Royal Northern College of Music

The RNCM is alive with people who share your passion for music and our home is a city that lives and breathes it. Opportunities lie around every corner, and we can’t wait to see which path you’ll choose.

A love of music opens doors to endless possibilities…Where will yours take you?

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is continually recognised as one of the world’s most forward-thinking conservatoires.­­­­­­

Known affectionately as The Northern, its home to an incredible family of Northerners who are always happy to tell prospective students like you all about RNCM life. You can start a conversation with our community of staff, students and alumni at any time via our online chat feature.

Why RNCM?

Education: We’re dedicated to providing an outstanding education that propels our students into careers as inspiring and versatile musicians, fully equipped for exciting futures both on and off stage. Our Undergraduate and Graduate Schools and Research Department offer flexibility to build a programme that’s right for you.

Professional Opportunities: With a growing trend towards portfolio careers, we’ll always encourage you to look beyond your studies to ensure you gain an all-round experience while you’re with us. This is why we offer a range of professional opportunities to help you develop the skills needed to establish and maintain a successful future in a competitive sector.

Performance Opportunities: These are second to none at the RNCM. From large orchestral projects and cross-school collaborations to full-scale opera productions, intimate chamber concerts and solo recitals, our thriving and energetic programme provides valuable opportunities to develop your skills. You’ll also have the freedom and support to explore your interest whether it is early performing styles, jazz, or choral singing.

Worldwide Partnerships: We’ve worked hard to forge strong relationships with orchestras, ensembles and organisations throughout the world. Through Professional Experience Schemes, side-by-side initiatives, mentorships and, amongst others, community engagements, these enviable partnerships provide exceptional opportunities for our students to develop projects, embrace real-world experiences and refine their career aspirations.

Research: This is a cornerstone of the musical creativity and experimentation that flourishes at the RNCM. As the UK’s leading music conservatoires for research, we offer routes in Musicology, Music Psychology, Music Education, Composition and Performance. Whatever path you choose, you’ll have access to outstanding resources and facilities, exceptional supervision, individually tailored training, and opportunities for career development and enhancement.

Alumni: Our alumni network is integral to our DNA, and we’re continually impressed by the amazing things they achieve. Their stories define who we are today and inspire where we could be tomorrow. Discover our alumni here and read the latest edition of The Northern, our alumni magazine, here.

Facilities: For classical and popular musicians alike, we pride ourselves on offering excellent facilities, including high-quality performance and rehearsal spaces alongside outstanding resources. But don’t take our word for it, explore key areas yourself via our virtual tours.

Location: We’re located in Manchester, one of the UK’s most popular cultural hotspots. Based in the North West of England, Manchester’s a fantastic vibrant city for students, offering an affordable lifestyle without compromising your experience.

Support: From your initial enquiry through to enrolment and graduation, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our friendly Admissions Team is available throughout the entire application process, and we have a fantastic team of wellbeing staff onsite if you need someone to talk to during your studies. And if English isn’t your first language, don’t worry, everything you need to know about the support we provide and the requirements for your chosen course is here on our website.
rncm.ac.uk

Make An Application

Applications to our undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes are now open for 2024 entry via UCAS Conservatoires and will close on Wednesday 2 October.

All applicants are required to submit an Acceptd application alongside their UCAS Conservatoires application. If you are uploading an audition recording, this should be uploaded here to Acceptd. Please note that not all applicants are required to submit an audition recording, and you should check the audition requirements for your principal study before completing your Acceptd application.

Scholarships Awards: We offer scholarships to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential at audition. There’s no separate application process for these as everyone is automatically considered.

If you need any advice or assistance on your application, please contact admissions@rncm.ac.uk or call (+44) - 0161 907 5465.