Applications for 2026 entry will open in July 2025.
Based in the RCM Opera Studio, the Artist Diploma (ArtDip) in Opera is rich in individual coaching and performance opportunities, designed for aspiring operatic singers.
The Artist Diploma (ArtDip) represents the highest level of taught postgraduate study. It is tailored to musicians aiming to hone their skills by working intensively on specific areas of their artistic development. Places on our Artist Diploma programmes are only offered to students who have already demonstrated a high level of ability at Masters level.
The Artist Diploma in Opera may be studied for up to two years. The duration for individual students will depend on their individual progress and readiness for assessment, but students will usually complete the programme after two years.
Most teaching on the Artist Diploma in Opera takes place in the RCM Opera Studio. Practical experience is gained through performance of operatic scenes, and the opportunity to participate in our fully staged operatic productions in the Britten Theatre.
Explore behind the scenes of RCM Opera’s of Le nozze di Figaro
No.1
Global No.1 for Performing Arts. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024/2023/2022
Gold
Achieved the highest ranking of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
Explore behind the scenes of RCM Opera’s of Le nozze di Figaro
Learning & teaching
All our Artist Diplomas focus on one-to-one provision and practical project work, tailored to your particular career aspirations.
Royal College of Music courses are internationally recognised as full degree courses with successful students awarded their qualifications under the RCM's Royal Charter.
One-to-one lessons are at the very heart of every RCM student’s learning experience. The RCM’s impressive list of professors includes renowned instrumental and vocal soloists, distinguished repertoire and operatic coaches, prominent composers and conductors, plus principal players in major London orchestras such as the as the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and Royal Opera House Orchestra. Our world-class professors offer students not only first-rate teaching, but also mentorship and networking opportunities.
All principal studies are delivered through a combination of one-to-one tuition complemented by performance classes, workshops, masterclasses, lessons from visiting professors, ensemble activities, seminars and lecture series as appropriate.
Performance opportunities
Our unparalleled performance opportunities include orchestral and choral projects, chamber and solo opportunities, as well as jazz and historical instrument ensembles. Our diverse events calendar includes more than 500 events per year.
Performance is at the heart of RCM life. Our students collaborate with the world's greatest artists and enjoyed unrivalled opportunities in the spotlight.
We continually invest so that all students can experience the cutting edge of sound and music technology.
Preparing for the profession
Our Creative Careers Centre
Our Creative Careers Centre provides an exceptional service to current and recent alumni. The dedicated team partners with leading consultants, reputable arts organisations and local communities, delivering unique career-building opportunities and a direct route to the music industry.
Tailored career support
The Creative Careers Centre allows students to discover their professional identity, gain hands-on experience and new skills, develop an entrepreneurial mind-set and build a fulfilling professional portfolio.
Our valuable guidance includes CV and biography writing, concert programming, communication skills, project management, marketing and publicity, online promotion, financial matters and how to develop a business idea.
Creative Careers Centre services
RCM Accelerate supports graduating RCM students to kick-start or evolve a creative project, social enterprise, or business idea.
Concert opportunities to perform at a variety of venues, including concert halls, churches, abbeys, museums, galleries and community settings.
Creative Careers Centre services
Professional Engagement Service allows organisations and members of the public to hire RCM musicians to perform at events.
RCM Teaching Service matches members of the public in London and across the globe with student-tutors.
All offers for performers are made on the basis of their performance at audition. Candidates require a postgraduate diploma or Masters degree in music, or equivalent experience.
The RCM welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and alternative qualifications may be considered. If your qualifications are not listed here, please contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to discuss your suitability for the programme.
English language requirements
All applicants must be able to demonstrate that their level of English language ability meets the Royal College of Music’s minimum requirements in order for their application to be accepted.
The requirement for this course is to speak English to B2 standard on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, listening). This is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 5.5 in all four components.
If you require a visa to study at the RCM, you must meet the English language requirements before the RCM is permitted to sponsor your visa application.
'I owe such a lot to the RCM, for their lasting support and stage time. The opportunity to perform in the Britten Theatre during my studies was so valuable. I also loved the sense of community and family amongst students and staff.'
'My time at the Royal College of Music was a great foundation that prepared me for the bigger world of opera. I worked with visiting coaches and directors from places like the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera. That, for a young artist, was a dream, and like a sponge I absorbed it all.'
Pumeza Matshikiza (GradDip 2007), Soprano
'I look back with deep gratitude and pride at the formative education I received at the Royal College of Music. The evolving expectations of what artists must be capable of to excel in this industry are high, and that sense of excitement and opportunity to achieve is palpable within these walls...'
Jonathan Lemalu (PGDip 2002),Grammy award-winning bass
Fees & support
A full outline of tuition fees for all our courses, including details of charges for additional one-to-one lessons and reassessment fees, is available for download.
More than 50% of current RCM students receive some financial support, thanks to the generosity of individuals, legators, companies and charitable trusts.
Applications for 2026 entry open in mid-July. The main application deadline is 2 October 2025.
Late applications may be considered where places remain. If you miss a deadline contact our Admissions Team to check whether a late application is possible. All applications should be submitted online through the UCAS Conservatoires.
Your audition is your chance to demonstrate your talent and potential. The RCM holds live auditions at our campus in London. We recommend auditioning in person if you can, but if you are unable to attend one of our audition venues, there is the option to submit a video audition instead. Auditions are not normally available for this course at the RCM's overseas audition venues.
Most auditions will last approximately 15-20 minutes. Singers auditioning in London may be asked to perform for a second panel later the same day. You should ensure that you are familiar with the Vocal and Opera Faculty audition requirements.
Artist Diploma in Opera audition requirements
Applicants should prepare: Four contrasting operatic arias in a variety of languages, one of which must be sung in English or English translation.
Candidates should choose their first piece, and the audition panel will select any additional work(s).
Please note the audition panel may choose to hear only two of the four pieces.
RCM courses are reviewed annually in response to student and external examiner feedback, which sometimes results in minor changes, such as the availability of particular modules. A more thorough review is undertaken every five to six years, after which more substantial changes may be made while maintaining the ethos that underpins the course. Our review process is part of the RCM’s continued commitment to provide the best possible education and music training. The information provided here reflects the official course outline as it currently stands. In the event of alterations following a review, we will update this page as soon as possible.
