Entry Requirements

Although there are specific qualifications we look for, we recognise that significant skills can be developed outside of formal education through employment, voluntary work or individual activities and interests.

Because of this, we use the Accreditation and Experiential Learning (APEL) process, which means you receive formal recognition for skills and knowledge not previously awarded credit.

The minimum age for study is 18 by 1 September in the year of joining the Academy, for all courses. There is no upper age limit for applicants.

To ensure that you get the best from your programme of study, a good level of English is required. If English isn’t your first language [*], or you are not exempt from the test requirements because of your nationality, you will usually need to take a test before your study begins.

[* See below, under "Which countries are exempt from taking the test?"]

What kind of test does the Academy accept?

The Academy will accept any of the following tests:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test, IELTS Indicator and IELTS Online (not General Training)
• PTE Academic Test and PTE Academic Online
• TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• TOEFL ITP Plus for China
• Cambridge C1 Advanced

If you need a Student Route Visa, please see the additional requirements detailed below.

Where can I take the test?

All test providers have many centres in the UK and around the world. The IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL and Cambridge websites provide information about where and when you can take their tests.

I feel like I need to study first. Can I take a course?

Yes, the British Council offers lots of English language courses, which can be taken either online or in person. Please ensure that you’re ready to take the test well in advance of the deadline.

Can I take a practice test?

Yes, doing a practice test will give you a good idea of what to expect. You can find practice tests on the IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL websites.

When should I take my test?

You should take the examination as soon as possible after accepting a place at the Academy to ensure that we receive your results in time.

If you have already taken a test, it must not be more than two years old on 1 September before the course starts.

What is the deadline for the Academy to receive my results?

We need to receive your test result by 1 May before enrolment.

What are the minimum result requirements?

Please refer to the table below for the minimum entry requirements.

The minimum TOEFL iBT scores are:

• Overall: 72 for BMus Year 1, Gap Year, MA or PGCert, with minimum scores for Reading: 18, Listening: 17, Speaking: 20, Writing: 17.
• Overall 95 for MMus or MPhil/PhD, with minimum scores for Reading: 18, Listening: 17, Speaking: 20, Writing: 17.

The minimum TOEFL iTP Plus for China scores are:

• Overall 543 for BMus Year 1, Gap Year, MA or PGCert plus a satisfactory interview (Listening 54, Writing 53, Reading 56, Interview assessed at CEFR B2)
• Overall 627 for MMus or MPhil/PhD plus a satisfactory interview (Listening 54, Writing 53, Reading 56, Interview assessed at CEFR B2)

The minimum Cambridge C1 Advanced scores are:

• Overall 162 for BMus Year 1, Gap Year, MA or PGCert, with at least 160 in each component
• Overall 188 for MMus or MPhil/PhD, with at least 160 in each component

How can I send my test results to the Academy?

Please email the Admissions team with any of the following:

If you take the IELTS Academic test, please ask the test centre to send your result electronically to the Academy. You will then need to send us your Test Report Form (TRF) number.

If you take the IELTS Indicator test, please send us your Indicator Score ID.

If you take the PTE Academic test, you’ll be able to send the results to us via a secure portal on your online account. You will then need to send us your Score Report Code so that we can access your result.

If you take a TOEFL test, please tell the test centre to send your result electronically to the Academy. You will then need to send your Appointment Number to us so we can access your result. The DI number for the Royal Academy of Music is B867.

If you take a CAMBRIDGE C1 test, please tell the test centre to send your result electronically to the Academy. You will then need to send your Statement of Results number to us so we can access your result.

I have to apply for a Student Route Visa – what do I need to know?

If you need a Student Route Visa, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires a minimum overall score and a minimum score for each element of the test (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Please refer to these scores in the section above. All tests listed are acceptable.

Because we are a Higher Education Provider with a proven immigration track record, UKVI and the Academy will accept scores from different test dates.

This means you can combine results; you don’t need to pass all the individual elements on the same test date if the scores from the tests listed above are not more than two years old on the date you submit your visa application. We regret we cannot combine scores if they are from a secure UKVI test (SELT).

Do I need to take a 'UKVI' language test?

No, you do not need to take a 'UKVI' test. The tests we have listed above are all acceptable.

