1 October 2026, see How to apply section for more details.
Focussed on orchestral leadership and technique, the selected conductor will hold the Robert Anderson Junior Fellowship in Conducting, benefitting from podium experience with major professional orchestras, mentoring and tuition from Professor Martyn Brabbins.
The Artist Diploma in Conducting is an advanced one-year programme designed for experienced conductors who exhibit the potential to become international leaders in the field of conducting. Most successful applicants for this highly selective programme will be able to demonstrate significant orchestral conducting experience, typically gained through a specialist Masters in Conducting and/or through a range of real-world experience.
This unique and immersive programme is delivered by the College in partnership with professional orchestras, equipping you with invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities to establish your career. Throughout the year you will refine your craft and professional confidence through intensive projects based at the RCM, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
RCM conductor Sam Scheer leads Prokofiev’s iconic Peter and the Wolf performance
No.1
Global No. 1 for Performing Arts. QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022).
Gold
Achieved the highest ranking of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
RCM conductor Sam Scheer leads Prokofiev’s iconic Peter and the Wolf performance
Learning & teaching
This intensive one-year programme is designed around a programme of learning activities that are embedded in the industry, providing you with exceptional preparation for the start of a professional conducting career.
You will receive individual support from a team of expert conducting mentors, led by Professor Martyn Brabbins, who will guide your advanced technical development and career preparation.
You will be assessed through one significant performance project, normally in the spring term, followed by an end-of-year portfolio submission and interview with a panel of professionals.
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 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 conductors are made on the basis of their performance at audition. Candidates for the ArtDip in Conducting require a Masters degree with a specialism in conducting, or equivalent professional 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 C1 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 7.0, with a minimum 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.
Each year one student is selected for this highly competitive programme. They will hold the Robert Anderson Junior Fellowship in Conducting, which covers full home or international tuition fees and accommodation generously provided by the Robert Anderson Research Charitable Trust.
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.
Late applications may be considered up until the first round selection process has been completed. 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.
Applicants to the ArtDip in Conducting are assessed through a three-stage process.
Stage 1: All applicants are invited to submit an online portfolio
Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a live audition at RCM.
Stage 3: A small group of finalists will be invited to attend a further live audition in collaboration with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, at which the Robert Anderson Junior Fellow will be selected.
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.
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