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
Our MMus/MA Performance is a flexible programme with a strong emphasis on performance, designed to refine and extend your musicianship in preparation for your next steps into your chosen career path.
The MMus/MA Performance programme is designed for students who aim to make music their life’s work.
Perhaps you aspire to become an opera singer, a concert artist or orchestral musician; to be a collaborative pianist, compose or arrange; to work as a freelance instrumentalist or to be a conductor, music leader or animateur. You may be planning to coach or teach, either as the sole focus of your professional life or, more likely, as part of a portfolio career. You might have your sights set on doctoral study, on making a contribution to Scotland’s vibrant traditional music culture or may perhaps wish to fulfil one of the vital specialist music roles in related art forms such as ballet.
Whatever your rationale for joining the Conservatoire’s MMus/MA programme, you are here to refine and extend your musicianship in preparation for your next steps.
Our MMus/MA Performance pathway places a main emphasis on performance instead of academic work, with 80 of 120 credits for MA students and first year MMus students dedicated to your principal study. For students undertaking the two-year MMus, this rises to 90 credits in second year. The programme is designed to be flexible and in both stages you will be able to choose your other credits from a range of options including performance classes, ensembles, rehearsals and masterclasses, and/or other courses from across the many disciplines we offer here at the Conservatoire.
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 Performance 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.