If you choose to take a SELT UKVI test, you are welcome to do so. However, all the scores have to be gained at a single test so we cannot combine the best scores from different tests.

Which nationalities are exempt from taking the test?

You are currently exempt from having to take a language test for your visa if you are a national of: Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, and the USA. These are on the UKVI list of majority English-speaking countries.

What if I have a degree?

You are currently exempt from having to take a language test for your visa if you completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree which was taught in any of the countries listed above (excluding Canada and including the UK).

If you are not exempt on the basis of nationality and you have a degree or degree-level qualification which meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a UK bachelor’s degree, and was taught or researched in English, but was awarded by an education institution outside the UK, you will need a Statement of Comparability from Ecctis www.ecctis.com to confirm that the qualification meets the required academic level. Also we will require confirmation from the awarding institution that the qualification was taught or researched in English.

Are there other ways to be exempt from taking the test?

You are exempt from having to take a language test for your visa if you met the UKVI language requirement at the necessary level in a previous successful UK visa application, or if you have passed certain UK school exams taken in the UK (for example, GCSE or A-level English Language or English Literature, though not "English as a second language").

For more information, visit the UK Government's page student visa page and Immigration Rules Appendix English Language.

Please note, even if you are exempt for visa purposes, the Academy may still require a language test result if we are concerned about your language skills.

Please note there are no academic requirements for the Gap Year or the Organ Foundation courses but the musical requirements are the same as for entry to the Bachelor's degree.

Musical requirements

For all applications, we require evidence of professional performing potential in your principal study, sound general musicianship and a good aural response.

You do not need to have taken any formal practical music examinations. However, as a guide we expect students to meet the level of at least either:

Grade 8 or DipABRSM in Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations

or

Grade 8 or Associate Diploma (ATCL) in Trinity College London examinations

If you are not taking Music as a subject in your school exams, we recommend gaining knowledge of Music Theory at Grade 6 level (ABRSM or Trinity College London) before you commence your studies with us. There are many free online resources for this.

If your Principal Study is not a keyboard instrument, there is no formal minimum entry standard in keyboard skills. However, ABRSM or Trinity College London Grade 5 minimum (or equivalent) in piano is desirable. This is to enable you to improve your general musicianship.

Academic requirements

Before you can join the University of London’s Bachelor Degree course, you have to matriculate. This means you have to show you have gained suitable academic qualifications, as follows:

These qualifications will also satisfy fully the academic matriculation requirement:

• BTEC Level 3 National Diploma or National Extended Diploma (PPP)
• T-Level (Pass)
• ‘Access to Higher Education’ Diploma (Pass)
• International Baccalaureate: 24 points for the Diploma, Certificate, or the IBCP

Verifying your certificates

A-level, Pre-U, BTEC or Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher results are sent directly to the Academy through UCAS if the exams were taken in the UK this year or last year.

If your results are from an earlier session, or if you are using different awards, please send a high quality colour scan or photograph of your certificates to admissions@ram.ac.uk (maximum file size: 10Mb per email). We do not need to see original documentation, but we may contact you or your education institution if we have questions about a document's authenticity.

Entry to Year Two or Three of the BMus

If you’re transferring from another institution, we ask for transcripts to show you have passed Year One or Years One and Two of a music degree elsewhere. The transcripts should also demonstrate that you have already covered the study areas you would have completed at the Academy.

After transferring, your degree will be awarded solely on marks achieved at the Academy.

Entry to Year Four of the BMus

Please note, it is not possible to transfer into Year Four of the BMus course.

Musical requirements

For all applications, we require evidence of professional performing potential in your principal study, sound general musicianship and a good aural response.

You do not need to have taken any formal practical music examinations. However, as a guide we expect students to meet the level of at least either:

Grade 8 or DipABRSM in Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations

or

Grade 8 or Associate Diploma (ATCL) in Trinity College London examinations

If you are not taking Music as a subject in your school exams, we recommend gaining knowledge of Music Theory at Grade 6 level (ABRSM or Trinity College London) before you commence your studies with us. There are many free online resources for this.

If your Principal Study is not a keyboard instrument, there is no formal minimum entry standard in keyboard skills. However, ABRSM or Trinity College London Grade 5 minimum (or equivalent) in piano is desirable. This is to enable you to improve your general musicianship.

