The Master of Science (MSc) in Performance Science is an internationally distinctive programme which examines the art and science of performance in real-world educational and professional contexts. The programme encourages students to engage with key aspects of performance psychology and education, performers’ health and wellbeing, arts and health, and research methods.

RCM students experience extensive professional and collaborative networking opportunities, one to one teaching with internationally renowned experts in performance science, access to latest research and world class facilities including an advanced Centre for Performance Science and a new £1.9 million Performance Laboratory which includes an advanced performance simulator.

This dynamic programme benefits anyone who is motivated to gain scientific understanding of how music is created, learned, performed and perceived, including performers, teachers, and arts leaders aiming to progress their current careers through continuing professional development. 

This programme is also an ideal base for those wishing to pursue doctoral research and/or teaching in performance science, music psychology, arts and health, musicians’ health, or in any area in which knowledge of scientific methods and techniques would be an advantage.

Find out more about applying here for 24/25 entry.

Advanced learning opportunities 

From the very beginning, students draw on exceptional resources and unique opportunities for learning, such as the RCM Library, the RCM Museum, the Centre for Performance Science, Performance Laboratory, Creative Careers Centre and RCM Sparks and our extensive outreach and education programme.

Learning & teaching

The programme is taught through a series of seminars and tutorials organised around core study modules.

Additional one-to-one studies are available for an additional fee. If your application is successful you will be eligible to audition when you start your programme at the RCM.

Opportunities

From the very beginning of the course you will be able to draw on exceptional resources and opportunities, such as the RCM Library, the RCM Museum, the Centre for Performance Science, Creative Careers Centre and RCM Sparks – our outreach and education programme.

Course reviews

RCM courses are reviewed annually in response to student and external examiner feedback, which sometimes results in minor changes, such as the availability of particular modules. A more thorough review is undertaken every five to six years, after which more substantial changes may be made while maintaining the ethos that underpins the course. Our review process is part of the RCM’s continued commitment to provide the best possible education and music training. The information provided here reflects the official course outline as it currently stands. In the event of alterations following a review, we will update this page as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Candidates normally require an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 class or above (or equivalent international qualification) in music, another performing art, or a subject related to performance science, such as education, psychology, sociology, or biology.

The RCM welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and alternative qualifications may be considered. If your qualifications are not listed here, please contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to discuss your suitability for the programme.

How to apply

The main application deadline for 2025 entry is 29 January 2025. Please contact our friendly Admissions team if you need any advice on applying.

You must submit your application for entry through UCAS Conservatoires, where you can apply simultaneously to all the institutions that are members of Conservatoires UK. You can track your application, find out when your interview is and get the results of your application all on UCAS. You can also confirm your decisions online.

Guidance on completing your application form is available on the UCAS Conservatoires website. As part of your application you will require two academic references. Referees should comment on your academic abilities and suitability for the MSc rather than your performance skills. You must enter your referees’ details into the application, and an automated e-mail will be sent to them requesting a reference. The second academic referee can be entered in the “practical reference” field. Only once your referees have responded will your application be forwarded to the RCM, so it is important to begin your application in good time. Further guidance is available from UCAS Conservatoires if you think your referees may not be able to provide a reference in time.

Candidates are required to pay an assessment fee of £50. All assessment and application fees are paid online through UCAS Conservatoires.

Additional one-to-one studies are available for an additional fee. If your application is successful you will be eligible to audition when you start your programme at the RCM.

Apply now

If you change your mind about applying, you can contact UCAS Conservatoires to cancel and request a refund. To be entitled to a refund you must cancel within 14 days of the date you submitted your application. You can find further details about how to do this, and also information about amending your application details, on the UCAS Conservatoires website.

Interviews

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview. The interview gives you an opportunity to explain your interest and motivation for undertaking postgraduate studies in performance science and to discuss any particular areas of interest in the field you may have. The interview also gives you the opportunity to find out more about the programme in particular and studying at the RCM in general.

We appreciate that some candidates may not have prior experience in all areas covered on the programme; however, we expect applicants to have a clear motivation for studying performance science and to have emerging familiarity with some of the performance science literature.

We do not offer interviews in person for the MSc in Performance Science at any of our venues.

Writing sample

As part of the application process, candidates will be requested to submit a short writing sample in advance of their interview.

This can be any example of your academic writing, such as an essay you may have completed within a previous degree, and does not need to be directly related to performance science. However, should you feel that you do not have any appropriate previous writing, we can provide a topic on which to write approximately 1,000 words.

The aim of the writing sample is to assess your ability to write critically at a postgraduate level.

Suggested Reading

Clarke E, Dibben N, & Pitts S (2009), Music and Mind in Everyday Life, Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780198525578. (See OUP.)

McPherson GE (2006), The Child as Musician, Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780198817154. (See OUP.) 

Parncutt R & McPherson GE (2002), The Science and Psychology of Music Performance, Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780195138108. (See OUP.)

Williamon A (ed.) (2004), Musical Excellence, Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780198525356. (See OUP.)

Enquiries

If you have any questions about studying at the RCM or about the admissions process please contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to help you.