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.
Music requirements
A standard of performance commensurate with the BMus final year public recital is sought at the entrance audition for this programme. Therefore, candidates at audition should be prepared to demonstrate a range of skills & competencies, as well as an understanding of traditional music, which taken together can produce a comprehensive insight into their performance standard:
a strong technique, facilitating a high level of accuracy and control in your performance;
a strongly projected musical understanding of repertoire, structures and context, informed by a highly imaginative approach to interpretation;
a mature engagement with the music that projects a convincing sense of your musical personality;
a demonstration, through performance and discussion, of your capacity to develop the above qualities to further heights of expertise, showing artistic curiosity and effective time management.
Months of entry
September
Course content
You begin your postgraduate studies with the core of your musical personality – the skills, understandings and attitudes that define you as a traditional musician or piper – already established. Your postgraduate studies should nurture that existing artistic personality so that you can make a difference in the fields in which you choose to work.
The programme offers advanced training to talented traditional musicians from diverse undergraduate degrees or their equivalent. We have designed the programme so that you take ownership of the learning process throughout the degree and beyond, whether in the professional world or further studies (such as a PhD).
Our staff are professional performers, composers, and scholars of Scottish traditional music (and beyond) with active careers. They understand the challenges that you’ll face in your career and can provide help and advice as you progress. As well as working with our core staff, you’ll get the opportunity to learn from visiting artists and academics from all over the world.
There’s a great atmosphere in the department and the Conservatoire as a whole. We have a close-knit community where you will perform and gig with other students and staff, making friends for life.
As for professional and institutional collaborations, we work closely with the National Piping Centre, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the Celtic Connections and Piping Live festivals in delivering a varied and vocationally robust experience for its students.
Piping tuition on the MMus is delivered in collaboration with the National Piping Centre — an internationally recognised centre of excellence in Highland Bagpipe teaching.
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 Conducting 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.