Academic qualifications

Below is a guide to the qualifications needed for entry, in order of country. This list is not exhaustive. In general, a secondary school certificate of a sufficiently high level to permit university entry will be acceptable.

We also accept UK qualifications (see the 'UK Undergraduates' section on this page).

You can check your qualifications by emailing the Admissions Team. If you require more specific advice, the UK national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications (UK ENIC) can also assist (tel: +44 (0)1242 258614).

Sending documentation

You should send high quality colour scans or photographs of your official final transcripts or certificates to admissions@ram.ac.uk if you are offered and accept a place (maximum file size 10Mb per email).

Please do not send interim transcripts, unofficial transcripts, or enrolment confirmations. Please do not send a Diploma Supplement without the documentation it is explaining.

If a particular score or GPA has been specified, please send a transcript to support the certificate if the score/GPA is not stated on the certificate.

We do not need to see original documentation, but we may contact you or your education institution if we have questions about a document's authenticity.

Verifying documents in other languages

If the documentation is not in English, we must see a copy of the certificate or transcript, with an English translation certified by the awarding institution or an official translator.

Academic requirement

Before you can join the University of London’s Bachelor Degree programme you will have to demonstrate that you have gained suitable academic qualifications (also called 'Matriculation') as follows:

Entry to Year Two or Three of the BMus

If you’re transferring from another institution, we ask for transcripts to show you have passed Year One or Years One and Two of a music degree elsewhere. The transcripts should also demonstrate you have covered the study areas you would have completed at the Academy.

After transferring, your degree will be awarded solely on marks achieved at the Academy.

Please note, it is not possible to transfer into Year Four of the BMus programme.

Performance requirements

There are lots of postgraduate options at the Academy, all with varying performance requirements, which are listed here.

More information on the Regulated Qualification Framework for all courses can be found here.

Academic requirements

Here is an outline of the academic requirements for our postgraduate courses.

Written requirements

If you’re applying for the Master of Music degree, the Professional Diploma, or the Advanced Diploma (Performance), you will need to provide written work (please see the 'Written Requirements' section below).

Transfer of credit

The Academy does not accept transfers into postgraduate programmes from other higher education institutions. Candidates should apply for entry to Year One.

Sending documentation

You should send high quality colour scans or photographs of your official final transcripts or certificates to admissions@ram.ac.uk if you are offered and accept a place (maximum file size 10Mb per email). We can also accept a secure portal link from your university Registry to access an online PDF in English of the final transcript (if your university has that facility).

Please do not send interim transcripts, unofficial transcripts, or enrolment confirmations. Please do not send Diploma Supplements without the relevant documentation it is explaining.

We do not need to see original documentation, but we may contact you or your education institution if we have questions about a document's authenticity.

If a particular score or GPA has been specified, please send a transcript to support the certificate if the score/GPA is not stated on the certificate.

If your matriculation qualification is from the Royal Academy of Music we do not need to receive a copy because we will have a record of the award.

Performance requirements

There are lots of postgraduate options at the Academy, all with varying performance requirements, which are listed here.

More information on the Regulated Qualification Framework for all courses can be found here.

Academic requirements

International academic entry requirements are generally the same as for UK students.
Here is an outline of the academic requirements for our postgraduate courses:

Listed below is some further country-specific information.

You may verify the acceptability of your qualifications with the Admissions Team, admissions@ram.ac.uk. If you require more specific advice, the UK national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications (UK ENIC) can also assist (tel: +44 (0)1242 258614 or use the contact form on their website).

Sending documentation

You should send high quality colour scans or photographs of your official final transcripts or certificates to admissions@ram.ac.uk if you are offered and accept a place (maximum file size 10Mb per email). We can also accept a secure portal link from your university Registry to access an online PDF in English of the final transcript, if your university has that facility.

Please do not send interim transcripts, unofficial transcripts, or enrolment confirmations. Please do not send a Diploma Supplement without the relevant documentation it is explaining.

We do not need to see original documentation, but we may contact you or your education institution if we have questions about a document's authenticity.

If a particular score or GPA has been specified, please send a transcript to support the certificate if the score/GPA is not stated on the certificate.

