Start date September 2023 End date Flexible depending on planned duration and possibility of a write-up period before completion Duration 3 or 4 years full-time; 5 or 6 years part-time |
'The cohort of PhD students comprises music practitioners from all corners of the world. Our conversations and camaraderie, both in the classroom and outside, made me feel part of a community.'
'I am incredibly fortunate to have supervisors who are fonts of knowledge, and are genuinely interested in my doctoral research.'
'The multicultural background and the variety of research topics of the RCM research community has significantly enriched my perspective of musical research.'
The RCM research community currently includes approximately 50 doctoral students working in all of its key areas. The RCM’s doctoral awards are specialist research degrees that particularly encourage research in the areas of performance, composition, musicology and performance science.
Find out about staff and students in our research community
As a doctoral student, you will work with at least two supervisors in addition to attending group tutorials and seminars relevant to your particular area of research. In addition, you will be expected to take an active role within the research life of the Royal College of Music.
The RCM’s doctoral programme offers both a DMus and PhD pathway, and it is possible during the degree to move between pathways depending on how your individual research project evolves.
PhD students submit a written dissertation of between 80,000 and 100,000 words, which may include supporting practical work if appropriate to the topic.
Royal College of Music courses are internationally recognised as full degree courses with successful students awarded their qualifications under the RCM's Royal Charter.
With a busy events calendar of more than 500 events every year, the RCM offers a vibrant performance and composition environment. A wide variety of performance opportunities including orchestral and choral projects, chamber music and solo opportunities, performance in jazz and historical instrument ensembles form a regular part of the taught Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes.
Doctoral students are encouraged to engage with students and staff in performances as much as possible by sitting in on faculty-based performance activities. These activities include chamber music and duo performance coaching, orchestral training, performance classes, acting and language classes (for singers), music technology (for composers), reed making (for double reed players) and improvisation (for organists). Active participation in formal classes is at the Head of Faculty’s discretion and there is much opportunity for self-directed performance activity which may be supported through our extensive chamber music coaching scheme.
Composition at the RCM fosters partnerships with the College's large body of gifted instrumentalists. Composers will hear performances of their own works in a variety of contexts and have the opportunity to benefit from a range of collaborations, which we host regularly with artistic organisations in London and beyond.
The Royal College of Music is proud to offer its students fantastic practice and performance facilities with resources to support teaching and learning. We continually improve our facilities to ensure RCM students have the best opportunities.
Explore our facilities with a video tour of the RCM
The RCM’s Creative Careers Centre, which is recognised internationally for its innovative approach to supporting young musicians, provides an unparalleled service to current students 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.
The work of the Creative Careers Centre allows students to discover their professional identity, gain hands-on experience and new skills, develop an entrepreneurial mindset and build a fulfilling professional portfolio.
Extensive performance and teaching opportunities are available, as well as valuable guidance on CV and biography writing, concert programming, communication skills, project management, marketing and publicity, online promotion, financial matters and how to develop a business idea.
To be admitted onto the programme, you will normally need to have a good Masters degree, the ability to demonstrate a close familiarity with existing theoretical and practical aspects of your topic area, a developed awareness of fundamental research skills, and some ability to design and define a viable project.
There should also be a good match between your intended project and expertise of staff at the RCM.
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.
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.
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.
The application deadline for 2023 has now passed but late applications may still be considered. Please contact admissions@rcm.ac.uk to enquire before applying.
You must complete all four steps below by the deadline for your application to be considered.
Applications are made via the RCM’s online portal. Please note, there is one application form for both the PhD and DMus programmes.
There are four steps to submitting your application:
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews normally take place in person at the Royal College of Music, and are usually held in November. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in mid-December.
AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership
The RCM is the only conservatoire in London to be part of an AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership, with full studentships awarded to exceptional applicants through the London Arts and Humanities Partnership.
If you are interested in pursuing your research interests at the RCM please contact our Head of Research for a discussion about your project ideas.
If you have any questions about the admissions process please contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to help you.
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
