Skip navigation
You are viewing our beta course page.

Postgraduate Diploma in Solo Performance (International Artist Diploma) (Taught)

  • PgDip
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Postgraduate
Main Site
UCAS Conservatoires
More about Royal Northern College of Music

Course options

2026-2027
Apply

Course summary

The Postgraduate Diploma in Solo Performance/Vocal Studies and Opera (International Artist Diploma) represents the pinnacle of achievement in performance at the RNCM and is intended for a small number of artists on the cusp of international careers.

Through intensive tuition and specialist classes, you’ll receive advanced musical training to the highest level in performance or conducting, honing your artistic, technical, presentation and communication skills. You’ll also expand your recital and concerto repertory and benefit from prestigious performance opportunities with the BBC Philharmonic and the College.

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
  • Bassoon
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Cornet
  • Double Bass
  • Euphonium
  • Flute
  • Guitar (Classical)
  • Harp
  • Horn (Baritone)
  • Horn (French)
  • Horn (Tenor)
  • Oboe
  • Percussion (Orchestral) & Timpani
  • Piano
  • Recorder
  • Saxophone
  • Trombone (Bass)
  • Trombone (Tenor)
  • Trumpet
  • Tuba
  • Viola
  • Violin
  • Voice (Baritone)
  • Voice (Bass)
  • Voice (Bass-Baritone)
  • Voice (Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Voice (Soprano)
  • Voice (Tenor)

Assessment method

Summative assessment is undertaken through live examinations and submitted coursework. In all cases assessments are undertaken or submitted at the end of the module. Examinations and coursework submissions normally occur once in a module. The balance of assessment through either mode depends on the optional modules you choose. Principal Study in Popular Music is normally assessed through examination.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • PgDip • Full-time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

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:
IADP
Institution code:
R57
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Royal Northern 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
14 January

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:
IADP
Institution code:
R57
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Over 900 students from more than 60 countries currently call the RNCM their home, and our vibrant community is continually enriched by the international students we welcome each year.

If you are hoping to join us from overseas and your first language is not English, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For the IAD, an IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI), is required.

For further information, visit rncm.ac.uk/international

Entry requirements

  • All applicants hold a good honours degree or equivalent (or be of equivalent professional standing).
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must obtain an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent in each component (or CEFR B2).

Additional entry requirements

Audition
All applicants must pass an RNCM audition.
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
Other
All applicants must be able to satisfy the RNCM that they have already achieved an advanced standard in their main discipline area and have the potential to develop further towards a professional level of attainment.

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must obtain an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent in each component (or CEFR B2).

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

The RNCM charges tuition fees to all students for each year of study. To determine the status of students for fee purposes, we follow regulations issued by the UK Government. If you don’t qualify for Home status, you’ll be enrolled as an International student.

Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for course fees and information about scholarships and bursaries. Please note that fees stated are for 2024/25 entry and are subject to annual review and change.

Sponsorship information

A maximum of four places are available each year and all students accepted onto this programme will have their tuition fees covered in full.

Like this page