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Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced Studies in Composition (Taught)

Study level:
Postgraduate
UCAS Conservatoires

Course options

Study mode:
Full-time
Qualification:
Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
Duration:
1 Years
Start date:
22/09/2025
Campus:
Main Site
2025-20262026-2027
Apply

Course summary

The RNCM’s specialised Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced Studies (PGDip) is ideal for performers and composers who have a Master’s-level qualification and wish to perfect their craft with us.

Designed to enhance your musical experience, the programme offers exceptional Principal Study and group tuition, complemented by a flexible choice of modules that reflect the dynamic and evolving music industry. You’ll also benefit from a range of performance and professional development opportunities to further enhance your creative and technical skills and employability.

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.

Joint main specialism

You would like to study two specialisms, both studied equally.

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
  • Composition
Secondary instrument/specialisms
  • Bassoon
  • Bassoon (Contra)
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Clarinet (Bass)
  • Clarinet (E flat)
  • Cor anglais
  • Cornet
  • Double Bass
  • Euphonium
  • Flute
  • Guitar (Classical)
  • Harp
  • Harpsichord
  • Horn (Baritone)
  • Horn (French)
  • Horn (Tenor)
  • Oboe
  • Percussion (Orchestral) & Timpani
  • Piano
  • Piano (Accompaniment)
  • Piccolo
  • Recorder
  • Repetiteur
  • Saxophone
  • Trombone (Bass)
  • Trombone (Tenor)
  • Trumpet
  • Tuba
  • Viola
  • Violin
  • Voice (Baritone)
  • Voice (Bass)
  • Voice (Bass-Baritone)
  • Voice (Contralto)
  • Voice (Counter-Tenor)
  • Voice (Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Voice (Soprano)
  • Voice (Tenor)

Modules

The PGDip comprises two strands: Advanced Performance/Composition tuition and two elective modules. All PGDip students receive regular tuition from the RNCM’s team of internationally-acclaimed staff, a wealth of performance opportunities both at the RNCM and externally, support of an appointed mentor who will advise you through your selection of options and in preparation for your final performance/portfolio, and vocational and academic elective modules options that complement specialist tuition and performance activities.

Elective modules include: accompanying; arrangement accompanying; arrangement; aural analysis and critique composition; conducting; contemporary songwriting; dissertation (research module choie); Dalcroze eurhythmics and dynamic rehearsal; Dalcroze in context (research module choice); electronic experimental ensemble; the freelance musician; musicianship for instrumentalists; musicianship for vocalists: consort singing; practical pedagogy; professional audition; professional placement; research lecture recital (research module choice); research methods: artistic research, musicology, music education or music psychology (research module choice); repertoire project (research module choice); small ensemble performance (chamber music; historical performance; jazz; popular music).

Assessment method

Summative assessment is undertaken through live examinations and submitted coursework. In all cases assessments are undertaken or submitted at the end of the module. Examinations and coursework submissions normally occur once in a module. The balance of assessment through either mode depends on the optional modules you choose. Composition is assessed through coursework (final portfolio) with a viva voce.

This course is closed for the 2025 academic cycle. Please contact the provider or view the 2026 courses.

Apply by
2 October

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
620F
Institution code:
R57
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Royal Northern College of Music has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

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:
620F
Institution code:
R57
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Over 900 students from more than 60 countries currently call the RNCM their home, and our vibrant community is continually enriched by the international students we welcome each year.

If you are hoping to join us from overseas and your first language is not English, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For the PGDip, an IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI), is required.

For further information, visit rncm.ac.uk/international

Entry requirements

  • All applicants must hold and MMus of equivalent.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must obtain an IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI).

Additional entry requirements

Audition
All applicants must pass an RNCM audition.
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
Portfolio

English language requirements

If you are hoping to join us from overseas and your first language is not English, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For the PGDip, an IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI), is required.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

The RNCM charges tuition fees to all students for each year of study. To determine the status of students for fee purposes, we follow regulations issued by the UK Government. If you don’t qualify for Home status, you’ll be enrolled as an International student.

Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for course fees and information about scholarships and bursaries.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships are offered to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential at audition. There’s no separate application process for these as everyone is automatically considered. Scholarship Awards are for the first year of study only (unless specifically stated otherwise). A limited number of Bursaries are also available for International and postgraduate students, allocated on the basis of need and merit. If you’re successful in gaining a Bursary, this will be deducted from your tuition fees, leaving you with a net balance to pay. Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for information about scholarships and bursaries.

Related courses

At Royal Northern College of Music

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