Choosing the right place to study is important. Your teachers, your course and the working environment all have a profound impact on your development as a musician.

The Royal College of Music welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds on a variety of courses, offering some of the finest teachers and truly world-class facilities. Competition for places is significant and based entirely on musical merit. Successful applicants demonstrate a very high level of musicianship and potential for professional growth.

If you have not yet decided whether the RCM is for you, we have compiled the information below to help you make an informed decision.

Explore the RCM

We advise visiting all the institutions that you are interested in. Seeing them for yourself is a great way to experience the atmosphere as well as finding out more about the opportunities and study options that each place offers. There are lots of ways you can explore the RCM, even if you are based overseas and cannot visit our building in person.

Our annual Open Day is packed with live music, introductions to the faculties, a selection of open lessons, informative talks and opportunities to meet current RCM students.

Our extensive programme of events is a fantastic way of seeing the standard of performance that RCM students achieve and the kind of performance opportunites we provide. We also livestream several events online every season.

You can take a tour of our campus and facilities on YouTube and enjoy a series of interactive digital exhibitions from our historic collections through Google Arts & Culture.

How to apply

Applications for most RCM courses are made through the UCAS Conservatoires online platform. The application process varies between courses and principal study specialisms, especially those courses that do not use UCAS Conservatoires for applications. You can find out exactly how to apply for all our programmes and the entry requirements for each one by browsing our course listings. 

Application deadlines

The Royal College of Music holds auditions in London, Asia, the USA, and Australia. Auditions for all courses and all principal studies can be undertaken in London. Auditions for most courses and principal studies can also be undertaken in Asia and the USA. Only vocal auditions are held in Australia. International applicants who cannot travel to the UK or other Overseas audition venues may submit a video audition instead.

Application deadlines, application fees, audition dates, and the availability of RCM accompanists vary between locations.

Choosing where to audition

Changing your mind

Applications via UCAS

UCAS allows you to amend your application details online. There is also a 14-day period during which you can cancel your application and request a refund. The 14-day period is counted from the date on your applicant welcome e-mail. You can find further information and guidance on the UCAS website.

Non-UCAS applications

Applicants for doctoral degrees or exchange programmes who would like to withdraw their application should email our Admissions team as soon as possible.

Speak to our Admissions team

If you would like to talk to someone about applying to the Royal College of Music, our audition process or our expected standards, feel free to contact our friendly Admissions team who will be happy to advise you.