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.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the general entry requirements, candidates will preferably already have:

Some repetiteur experience at professional or near-professional level
Broad knowledge (and performance experience) of mainstream operatic repertoire, from performance and listening
The ability to work encouragingly and effectively with others, including as part of a larger team

Experience of working in the context of operatic and/or musical theatre, and a knowledge of the main operatic languages (French, Italian, German) is desirable.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Repetiteurs are the lynchpin of an opera company. On the Repetiteurship course, you will study all the core skills needed to enter the profession. During your time at the RCS, you will play and perform in a variety of productions, concerts and opera scenes.

As a student of the MMus/MA Repetiteurship course, you will study on the Alexander Gibson Opera School, working closely with Scottish Opera and the RCS Vocal Performance Department. The Repetiteurship course is run by Duncan Williams, a highly experienced repetiteur and teacher of national and international repute. There will be an opportunity to receive coaching from external professionals from the UK opera companies, and work on productions with highly experienced conductors.

Applicants are required to be technically proficient at the keyboard to a very high standard. You will play music of all genres from the baroque to contemporary. Students will be taught the fundamentals of repetiteurship, including how to play orchestrally, how to work with a conductor, and how to coach singers. A large part of the training will be participating in practical sessions, such as playing for language and performance classes, masterclasses, and singing lessons. The Opera Department works closely with the Conducting Department, and opportunities often arise for repetiteurs to develop conducting skills and experience, if they so wish.

Recent productions at the RCS include Die Zauberflöte, Idomeneo, The Rape of Lucretia, Cendrillon, L’étoile, Flight, Dead Man Walking, and Die Dreigroschenoper.

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.

It may be possible to study MMus Repetiteurship part-time, over three or four years. However this is highly exceptional and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you are interested in studying MMus Repetiteurship on a part-time basis, please get in touch with our admissions team: hello@rcs.ac.uk to explore this possibility.

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

Course contact details

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

Visit website

MMus/MA Repetiteurship