Course contact details
Admissions
Email:admissions@rcm.ac.uk
Phone:020 7591 4362
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
Kensington and Chelsea
London
SW7 2BS
Artist Diploma in Composition (Taught)
- Art Dip
- 1 Years
- Full-time
- September 2026
- Postgraduate
- Main Site
- Course scheme
- UCAS Conservatoires
Course summary
The Artist Diploma in Composition is designed for students wishing to work intensively on the technique and practice of Composition or Composition for Screen, as a prelude to professional activity as a composer. It provides time for concentrated study with a principal study composition teacher, or teachers, and enables sustained focus on one or more specific projects leading to final examination in the form of a portfolio submission of work. Composers are offered a wholly exceptional performance environment in which they have the opportunity to hear their compositions played by resident and visiting musicians, RCM orchestras, ensembles and fellow students of the highest technical and musical ability.
The Artist Diploma (ArtDip) represents the highest level of taught postgraduate study. It is tailored to musicians aiming to hone their skills by working intensively on specific areas of their artistic development. Places on our Artist Diploma programmes are only offered to students who have already demonstrated a high level of ability at Masters level.
The ArtDip in Composition may be studied for up to two years. The duration for individual students will depend on their individual progress and readiness for assessment, but most students will complete the programme within one year. Applicants interested in the 2 year version of the course should discuss this with the panel if invited for interview.
Course details
Principal study options
During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:
Main specialism
Only one specialism is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.
Instrument/specialisms
For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.
Primary instrument/specialism
- Composition
- Composition for Screen
Modules
The Artist Diploma in Composition provides time for concentrated study with a Principal Study composition teacher, or teachers, and enables sustained focus on one or more specific projects.
Assessment method
The final examination is in the form of submission of a final portfolio of composition work.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- Art Dip • Full-time • 1 Years
Start dates
- September 2026
Apply by
2 October
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 606F
- Institution code:
- R56
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Royal College of Music has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
If you are an international applicant, or you are applying for a postgraduate course, or are choosing certain assessment locations, the 'on time' deadline may be later in the year - please contact the conservatoire directly.
Apply by
2 October
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 606F
- Institution code:
- R56
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
The Royal College of Music has a long tradition of welcoming international students from all over the world. Our broad community of staff and students makes the RCM an exciting and diverse hub of musical activity. Almost half of our students are from outside the UK, studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Candidates who are unable to attend an interview in London can choose to have a video interview instead - please select this option in your application. We are unable to offer composition interviews at our international audition venues.
Entry requirements
A Masters degree, postgraduate diploma or equivalent experience.
Additional entry requirements
- Portfolio
- Portfolios must be submitted by the application deadline. Details of how to submit your portfolio are available at http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/auditions/
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 5.5 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 59 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Level B2 | Overall score of 160-179 and no less than 160 in any component. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Trinity ISE II certificate. Must include a pass in all components. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 72 | Overall score of 72, with minimum component scores of: Reading -18, Listening -17, Speaking -20, Writing -17 |
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UK Home Office) do not need to sit an English test if you can provide a valid passport from an English speaking country. Some other exceptions apply - please consult our website for details.
The RCM's English Language Requirements are available in full at this link:http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/
Assessment locations
In the event of a successful assessment, applicants may be invited for a further interview prior to being made an offer.
Remote assessment recordings may be accepted in the event that you cannot attend an assessment in person.
Single specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| London | £115 | £115 |
| Online Interview | £115 | £115 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late fee |
|---|---|---|
| London | Not available at this location | |
| Online Interview | Not available at this location | |
Additional Information
Composition applications are assessed through a two stage process. Composers audition by submitting a portfolio of work to the RCM for consideration. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. Composition for Screen candidates will also be sent a short practical task to complete prior to interview. Please see www.rcm.ac.uk/composition/auditionrequirements/ for further details of how to submit your portfolio.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Full details of the tuition fees for the 2026-2027 academic year will be available at www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/feesandfunding/ once published.
Sponsorship information
All composers shortlisted for an interview, both in person and by video, will automatically be considered for a scholarship or study award. There is no separate application process. Scholarships are awarded on merit based on the strength of the portfolio and interview.
Related courses
At Royal College of Music
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