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

At RCS, our aim is for each of our graduates to build a distinct, artistic practice, with the skills required to embark on a professional career as a creator of new music.

The MMus and MA Composition programmes are pathways designed to explore your compositional voice. Embarking on your tailored learning journey, our tutors will apply their expertise to support your creative and professional development.

Composition students have opportunities to work in the superb electroacoustic and recording studios, devise new work in our purpose-built performance venues, and complete an optional second study in performance. You will be working with our diverse and talented performing community in some of the best facilities in Europe.

Performing new work is of paramount importance to us. The Composition department has a significant reputation for contemporary music. PLUG – our critically acclaimed annual festival – is a renowned platform for premiering hundreds of new works. Our professional partnerships with leading ensembles and orchestras will provide you with further opportunities to hear your pieces performed.

Composition can be a solitary existence, but our Composition programmes aims to challenge and provide students with collaborative experiences with artists from dance, theatre, film, and musical theatre disciplines to develop their skills.

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

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.
---

The MMus in Composition 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 Composition