Research at the Royal College of Music embraces the creative, cultural and scientific study of music. Our thriving community of researchers works on a diverse range of projects in musicology, performance science, music education, composition and performance.

The RCM thrives on research, which directly informs the teaching and learning across the College and beyond. Our research environment facilitates close interaction between musical practice, academic study and research, promoting enquiry, critical reflection and innovation.

AHRC studentships

The RCM is a member of the London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP), made up of eight of London’s leading universities. LAHP awards around 90 fully funded AHRC studentships for doctoral study each year in an open competition that runs across all the performing and fine arts, and humanities subjects. AHRC studentships cover full fees and a generous living stipend, and offer exceptional opportunities, including supervision of interdisciplinary projects and industry placements, creating outstanding training for diverse career paths.

Find out more about AHRC studentships

Research centres

Centre for Performance Science

The Centre for Performance Science is an ambitious collaboration between the Royal College of Music and Imperial College, aimed at tackling major challenges of performance across a wide array of domains. Both institutions are uniquely positioned to undertake this activity, with partnerships spanning the arts, medicine engineering, natural sciences and business.

Our vision is that, by understanding how skilled performers meet the distinctive challenges of their work, often under intense stress and public scrutiny, performance will serve both as a source of inspiration and a rich resource for research.

Find out more 

Get in touch

You are welcome to get in touch with our research team using the details below.

If you are interested in our archives, history or past students please contact the Library. If you have an enquiry about a musical instrument please contact the Museum.

Additional information, including contact points for potential research students and the press, can be found on our Research enquiries page.