Royal College of Music

BMus (Hons)

Performers are assessed mainly by audition (live in London, overseas or by video audition; three pieces of own choice, to be performed from memory, etc., varying by instrument); composers must submit a portfolio: at least 3 and at most 5 contrasting works, each with a score (purely acousmatic works may include a description plus recording), recording optional, software playback files not accepted, submitted via the RCM submission portal.

Non-UK nationals must demonstrate English proficiency. BMus requires CEFR B2 (all four components), equivalent to IELTS overall 5.5 with 5.5 in each component.

Overseas BMus £30,100 (2025/26 academic year).

Most BMus applications close 1 October 2026 (London audition / video audition / composition portfolio share the same deadline; some overseas venues 1 November). Applications via UCAS Conservatoires.

Composers must attend an interview (live in London or by online video, including simple aural tests); performers are assessed by audition (not a traditional interview).

MPerf; MComp; MMus (Performance/Composition); MMusEd; MSc Performance Science; GD; AD

Composition programmes require a portfolio: at least 2 contrasting works, total duration 5-10 minutes (Composition for Screen requires at least two-thirds to be to picture); performance programmes are mainly by audition.

MPerf/MComp/MMus (Performance/Composition)/MMusEd/AD Conducting/PhD require CEFR C1 overall, minimum B2 in each component, equivalent to IELTS overall 7.0 with minimum 5.5 per component; MSc Performance Science has the same C1 requirement. BMus etc. are B2 / IELTS 5.5.

Overseas MPerf/MComp/MMus £31,500 (2025/26 academic year).

Most taught postgraduate programmes share the BMus deadline of 1 October 2026 (UCAS Conservatoires); the composition portfolio shares the same deadline.

Yes. Shortlisted Composition applicants interview; shortlisted MSc Performance Science applicants interview online; Conducting requires an initial screening video plus a final live round in London.

RCM Junior Department (RCMJD): a Saturday specialist music college preparatory programme for students aged 8-18 (not an undergraduate foundation; part of the Junior Department), with a core course annual fee of £5,188.

All applicants to performance/composition programmes (live or video audition) are automatically considered for scholarships with no separate application; awards range from partial fee support to full fees, including ABRSM Scholarships and full International awards with living allowance, with international students equally considered.

Composition portfolio: any use of AI in creating portfolio materials must be declared in an explanatory note submitted with the portfolio, and limited to no more than one work. The admissions policy also provides that misuse of generative AI may be investigated and the offer withdrawn.