 £ / year
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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Postgraduate Programs

  •  
  • Age of students – from 23 years old,
  • The term of study is three years.

The PhD programme is awarded by Manchester Metropolitan University and offers students the opportunity to choose one of five specialisations to undertake individual research:

  • Performance, including performance practice and practice-research, including pop music;
  • Composition in various genres and techniques, including pop music;
  • Musicology, including the historical, analytical, and cultural study of music;
  • Music psychology and related disciplines, including quantitative and qualitative research in professional music performance and teaching;
  • Music education and pedagogy, including philosophy, history, practice and theory of music education.

Over the course of three years, students will work under the guidance of qualified educators, personal mentors, and external professionals to create a competitive project, gain applied skills, and qualifications that can expand career opportunities.

Dates
16.07.2025 - 18.07.2025
16+
from 350.00 £ / 3 days
from 350.00 £ / 3 days
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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Summer School: Popular Music

  •  
  • Age of students – from 16 years old,
  • The educational period is three days.

The summer short course is aimed at high school students wishing to enroll in a bachelor's degree program in popular music. The education continues over three days, during which students will attend consulting auditions with the head of the popular music department, performance classes with instrumental/vocal staff, sessions on composition, production and development. The course provides an opportunity to study under the guidance of leading specialists in the creative industry, gain experience in the academically rigorous atmosphere of studying at a higher institution, and try your hand at new musical directions.

During their studies, students are accommodated in the residence of the conservatory, provided with meals in the RNCM café.

Dates
All year round
8-18
from 3115.00 £ / year
from 3115.00 £ / year
There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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Junior RNCM, Department of Music for Children

  • Age of students – from 8 to 18 years old,
  • The duration of the educational program is from one year.

The specialized music department at the conservatory offers school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of their musical abilities at a more professional level. Students go through two stages of audition to get a place in a group and begin education, thanks to which they will acquire competitive knowledge and skills in their favorite creative direction.

Classes take place every Saturday during the academic year. Lessons cover such specialties as:

  • Musical Mastery/Improvisation;
  • Theory/Harmony/Composition;
  • Chamber music;
  • Orchestra/Vocal Ensemble/Jazz Ensemble/Percussion Ensemble.

Students will be able to choose a specialization that interests them, to which rhythmic lessons and participation in a preparatory choir will be added.

The duration of education varies at the request of the student, but in order to receive a graduation diploma, they need to complete a full program of junior and secondary groups.

Description of Royal Northern College of Music, RNCM Conservatory

  • Location: Manchester, England,
  • Year of foundation: 1973,
  • Number of students: about 900,
  • Language of instruction: English,
  • Type of education: mixed.

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is one of the four conservatories of the Associated Council of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), which has international recognition and demand among students from different countries.

Founded in 1973 through the merger of the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Northern School of Music, RNCM is today one of the top five music institutions in the world. Over the years, it has won the trust of thousands of international students: modern methods of education, qualified teaching staff and skills acquired in the learning process help them achieve the highest results. The conservatory offers a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and graduate degree programs, and teaches short-term and professional courses.

The RNCM student community is about 900 students from more than 60 countries, creating a supportive, versatile and creative atmosphere. By actively participating in extracurricular activities and working on joint projects, they broaden their horizons, gain new knowledge and skills, and make friends of different nationalities. Each of the pupils is fully supported by teachers, administrative staff and mentors, who make every effort to achieve the student's goals. Professional development is achieved through many additional opportunities outside of school hours: from participation in city festivals and concerts to attending seminars by recognized music specialists. Students are also supported by RNCM partner institutions providing scholarships, a chance to gain applied experience by participating in events.

Educational process

International students who are not native English speakers are provided with language support throughout the program. They can choose the most suitable option: individual lessons with a teacher or general weekly lessons, where students can improve pronunciation, replenish vocabulary, and develop speech skills.

Faculties and colleges

Eight specialized educational directions have been established in RNCM:

  • Composition;
  • Keyboard instruments;
  • String instruments;
  • Vocal, opera;
  • Wind, brass and percussion instruments;
  • Popular music;
  • Conducting;
  • Academic Research.

The conservatory also has a Junior RNCM department for schoolchildren from 8 to 18 years old.

Things to know about

 The Conservatory's archive includes many recordings of almost all student and faculty performances since 1973. Solo concerts, performances of large and small ensembles, opera productions and unique master classes with teachers and guest artists are stored on the reels. This archive not only celebrates the history of the RNCM, but is also an important part of Manchester's musical heritage.

In the year of the 50th anniversary, the National Heritage Foundation allocated a large grant for the preservation of some musical works. The Throwing Open the Concert Doors project will help preserve 1,731 recordings documenting the development of alumni and staff talents as musicians, composers, educators, conductors and entrepreneurs.

