Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

The course centres on practical tuition and performance activity rather than written assessment. Core provision includes:

• Performance classes
• Masterclasses
• Individual lessons for Principal Study
• Ensemble and Directed Ensemble coaching
• Lectures and Seminars
• Academic supervisions

Students also choose from a rotating set of electives that respond to student interests and contemporary practice. Electives listed include:

• Analysis and Aesthetics
• Artist Development (practical career skills, portfolio-based assessment)
• Attentive Listening
• Composition (for those with prior composition experience)
• Concert Programmes and Programming
• Concert Workshop
• Creative Collaboration (intensive collaboration with Glyndebourne)
• Contemporary Music Workshop
• Creating your own performance projects
• Creative Programming and Research
• Enhanced Performance Techniques
• Historical Performance (period-instrument focus)
• The Interpreter’s Workshop
• Open Academy (participation and community practice)
• Performing Experimental Music
• Performing French Music
• The Pianist’s Heritage
• Principles of Chamber Music
• Thinking about recording / The self-directed recording artist
• Transcription and Arrangement

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally hold a Bachelor degree at RQF Level 6 with at least lower second-class honours (2:2) or an international equivalent. Selection for the MA pathway emphasises musical and performance ability; unlike the MMus route, applicants do not need to submit an academic project proposal or written portfolio. Programme length and pathway details are discussed at audition.

Career prospects

The course is intended to deepen performance skills and support the development of professional initiatives: concert programming, ensemble leadership, recording and self-directed projects. Graduates typically use the MA as a practical bridge into performing careers, freelance work, ensemble participation and other professional music roles where advanced historical-performance expertise is valued.

Scholarships & funding angle

Specific funding opportunities are not detailed here; prospective applicants should consult institutional scholarship and external funding sources. The course’s Artist Development and portfolio assessment elements are designed to help students prepare funding applications and professional materials as part of career planning.