Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

Candidates for both the MMus and MA are normally expected to hold a good honours (at least 2:2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.

English Language Requirements

The language of study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) is English. All applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence that their English language level meets the entrance requirements.

The required IELTS level for this programme is 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.

Full details of the English language tests and equivalencies we accept can be found on our English Language Requirements page.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Collaborative Piano is a varied and challenging postgraduate programme which will prepare you for a demanding profession.

Alongside a team of highly experienced professional pianists and chamber musicians, you will engage in a range of collaborative opportunities to prepare you for this demanding profession working with students and lecturers from all departments at RCS.

Developing core skills form the foundation of the Collaborative Piano programme. In addition to the extensive development of standard duo repertoire, additional supporting skills are also cultivated in regular group classes including; sight-reading, orchestral reductions, transposition, figured bass, playing for choirs, vocal and instrumental coaching. and languages.

MMus Collaborative Pianists also enjoy extensive performing opportunities, whether in concerts, competitions or playing for students. The programme provides a wide range of choices for assessment, including studio recordings, commissions of new collaborative works, independent projects and full-length recitals.

Students who have graduated in this course have gone on to have professional careers as collaborative pianists and work for a wide range of institutions and organisations throughout the world. Graduates also work in the fields of music education, arts management and administration, and music in the community, where an MMus degree is highly valued.

Information for international students

You can find information for international students on our dedicated webpage.

Fees and funding

UK students

13308

International students

28401

For academic year 2025/26:

MMus

Full-time:

Home: £13,308

International: £28,401

Part-time:

Home: £6,654

MA:

Home: £18,483

International: £36,283

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.

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 Music have a range of associated costs related to the specific activities required and advised by the programme team. You can find an indication of these costs here.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MMus
full time
24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
part time
48 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
MA
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

The MMus is the standard two-year programme undertaken by most students.

The MA is a shortened version of the programme for students who wish to get a Masters degree in a single year of study.

The first three terms of the MMus and MA are identical: MA students complete a further module in term 4 to complete the degree in a single year. There is no difference in the nature of the degrees: both concentrate mainly on performance rather than academic work.
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The MMus in Collaborative Piano can be studied part-time across three or four years. The possible patterns are:

Stage 1 full time, Stage 2 part time over two years (three years total)

Stage 1 part time over two years, Stage 2 full time (three years total)

Stage 1 part time over two years, Stage 2 part time over two years (four years total)

No MA programme may be taken part-time. Please note international students on student visas are not permitted to undertake any of the part-time routes.

Your part-time programme will be negotiated individually, but will typically involve spreading your Principal Study tuition over two years, with B assessment/s in the first part-time year and the A assessment as the culmination of the second. Supporting Studies activities will be distributed across the two years, while any Options chosen will occupy a single part-time year.

Please note, if you wish to apply to undertake this programme part-time there will be a separate instance on UCAS.

Course contact details

Name: Admissions
Email: admissions@rcs.ac.uk

Visit website

MMus/MA Collaborative Piano