Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
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Jazz (MA) (Taught)
- MA (PG)
- 1 Years
- Full-time
- 22/09/2025
- Postgraduate
- Main Site
- Course scheme
- UCAS Conservatoires
Course summary
The MA Jazz programme is a specialist pathway designed for students interested in furthering their development in jazz at the postgraduate level. Led by internationally renowned jazz saxophonist and composer Tommy Smith OBE, this programme offers bespoke tuition from Scotland’s best jazz performers and educators.
This programme accommodates performers, writers, and arrangers. The tailored course fits individual needs and requirements, allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest and specialisms. Regular one-to-one lessons centred on a principal study instrument support students in maximising their skills and potential. Additional one-to-one lessons are available for those interested in developing a second instrument. Concert series and masterclasses also give students excellent exposure and regular opportunities to perform with tutors, guest performers, and jazz orchestras.
The strong connections between RCS and external professional organisations prepare our students to contribute to vibrant jazz scenes across Scotland and beyond. Participating in the greater jazz community widens our students’ prospects, supporting their transitions into the professional jazz scene.
Please note, the international deadline for this programme is the 2nd December 2024, but we would encourage applicants to apply by the 2nd October 2024 to be guaranteed consideration for the first round of scholarship.
Curriculum Review
We are currently in the review cycle for our postgraduate music programmes starting in 2025, these courses are currently designated 'subject to validation'. This is standard practice during curriculum review periods. The outcome of this process, may mean there are some changes to how your programme is delivered.
Course details
Principal study options
During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:
Main specialism
Only one specialism is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.
Instrument/specialisms
For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.
Primary instrument/specialism
- Clarinet (Jazz)
- Double Bass (Jazz)
- Drumkit (Jazz)
- Electric bass (jazz)
- Flute (Jazz)
- Guitar (Jazz)
- Piano (Jazz)
- Saxophone (Alto) Jazz
- Saxophone (Baritone) Jazz
- Saxophone (Soprano) Jazz
- Saxophone (Tenor) Jazz
- Trombone (Jazz)
- Trumpet (Jazz)
- Vibraphone (Jazz)
- Violin (Jazz)
- Voice (Jazz)
Modules
More information about what the course entails can be found on our website.
Assessment method
More information about what the course entails can be found on our website.
How to apply
This course is closed for the 2025 academic cycle. Please contact the provider or view the 2026 courses.
If you are an international applicant, or you are applying for a postgraduate course, or are choosing certain assessment locations, the 'on time' deadline may be later in the year - please contact the conservatoire directly.
Apply by
2 October
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 807F
- Institution code:
- R58
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Currently around 20% of our students come from outside the UK. Between them, they represent over 60 different nationalities and add a rich diversity to the Conservatoire.
Entry requirements
Candidates for both the MMus and MA are normally expected to hold a good honours (at least 2:2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.
Additional entry requirements
- Audition
- All applicants are required to complete an audition, the format of which will vary depending on your submission type. For in-person auditions, you are required to prepare the set work, and one contrasting work, details of which can be found on our website. A band will be provided for you if you are auditioning in-person. Auditions usually last around 20 - 30mins
- Interview
- An interview will form part of your audition process. If you submit a recorded audition, then an interview will be at the discretion of the Head of Department.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | 6.0 with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | Overall score of 80, with minimum scores of: Reading – 18, Listening – 17, Speaking – 20, Writing – 17 |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall score of 59 with a minimum of 59 in all components (reading, listening, speaking, writing) |
More information about our language requirements can be found at the weblink. https://www.rcs.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands | £17875* | Whole course |
| England | £17875* | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £17875* | Whole course |
| Scotland | £17875* | Whole course |
| Wales | £17875* | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £17875* | Whole course |
| EU | £35090* | Whole course |
| International | £35090* | Whole course |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Please note, fees are subject to change for AY25 entry
Associated programme costs may be required for this programme for any new student at the start of their studies. For more information on please see our website - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/fees/
Sponsorship information
The Royal Conservatoire is able to offer a number of entrance scholarships which are awarded as part of the audition/selection process on the basis of merit and financial need. Please see our website for more information - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/scholarships/
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At Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
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