Course overview

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) programme at the Royal College of Music offers exceptional professional training alongside rigorous supporting studies, preparing students for diverse careers in the music industry. Whether your focus is instrumental, vocal or composition, the programme nurtures artistic individuality while developing essential practical and professional skills. With a strong emphasis on creativity, technical excellence, career preparation and entrepreneurial skills, the BMus degree equips students to thrive in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

Your programme of study at the RCM is shaped by your principal study specialism, ensuring a tailored and immersive learning experience. Students receive individual lessons with world-renowned musicians, alongside opportunities for solo, chamber and ensemble performances. 

Core studies comprise aural skills, improvisation, theory, analysis and musicology, music education, entrepreneurship and innovation, and health and wellbeing, fostering well-rounded professional and artistic development. A variety of elective courses allows students to explore and refine their individual, artistic and professional interests.

Assessment in the BMus programme reflects the diverse skills required for a successful career in music. Performance examinations mirror industry practices, for example through public recitals and mock auditions. Composers are assessed through end-of-year portfolios that respond to professional briefs and include collaborations with professional ensembles. Core and elective module assessments combine traditional exams or coursework with professionally focused tasks such as interviews, pitches, placements, projects, presentations, and practical demonstrations.

Learning & teaching

Our undergraduate music degree is designed to be flexible, particularly in your third and fourth years, enabling you to shape your studies around your interests and career aspirations. With a wide range of  electives, you will have the opportunity to explore diverse areas of music, ensuring a learning experience that is both rewarding and relevant to your goals. Throughout your time at the Royal College of Music, you will be part of a diverse, vibrant and supportive community of world-class performers, educators and composers from across the globe.

Students on the BMus (Hons) programme benefit from expert one-to-one tuition, small-group teaching, and a wide range of learning opportunities that are informed by professional industry practice and cutting-edge research. We emphasise practice-led, interactive learning, including through industry and education placements, to equip you with the skills and understanding needed for a dynamic career in music. Supported by innovative digital technologies, you will develop the communication, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and creative skills to graduate as a confident, agile musician ready to shape a changing global music landscape. 

We’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, and we’ll empower you to build the confidence needed to thrive as a performer, composer, educator, entrepreneur or leader in the creative industries.

Entry requirements

All offers for performers and composers are made on the basis of their performance at audition, or portfolio and interview for composers. Candidates require two A levels at grade E or above, or one A Level at grade E or above and two AS levels, one at grade D and grade E and above. 

Alternative UK qualifications accepted instead of A Levels include:

• Three Scottish Higher grade passes at grade D or above
• Cambridge Pre-U certificate in at least two principal subjects at P3 level or above
• BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Diploma)
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (at least 24 points)
• Welsh Baccalaureate (accepted as equivalent to one A Level)
• RSL Level 3 Diploma for Music Practitioners
• RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries

Please see the list of international qualifications below for details of qualifications that are commonly accepted by the RCM as equivalent to our UK entry requirements. This list is not exhaustive, and other qualifications will be considered.

List of international qualifications 

The Royal College of Music 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.

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.

More about our fees and funding

Tuition fees and other charges 2026-27

Additional Information

Enquiries

If you have any questions about studying at the RCM or about the admissions process please contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to help you.