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How to apply

Here you will find a summary of the information you need to apply to the Royal Northern College of Music.

Applications

Applications for most RNCM programmes are made through the Conservatoires UK Admission Services (CUKAS) website. The RNCM's Code is R57. You will find the relevant course code on the Academic Entrance Requirements page on the right-hand side menu.

Entrance auditions and interviews normally take place from November to December, although postgraduate and overseas candidates' auditions may be held at a later stage in the academic year.

Guidance is available on applying for the RNCM International Artist Diploma, PGDipPAL (Performing Arts Leadership), PGCE and Hallé/RNCM String Leadership Course.

Prospective international students can also find detailed information about visa application and English language support.

Fees

Full details of fees are available. In line with Government policy, the College has an agreement with the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) to provide financial support according to individual students' personal financial circumstances.

The RNCM charges tuition fees to all students for each academic year. Fees for all UK and EU undergraduate students are regulated by the UK government. All fees and charges are reviewed annually. Financial support may be available through Entrance Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries.

Entrance Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries

Entrance Awards
A number of Entrance Awards are offered to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential at audition.

Scholarships
Each year the College nominates one outstanding undergraduate and one outstanding postgraduate applicant for an Associated Board Scholarship for home and overseas students. The award is made for the duration of the course of undergraduate study, and for one or two years as appropriate for postgraduate study. The College also offers a scholarship for a Junior Fellowship in Accompaniment.

Bursaries
In line with government policy, the College has an agreement with the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) to provide bursaries for UK and EU undergraduate students of up to £1,100 according to the individuals' financial circumstances.

Postgraduate and overseas (non-EU) applicants to the College may apply for bursaries towards the cost of fees and maintenance. Tese awards are strictly limited in number and are made on the basis of need and merit, in return students are expected to undertake directed activities for the benefit of the College.

Open Days

Our Open Days are an opportunity for you, your parents and your teachers to visit the College informally for a tour of the facilities, to meet members of teaching staff and students, and to see work in progress. There is also the opportunity to discuss matters of student support with relevant members of staff on these Open Days.

Open Days are usually held in late September or early October and in early May. Admission is by free booking which is opened two months prior to each Open Day. If you have any questions, please contact Gail Waters, Events Coordinator, T +44 (0)161 907 5297 or
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Advice Audition

If you want to get a better idea of whether the RNCM is the right place for you to develop your musical skills, or to receive advice about any other aspect of your musical aptitude, you could come along for an advice audition. You can apply to attend one of these between January and June. The fee for this service is currently £50. Enquiries can be submitted by completing this form. £20 will be refunded if you apply for an entry audition during the same year.

Consultation Lesson

The allocation of students to specific Principal Study tutors is undertaken by the relevant Head of School in consultation with other specialist colleagues, and on the basis of performance at audition.  Prospective students with a preference for a particular tutor are encouraged to contact their Head of School to make this known. Those wishing to have a consultation lesson with a prospective tutor should seek advice from their Head of School who will, if appropriate, put a student in touch with the relevant tutor.  The charge for a consultation lesson, which is conducted in a tutor’s own time, is normally £50 and is payable direct to the tutor concerned.  The lesson may take place at the RNCM or, in some cases, at the tutor’s home.  The tutor will report on the outcome of any consultation lesson to the Head of School.  It should be emphasised, however, that in all cases, the final decision about tutor allocation will remain the responsibility of the Head of School.