Royal College of Music
London, United Kingdom
- Cost of Living£ 26,592
- Tuition Fee From£ 18,075
- Country Rank#156
- Batch Strength796
- Global Diversity34%
- Gender Ratio44 : 56
Overview
About
The Royal College of Music (RCM) is a world-renowned music conservatoire located in London, UK. Founded in 1882, the college has a long and illustrious history and is known for producing some of the world's finest musicians. The RCM is a specialist institution with a highly selective admission process.
The RCM offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in music performance, composition, and musicology. The college is committed to providing students with a challenging and supportive learning environment, where they can develop their skills and fulfil their artistic potential. The RCM's undergraduate programme is a four-year Bachelor of Music degree, which is designed to provide students with a comprehensive musical education.
The RCM's postgraduate programmes are designed to provide students with advanced training and professional development opportunities. The college offers a range of Master of Music degrees, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in music. The postgraduate programmes are highly competitive and require a high level of musical proficiency. The RCM also has a thriving research community, with a particular focus on musicology and music education. The RCM hosts a range of research seminars and conferences and has a dedicated research team that supports students and staff in their research activities.
Ranking
The Royal College of Music has a long-standing reputation for excellence in music education and has produced many renowned musicians throughout its history. It has received many awards and recognitions over the years for its outstanding contribution to music education and research. The college was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. This prestigious award recognizes the RCM's contribution to music education, performance, and research. The RCM has also been awarded numerous grants from organizations such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, and the European Research Council, to support research projects and collaborations.
Below are a few highlights of the college rankings -
- EduRank Global (2024) - #3137
- EduRank National (2024) - #132
- EduRank Music (2024) - #137
- EduRank Singing and Vocal Performance (2024) - #145
- EduRank Art History (2024) - #1155
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
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2022
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2021
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Facilities
The Royal College of Music is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, which support its students and staff in their pursuit of excellence in music education, research, and performance. The college boasts a range of performance spaces, including the iconic Royal Albert Hall, which is home to the RCM's annual graduation ceremony. The college also has its own concert hall, the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall, which seats 468 people and is used for concerts, recitals, and recording sessions. Additionally, the RCM has several smaller performance venues, including the Britten Theatre and the Parry Rooms. There are over 150 practice rooms, available to students 24 hours a day. These rooms are equipped with pianos, and some also have specialist equipment for other instruments, such as organs or percussion. The college also has a number of ensemble rehearsal rooms, which are used by students for chamber music and orchestral rehearsals.
The RCM library is one of the largest and most comprehensive music libraries in the world, with over 500,000 items in its collections. It includes books, scores, recordings, and manuscripts, as well as special collections such as the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library and the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments. The Royal College of Music also has a range of technical facilities, including a recording studio, a film and video suite, and a digital composition suite. These facilities are used by students and staff for recording, editing, and producing music and other digital media.
The Royal College of Music’s facilities also includes a collection of over 1,000 instruments, including rare and historic instruments such as a Stradivarius violin and a piano owned by Beethoven. These instruments are available for students and staff to use for performance and research. Lastly, The college has a range of accommodation options for its students, including halls of residence and flats. All accommodation is located within easy walking distance of the college, and students have access to common areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
The Royal College of Music acceptance rate for 2024 is 43%. This number is quite selective and the admission committee only admits 43 students out of 100 on this basis. To get here, you have to prove your excellence and be exceptional. In interviews and scores as well, students have to give their best if they wish to be accepted.
Entry Requirements
The Royal College of Music entry requirements are designed to ensure that the most talented and dedicated musicians are admitted to the college. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of musical proficiency in their chosen instrument or voice, a strong academic record, and a commitment to pursuing a career in music. It's important to note that the competition for places at the RCM is extremely high, and meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee admission to the college. The audition process is highly competitive, and the college is looking for the most talented and dedicated musicians to join their programmes. Here are the entry requirements for the RCM's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes:
Undergraduate requirements
- Two references: one academic and one practical
- UCAS Personal statement
- Audition/ Interview
- Portfolio
Postgraduate requirements
- Completed undergraduate degree preferably in Music
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay/ Statement of Purpose
- Interview
- Audition/ Portfolio
- Updated CV
- Work experience
English Language Requirements
- IELTS - 5.5
- PTE Academic - 51
- Cambridge English Advanced Level - B2
- Trinity ISE - Pass
Fees
The Royal College of Music offers several courses to both postgraduate and undergraduate students. Below are the fees for some of the most preferred courses available at the institution -
- Bachelor of Music (BMus) - £27,300
- Master of Education [M.Ed] - £19,000
- Bachelor of Science [B.S] Physics and Music Performance - £42,900
- Master of Education (MEd) - £19,000
- Master of Science (MSc) in Performance Science - £19,000
Placements
The Royal College of Music’s placement opportunities are varied and designed to suit the needs and interests of individual students. The college has strong links with a range of leading orchestras, opera companies, and music organizations in the UK and abroad, providing students with access to a range of professional networks and career pathways. Students have the opportunity to take part in research placements as part of their courses. These placements allow students to work alongside leading music researchers, gaining valuable experience in research methodologies and techniques.
The college has partnerships with a range of leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. These partnerships provide RCM students with the opportunity to take part in orchestral placements, working alongside professional musicians and gaining valuable experience in the world of orchestral performance.
The RCM also has a long-standing partnership with the Royal Opera House, providing students with access to a range of opera placement opportunities. These placements allow students to work alongside leading opera professionals, gaining valuable experience in all aspects of opera production, from set design to vocal coaching.
Scholarship
UniScholars is dedicated to supporting students in achieving their academic aspirations affordably. They offer a variety of scholarships tailored to different fields and backgrounds, aiming to make higher education accessible to all. With UniScholars, aspiring scholars can find the financial support they need to pursue their dreams without undue burden.
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Royal College of Music. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Royal College of Music. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
London is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world, and it is also a great place. One of the most exciting aspects of student life in London is the social scene. The city is home to a wide range of clubs, societies, and events that cater to all interests. The city is known for being one of the most expensive places in the world, and this is definitely true when it comes to housing and food. However, there are ways to save money and budget effectively. For example, many students opt to live in shared accommodation in order to save money on rent. Additionally, there are many supermarkets and budget-friendly options for grocery shopping. The table below lists some of the most common expenses that students may face while attending the Royal College of Music.
|
Particulars |
Cost (Monthly) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
£1220 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
£1200 |
|
Transportation |
£186 |
|
Food Cost |
£480 |
|
Entertainment |
£60 |
|
Groceries |
£200 |
|
Clothes |
£70 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation |
£2,216 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation |
£2,196 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$26,592 |