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Advanced Studies in Popular Music (PGDip) (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 RNCM’s specialised Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced Studies (PGDip) is ideal for performers and composers who have a Master’s-level qualification and wish to perfect their craft.

Designed to enhance your musical experience, the programme offers exceptional Principal Study and group tuition, complemented by a flexible choice of modules that reflect the dynamic and evolving music industry. You’ll also benefit from a range of performance and professional development opportunities to further enhance your creative and technical skills and employability.

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.

Joint main specialism

You would like to study two specialisms, both studied equally.

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
  • Cello
  • Drumkit
  • Flute
  • Guitar (Bass)
  • Guitar (Electric)
  • Harp (Pop)
  • Music Production
  • Piano/Keyboards
  • Pop Instrumentalist
  • Pop Percussion
  • Saxophone
  • Trombone (Bass)
  • Trombone (Tenor)
  • Trumpet
  • Violin
  • Voice
Secondary instrument/specialisms
  • Cello
  • Drumkit
  • Flute
  • Guitar (Bass)
  • Guitar (Electric)
  • Harp (Pop)
  • Music Production
  • Piano/Keyboards
  • Pop Instrumentalist
  • Pop Percussion
  • Saxophone
  • Trombone (Bass)
  • Trombone (Tenor)
  • Trumpet
  • Violin
  • Voice

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • PgDip • Full-time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

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:
604P
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
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:
604P
Institution code:
R57
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Entrants must hold an MMus or equivalent.
Candidates whose first language is not English must meet the English language requirements for this course. These are IELTS 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent as defined by UKVI). Some options within the course may require IELTS 6.5 or 7.0.
UK applicants may be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check to participate in some professional placement modules within this course. Applicants from countries other than the UK, or UK residents who have spent six months or more in any non-UK country within five years of the course start date must additionally provide a police certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.

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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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