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RCM students walking down the street in South Kensington

Study at the Royal College of Music

The Royal College of Music is one of the world's greatest conservatoires. Our excellence was recognised by the 2020 QS World University Rankings, in which we ranked as the top institution for performing arts in the UK for the fifth consecutive year and top in Europe. The RCM also achieved an overall rating of gold for its outstanding teaching and learning provision for undergraduates in the first ever Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). 

We welcome and support students from all over the world. Our international reputation is matched by our commitment to students who benefit from world-class facilities, amazing performance opportunities and exceptional professors. You can see our facilities for yourself at our annual Open Day, where you can also meet staff and current students.

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Faculties with exceptional professors

Our dedicated professors come from across the world, including respected international musicians

Outstanding performance opportunities

Our students perform across the world and the RCM hosts more than 500 events every academic year

Our inspiring location

London is a dynamic city full of opportunity and South Kensington is a thriving cultural quarter

International community

Half of our students are from 60 countries outside the UK and our staff come from all over the world

RCM student at an art and music event at the Royal Academy of Art

Outstanding opportunities

The RCM was awarded Gold in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework. Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the RCM delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.

We provide advice, support and access to a range of job opportunities through our Creative Careers Centre, which offers the chance to earn money, make industry contacts and perform at prestigious events. For orchestral musicians we offer sit-in schemes with some of the major London orchestras. Our learning and participation programme, RCM Sparks, offers the opportunity to gain workshop leadership experience, building skills much prized by the music industry.

Find out more

RCM student at an art and music event at the Royal Academy of Art

'From the moment you arrive here you are surrounded by friendly staff, ready to help at any time, and a wonderful atmosphere where you feel inspired and free.'

Varvara Tarasova, Artist Diploma

Excellent facilities & digital innovation

We constantly invest in our physical and digital facilities to provide the best support for students

Bespoke study options

We devise and award our own degrees, allowing you to craft a course to meet your aspirations

RCM Live

Bernard Haitink conducts Ravel Daphnis et Chloé

The RCM Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Bernard Haitink

'Studying at the RCM has provided me with invaluable teaching from incredible professional players and extensive performing opportunities.'

Judith Richmond, Bachelor of Music

World-leading research

The work of our researchers, ranked top for London conservatoires, drives our teaching and support

Applying to the RCM

Find out how to apply for the Royal College of Music, where you can audition and how to prepare