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Course summary
The Advanced Artist Diploma (AAD, Level 8) is for a select group of instrumentalists at the highest level. The UCAS application deadline is 2 October 2025. The course supports development of a range of industry-related skills (as appropriate to your individual profile) with mentoring provided in addition to one-to-one lessons. Successful applicants will be ready to take full advantage of a recording opportunity with world-class production and special release arrangements on major streaming platforms and/or record labels. Students selected for this course will receive a full-fees scholarship and will also be eligible for additional scholarship support at the point of entry. (The recording will receive separate financial support.) AAD students will be required to self-manage critical aspects of the delivery of the recording, and the range of work undertaken during the course, in line with professional expectations. The course is at level 8 of the FHEQ, which demands a high level of autonomy and initiative, as well as highly developed artistry. This course is right for you if you are on the cusp of an international career and aim to develop musical collaborations at a corresponding level. It is designed to enable students to make the most of the artistic and educational opportunities afforded by the Academy and its location in the heart of London.
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
- Accordion
- Bassoon
- Bassoon (Historical Performance)
- Cello
- Cello (Historical Performance)
- Clarinet
- Clarinet (Historical Performance)
- Double Bass
- Double Bass (Historical Performance)
- Ensemble Piano
- Flute
- Flute (Historical Performance)
- Fortepiano (Historical)
- Guitar (Classical)
- Harp
- Harpsichord
- Horn (French)
- Horn (Natural)
- Lute
- Oboe
- Oboe (Historical Performance)
- Organ
- Percussion (Orchestral) & Timpani
- Piano
- Recorder
- Sackbut
- Saxophone
- Trombone (Bass)
- Trombone (Tenor)
- Trumpet
- Tuba
- Viola
- Viola (Historical Performance)
- Viola da Gamba
- Violin
- Violin (Historical Performance)
Assessment method
Please see the information on https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/about-our-courses
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:
- W311
- Institution code:
- R53
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
International applicants
At the Academy we pride ourselves on our diverse international community. Over 800 students study here every year, with around sixty different nationalities from all over the world. https://www.ram.ac.uk/student-life/international; https://www.ram.ac.uk/accommodation. For details about how to prepare a video audition, please see the Audition Requirements section for your Department on https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/departments
Entry requirements
A Master’s qualification or equivalent (in a relevant subject) but the Academy welcomes applications from students who may not meet the normal requirements. A performance standard at least equivalent to a Distinction at Master’s level. https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/entry-requirements
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Minimum score of 5.5 in every section of the test |
|---|
| PTE Academic | 59 | Minimum score of 59 |
|---|
We accept IELTS Academic, IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition. PTE Academic, PTE Academic Online and Cambridge C1 Advanced.
English Language requirements are published on our website: https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/entry-requirements
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 on www.ram.ac.uk/fees
Sponsorship information
There is no separate scholarship application process, and entrance scholarship awards are confirmed in candidates' offer details. You can find more details about financial support on https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/fees-scholarships-and-bursaries.
