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

The MMus/MA Joint Principal Study (JPS) degree is intended for exceptional students who are capable of performing at masters level in more than one discipline. Your study will be shared between two departments, with both individual lessons and supporting classes split between disciplines.

Possible combinations include:

Two instruments from different families within the performance strand, e.g. piano and cello
Two genres, such as jazz and traditional music; jazz and (classical) performance; or traditional music and (classical) performance
Two disciplines, such as composition and percussion

The following strands are self-contained specialisms, and may not be combined with another strand as part of a JPS route:

Chamber Music
Conducting
Performance and Pedagogy
Performance and Musicology
Piano for Dance
Repetiteurship

The following cases do NOT constitute joint principal study:

Students pursuing two instruments within the same family e.g. violin and viola, piano and harpsichord, flute and piccolo, and similar doublings
Jazz and Traditional students who both perform and compose as part of their discipline

Acceptance onto the Joint Principal Study strand is exceptional, and is only offered to students who are able to demonstrate the requisite level of skill and commitment across both areas.

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
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.

Course contact details

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

Visit website

MMus/MA Joint Principal Study