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

  • Postgraduate Diploma
  • 1 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Postgraduate
Main Site
UCAS Conservatoires
More about Royal Northern College of Music

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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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:

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 (solo)
  • 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

  • Postgraduate Diploma • Full-Time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

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
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
13 January 2027

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

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

  • All applicants hold a good honours degree or equivalent (or be of equivalent professional standing).
  • Applicants who are not from a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UKVI) 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.
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) / Disclosure Scotland Check
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 who are not from a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UKVI) must obtain an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent in each component (or CEFR B2).https://www.rncm.ac.uk/study-here/international-students/english-language-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

LocationOn-time Fee
OnlineNot available at this location
RNCM, ManchesterNot available at this location

Joint principal specialism assessment

LocationOn-time Fee
OnlineNot Applicable
RNCM, ManchesterNot Applicable

Additional Information

Applicants should provide a CV, biography and evidence of substantial performance experience (preferably internationally), via getacceptd.com. Shortlisted candidates will have a 45 minute warm up and 45-60 minute audition. Accompanists will be provided where appropriate, but applicants may use their own if they wish to.

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

Tuition fees are available to view on rncm.ac.uk/tuition-fees. Fees for subsequent years of study are subject to review and may change.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships and bursaries 4

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

Related courses

At Royal Northern College of Music

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