Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
Applicants are normally expected to hold an appropriate undergraduate degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.
English language requirements
The language of study is English. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Level 7.5 (with a score of 7.5 in speaking) is required.
Months of entry
August, September
Course content
This one-year programme is designed to teach you the core skills and processes required to progress into the industry or on to full-time master’s study.
Studying within a safe and collaborative environment, you will have the opportunity to work closely with key skill practitioners, performers, actors, musicians, and other artists from across RCS.
We want to work with aspiring Musical directors on this exciting new Professional Graduate Diploma in Musical Direction at Scotland’s national conservatoire.
This one-year programme is designed to teach you the core skills and processes required to progress into the industry or on to full-time master’s study. Studying within a safe and collaborative environment, you will have the opportunity to work closely with key skill practitioners, performers, actors, musicians, and other artists from across RCS.
The design of this programme is weighted towards skills, with a focus placed on grounding, developing, and gaining fresh insight. By allowing space to prepare and learn from each session, students are given the opportunity to ground and develop the essential skills needed as a growing Musical Director.
These skills are structured into the 5 areas highlighted below:
- Keyboard skills
- Conducting skills
- Scoring and arranging techniques
- Vocal technique and repertoire coaching,
- Programming and Sound
Once confidence and consistency are gained in each area, project preparation sessions are then introduced. These sessions are designed to break down and explore the process of Musical Directing out with a larger process, before giving the opportunity to integrate this learning into a small project.
These sessions will include:
- Note learning sessions
- Voice warm-ups
- Keys depping processes
- Conducting small and large ensembles
- Techniques for coaching the voice
- Working with a creative and production team
You will work with specialist project and Industry mentors to support your individual aims and goals, and to gain insight into how your artistic practice relates to musical theatre more broadly. Opportunities to observe, assist and lead on projects will be explored as you grow in skill and experience, with the aim of supporting the next generation of innovative and highly skilled musical directors.
Information for international students
Find international student information here
Fees and funding
International students
£18,208
Tuition fees
For academic year 2025/26:
Home: £11,496
International: £18,208
Please note these fees are subject to change.
Funding & Scholarships
You can find out about the funding and scholarships available for studying at RCS by visiting
our dedicated page.
Please note, this programme is not eligible for government funding support, so must be self-funded by the applicant.
Cost of Living & Programme Costs
In addition to tuition fees, it is estimated that you will need between £11,200 and £15,300 per year to live in Glasgow, plus programme costs. Much will depend on your lifestyle and whether your course runs for three or four terms.
Programmes within the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film have a range of associated costs related to the specific activities required and advised by the programme team. To ensure fairness and parity of experience in relation to certain core programme activities a one-off payment to cover a proportion of necessary costs is required of the student at matriculation.
You can find these costs here. 
