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Conducting (MA) (Taught)

Study level:
Postgraduate
Scheme:
UCAS Conservatoires

Course summary

The application deadline for this course is 1 DECEMBER 2023.

The MA degree is designed for students who wish to achieve a Masters level qualification in one year, with 180 SCQF credits at level 11 (90 ECTS credits). The programme runs full-time for three trimesters, 45 weeks in total, with the third trimester being dedicated to a largely independent project.

Our conducting programmes provides students with comprehensive and integrated training required of a professional conductor. You will concentrate on the technique and craft of conducting through diverse practical experience with the Royal Conservatoire orchestras, our opera department, and various classical and contemporary ensembles.

Our extensive professional links in Glasgow and across Scotland offer unmatched opportunities to work with and observe the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Red Note Ensemble, the Orchestra of Scottish Opera and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Students at the RCS have masterclasses each year under the guidance of Professor Martyn Brabbins and other conductors with the BBC SSO and RSNO.

Under the guidance of Professor Martyn Brabbins and Conducting Lecturer Michael Bawtree, you will have individual and group lessons, aural classes, discussion forums with industry professionals and the chance to engage with the extensive and varied opportunities that Glasgow – Scotland’s largest and musically most vibrant city – has to offer.

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
  • Conducting

Modules

More information about what the course entails can be found on our website: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/postgraduate/masters-music-mmus/conducting/

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How to apply

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:
840F
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. Applications are welcomed from international applicants to this programme.

Open days

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
After making an application through UCAS Conservatoires, Conducting applicants should submit a video recording by 1 October 2017 for shortlisting. Recorded auditions can be easily submitted online using Decision Desk.The recording should consist of two contrasting works, preferably including both performance and rehearsal time. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an audition at the Royal Conservatoire. Please refer to our Guide for Applicants for more information - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/studyhere/how-to-apply/music/

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 in each component (with no component below 5.5) is required.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
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

For more information on fees and funding, please see our website - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/apply/finance/feesandfunding

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/apply/finance/scholarships/.

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