Accommodation, meals, prices

RNCM students are accommodated in the comfortable Sir Charles Groves Hall residence, run by Unite Students. It has shared quadruple apartments, which have bedrooms, bathrooms and equipped kitchens. The list of services includes:

  • Secure accommodation, monitored around the clock by security service and CCTV cameras, card readers at the entrance;
  • Common lounges;
  • Launderette;
  • Each room has Internet access, a telephone and a separate place for studying;
  • Free personal property insurance;
  • Guest apartments available for relatives for the night or for a short period.

Alternatively, students can rent a room, apartment or apartment from Manchester's private landlords – the city has an extensive range of housing options.

There is a large dining room and bar on campus, where students can have lunch between classes.

Activities Royal Northern College of Music, RNCM Conservatory

The conservatory has a student union that organizes most of the activities both on and off campus. Thanks to the efforts of the union, thematic parties, evenings of national cuisine, walks around the city with excursions or shopping and much more are regularly organized for students.

The main direction of the extracurricular life of RNCM pupils is musical practice – students take part in external concerts, theatrical performances, celebrations as an orchestra member, solo or group performer (or other specialist in accordance with the chosen specialization of study). The conservatory cooperates with dozens of local organizations, thanks to which students will be able to gain applied experience in performances, reveal their talent to the general public even before completing their studies.

Advantages

  • One of the leading conservatories for research activities in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023,
  • MEN Theatre Awards in 1990, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2005 and 2015,
  • Multiple Times Higher Education awards for excellence in the arts, strategies for international students, technological and digital innovations,
  • Active research activities, working on five projects since 2017,
  • Collaboration with leading orchestras, ensembles and music organizations around the world,
  • Some programs are implemented jointly with the University of Manchester,
  • A multinational student community with representatives from more than 60 countries,
  • Thousands of graduates who have gained international popularity.

Facilities and equipment at Royal Northern College of Music, RNCM Conservatory

The RNCM educational grounds are located in one of Manchester's lively areas. The campus is a large building that houses specialized studios, lecture halls, a large concert hall and many other rooms. The building underwent a thorough renovation in 2013-2014, since then it has been gradually updated in the equipment of the classrooms.

The conservatory offers the best equipment for studying musical directions:

  • Seven professional studios with a full set of music, sound and lighting equipment;
  • More than 70 educational and rehearsal rooms;
  • Three concert halls of different sizes;
  • Lecture hall with a capacity of 120 people;
  • Several meeting rooms;
  • Cafeteria, bar;
  • Recreation areas, self-study;
  • Library with a reading room.

Pupils of all musical styles are provided with the necessary equipment, instruments, costumes and much more to bring a realistic learning experience.

Admission dates and extra charges

The academic year consists of two semesters:

  • Autumn: September-January;
  • Spring: January-July.

Before the start of the autumn semester, there is a week of welcoming all students, after which classes begin; They are held on weekdays, and recreation is provided on weekends, days of national and international holidays, seasonal holidays.

Approximate list of additional costs includes:

  • Registration fees;
  • Accommodation, meals;
  • Some extracurricular activities;
  • Customized educational materials;
  • Rent of musical instruments;
  • Personal expenses.

Enrolment process

Applications for most programs are accepted from the beginning of July to the beginning of October. Applicants will have to fill out an online form, submit documents and pay the application fee, after which they will be invited for an interview, face-to-face or online audition in accordance with the chosen specialization. Based on the results of entrance exams, the conservatory enrolls the selected applicants.

Perspectives

RNCM annually graduates qualified specialists who already have performing experience, serious and competitive talent, applied skills in music. Among the graduates:

  • Christopher Ball – composer,
  • Cathal Breslin – pianist,
  • Peter Maxwell Davies, composer, master of music at the Queen's court,
  • Gary Hughes – composer, songwriter,
  • Olga Egunova — pianist,
  • Gene Hindmarsh – soprano,
  • Rafael Rojas - tenor,
  • Sarah Oates — violinist, co-director of the Philharmonic Orchestra,
  • Andy Scott – saxophonist,
  • Conor Collins is a visual artist.

Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol

International applicants need to have a passport, health insurance, visa or residence permit to study in the UK. For admission to the programs, they should provide:

  • Academic certificates from the previous place of study: certificate of complete secondary education and certificate of preparatory course/bachelor's diploma, report cards,
  • The results of one of the exams confirming the level of English language proficiency: IELTS (from 5.5), PTE Academic (from 59) or equivalent.

The main requirements for all candidates will be talent in one of the musical directions, which will be tested at the entrance audition.

Scholarships Royal Northern College of Music, RNCM Conservatory

Every year, the conservatory allocates more than a million pounds to finance successful students in the form of scholarships and grants: they are awarded on the basis of high achievements in the learning process or an active student position.  Financial support is also available for students in difficult life situations.

Institution on the map

Residence permits, citizenship and other services

  • Guardianship services during the studies
  • Student supervision

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Recommendations on when to apply

Language courses, schools and children's language camps Primary and secondary education - private schools Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA
- we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs)
- there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria)
- we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program,
- some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school)
- some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit)
- we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program,
- for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively

- recommended submission one year before the start of the program,
- the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities
- for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required
- for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program
- MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc.

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