Course contact details
Main Contact
Email:admissions@rcs.ac.uk
Phone:0141 332 4101
Fax: 0141 332 8901
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
100 Renfrew Street
Glasgow
G2 3DB
Jazz (Taught)
- Master of Arts
- 1 Years
- Full-Time
- 21 September 2027
- Postgraduate
- Main Site
- Course scheme
- UCAS Conservatoires
Course summary
The MA Jazz programme is a specialist pathway designed for students interested in furthering their development in jazz at the postgraduate level. This programme accommodates performers, writers, and arrangers. The tailored course fits individual needs and requirements, allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest and specialisms. Regular one-to-one lessons centred on a principal study instrument support students in maximising their skills and potential. Additional one-to-one lessons are available for those interested in developing a second instrument. Concert series and masterclasses also give students excellent exposure and regular opportunities to perform with tutors, guest performers, and jazz orchestras.
The strong connections between RCS and external professional organisations prepare our students to contribute to vibrant jazz scenes across Scotland and beyond. Participating in the greater jazz community widens our students’ prospects, supporting their transitions into the professional jazz scene.
Please note, the international deadline for this programme is the 1st December 2026, but we would encourage applicants to apply early where possible.
Auditions
Applicants to this programme will go through a two stage process. First round, is a recorded submission, including specified repertoire, via the accetpd platform. Second round is a live audition. Please see our website for more information on what to prepare.
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:
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
- Clarinet (Jazz)
- Double Bass (Jazz)
- Drumkit (Jazz)
- Electric bass (jazz)
- Flute (Jazz)
- Guitar (Jazz)
- Piano (Jazz)
- Saxophone (Jazz)
- Trombone (Jazz)
- Trumpet (Jazz)
- Vibraphone (Jazz)
- Violin (Jazz)
- Voice (Jazz)
Modules
Course Modules
MA Stage 1
Principal Study 1 – 80 Credits (H5)
-
Individual instrumental/vocal lessons
-
2-3 negotiated performance assessments
Graduate Studies 1 – 30/20/10 Credits
- Negotiated departmental activities, such as ensembles, rehearsals, masterclasses and concerts
Practice Research – 10 Credits
- Research project
Options – 0/10/20 Credits
- Range of optional classes drawn from School of Music, School of Stage and Screen and School of Dance
MA Stage 2
Negotiated Study – 60 Credits
- Individual composition, performance or academic project
What is the difference between the MMus and the MA?
The MA is a shortened version of the programme for students who wish to get a Master’s 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 degrees: both concentrate mainly on performance rather than academic work
https://www.rcs.ac.uk/courses/mmus-ma-jazz/#programme-structure
Assessment method
More information about what the course entails can be found on our website.
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
1 October 2026
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:
- 807F
- Institution code:
- R58
- Campus name:
- Main Site
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
Additional entry requirements
- Audition
- The audition process will consist of two rounds. Round 1 is all recorded submissions regardless of the audition location you choose. Round 2 is a live audition. Please see our website for details on what to present for audition
- Interview
- An interview will form part of the second round of auditions.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | 6.0 with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | Overall score of 80, with minimum scores of: Reading – 18, Listening – 17, Speaking – 20, Writing – 17 |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall score of 59 with a minimum of 59 in all components (reading, listening, speaking, writing) |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Overall score of 169 with a minimum of 162 in all components | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Overall score of 169 with a minimum of 162 in all components |
https://www.rcs.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-requirements/
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 |
|---|---|
| Recording | £65 |
| RCS (Glasgow) | £65 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording | Not Applicable |
| RCS (Glasgow) | Not Applicable |
Additional Information
All applicants need to complete an Acceptd account profile and application regardless of which location you choose, this is part of the audition process (https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs) and needs to be completed once your UCAS application has been submitted. Applicants to this programme will go through a two stage process. First round, is a recorded submission, including specified repertoire, via the accetpd platform. Second round is a live audition. All live in-person auditions will be scheduled through the Acceptd platform. For the best audition experience, we would encourage all UK applicants (and where possible international applicants) to attend in person. You can view the audition requirements and what to prepare for this course at the following page on our website: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/courses/mmus-ma-jazz/.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Please note, all new students are required to pay associated programme cost related fees at the start of their studies.
For more information on fees, funding and scholarship, please see our website.
Sponsorship information
Music Scholarships
Within the School of Music, the majority of scholarship awards are made following an audition and offer of a place at the RCS. Scholarships are made based on ability and potential with some for financial need. Many School of Music scholarships are made for the duration of the programme. There is no separate scholarship application for the School of Music as everyone is automatically considered.
Related courses
At Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
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