Bachelor of Music (Honours)

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) programme at the Royal College of Music offers exceptional professional training alongside rigorous supporting studies, preparing students for diverse careers in the music industry. Whether your focus is instrumental, vocal or composition, the programme nurtures artistic individuality while developing essential practical and professional skills. With a strong emphasis on creativity, technical excellence, career preparation, and entrepreneurial skills, the BMus degree equips students to thrive in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

Your programme of study at the RCM is shaped by your principal study specialism, ensuring a tailored and immersive learning experience. Students receive individual lessons with world-renowned musicians alongside opportunities for solo, chamber, and ensemble performances. Core studies comprise aural skills, theory, improvisation, music history, music education, entrepreneurship and innovation, and health and well-being, fostering well-rounded professional and artistic development. A variety of elective options allows students to explore and refine their individual, artistic and professional interests.

Assessment in the BMus programme is designed to reflect the diverse skills required for a successful career in music. It is grouped into subject-specific, general, and key skills assessments, with tasks varying depending on the module. These include technical assessments, performance exams, and practical evaluations, as well as portfolios, essays, quizzes, and presentations in academic and theoretical modules. Additionally, students engage in critically reflective work, collaborative projects, workshops, and vivas in skills-based modules, ensuring a comprehensive approach to learning and professional development.

Royal College of Music courses are internationally recognised, with successful students awarded their qualifications under the RCM's Royal Charter.

Students with an equally high level of ability in two areas may undertake joint principal study, in which their two specialisms are taught and assessed with equal weight. If you wish to undertake joint principal study you should submit only one application and select joint principal study on your application form. You will be auditioned for both specialisms. Please note that due to the large number of scheduled classes, it is not possible for singers or percussionists to undertake joint principal study.

Most students have the option of taking a second study on this course. Second study allows students to receive tuition in a second specialism, taught and assessed at a lower intensity than their principal study, in an area that does not qualify for related study and are subject to successful audition and the agreement of the relevant Head of Faculty. There is no need to inform the RCM at the point of application. Auditions take place during the first few weeks of the course, and students will have the opportunity to register for these auditions shortly before the start of the academic year.

Course Modules

Years 1 & 2:

• Principal Study (main instrumental, vocal or composition specialism), Second Study, with regular faculty-based workshops, activities, and opportunities for performance

• Core courses in Aural, Musicology, Improvisation, Theory and Analysis; Healthy Musician (in Year 1), and Teaching Musician (in Year 2)

• Opportunity to fast-track to higher levels of study in Aural and Improvisation, Theory and Analysis courses.

Years 3 & 4 :

• Continue Principal Study, Second Study, with regular faculty-based workshops, activities, and opportunities for performance

• Core courses in Professional Musician (Year 3) and Independent Project (Year 4)

• Tailor your programme of study from a variety of Electives

Assessment tasks within the RCM’s undergraduate course are varied and rooted in musical practice, including performance and technical exams,  practical assessments, in-class assessments, written coursework and exams, presentations (individual and group), teaching demonstrations, workshops, reflective work, and vivas/interviews in skills-based courses.