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Advanced Studies in Popular Music (PGDip) (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 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:

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

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Postgraduate Diploma • Full-Time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
1 October 2026

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

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Entrants must hold an MMus or equivalent.
Candidates who are not from a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UKVI) must meet our 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.

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
Online £80
RNCM, Manchester £80

Joint principal specialism assessment

LocationOn-time Fee
Online £120
RNCM, Manchester £120

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 2

Scholarships are offered to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential at audition. There’s no separate application process for these as everyone is automatically considered. Scholarship Awards are for the first year of study only (unless specifically stated otherwise).

A limited number of Bursaries are also available for International and postgraduate students, allocated on the basis of need and merit. If you’re successful in gaining a Bursary, this will be deducted from your tuition fees, leaving you with a net balance to pay.

Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for information about scholarships and bursaries.

Related courses

At Royal Northern College of Music

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