If your matriculation qualification is from the Royal Academy of Music we do not need to receive a copy because we will have a record of the award.

Verifying documents in other languages

If the supplied documentation is not in English, we must see a copy of the certificate or transcript with an English translation certified by the awarding institution or an official translator.

Australia

An Ordinary Bachelor’s degree will allow matriculation onto our Postgraduate Certificate.
An Honours Bachelor degree will allow matriculation onto our Master’s degrees (MA, MMus).

China

学士学位 (Bachelor degree) is considered comparable to British Bachelor (Honours) degree standard.

The following equivalencies are used for students studying under the Chinese grade point average (GPA) marking scheme:

• Upper second-class Honours: GPA 3.1 (78%)
• Lower second-class Honours: GPA 2.6 (73%)

France

Please note, the Diplôme d'Etudes Musicales (DEM) is not considered comparable to a British Bachelor (Honours) degree.

Italy

If your qualification was gained in Italy and you have been awarded a conservatoire Diploma or university Laurea, we will need the full title of the award (for example: ‘Diploma Accademico di Secondo Livello’) and also a copy of your Diploma di Esame di Stato certificate.

Students from Italy can use an Italian conservatoire’s Diploma Accademico of either level to matriculate onto a taught Master’s degree (MA or MMus).

South Korea

Bachelor degree (Haksa) awarded by a recognised University with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.5.

USA and Canada

The following equivalencies are used for students studying under the USA/Canadian grade point average (GPA) marking scheme:

• First-class Honours: GPA 3.6/4.0
• Upper second-class Honours: GPA 3.3/4.0
• Lower second-class Honours: GPA 3.0/4.0

For your application, please upload these two items into your Acceptd profile:

Academic work

The academic written work must be on a musical subject and should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words in length. If you already have a longer piece of work, for example a thesis, please choose a representative extract.

In both the interview and the written work, we will be looking for evidence of your responsiveness and creativity as well as critical engagement, artistic maturity, and basic research and writing skills.

Project proposal

In addition to the written work you should provide a project proposal in which you describe your plans and aims for a potential research project. Research projects can be variable in format: common models are a concert with an accompanying written commentary, or a written dissertation.

Your proposal should address the following questions:

• What is the subject area (repertoire, perspective) you wish to explore?
• What sort of structure do you envisage? Would the main project outcome take the form of a concert, or a written piece of work, or something else?
• How does this relate to your performance or composition interests?
• How does your proposed project relate to existing work in the field (including concert and performance practices that interest you, and/or published texts)?

At the application stage, the proposal is primarily a way for us to gauge your readiness to undertake a research project. If accepted, you will be not required to keep to your original plan, and in any case we would expect the plan to change significantly as your project develops.

You should upload the written work to Acceptd as instructed on your department's Audition Requirements page.

The decision about whether to offer a place is made primarily on the basis of your performance at the entrance audition.

All Master of Music candidates are automatically considered for Master of Arts. Therefore, if you are also interested in MA study you should only apply for MMus because there will only be one audition.

If you do not provide the written work and project proposal, or if the assessment at your entrance audition interview is that the work/proposal is not strong enough for MMus entry, or if you simply decide you only wish to pursue MA studies, your application will be transferred to the MA programme.

You are not tied to the programme choice in your application; the programme length and pathway can be discussed and adjusted as appropriate.

You must complete a proposal document if you wish to be considered for the Professional Diploma.

The UCAS Conservatoires course code 903F.

Your proposal should be uploaded into your Acceptd profile as instructed on your department's Audition Requirements page.

Please provide a one-page proposal outlining your chosen particular specialism and your intended individual learning outcomes for the programme. Please use the template provided below:

Specialist proposal document (as a WORD download)

Specialist proposal document (as a PDF)

The aim of the Professional Diploma is to provide a platform for specialist professional development, which will allow you to follow a particular area of focus within or connected to your Principal Study.

There are several areas in which we recognise particular needs:

• Historical Performance
  
• Change of discipline (for example Piano to Piano Accompaniment)
• Related instrument specialisms
• Chamber Music (to be explored in detail at approval)
• New Music
• Compositional specialisms (e.g. working with other media)
• Special repertoire projects
• Collaborative Recording Production

This is not an exhaustive list and we could consider individual applications for other specialisms.

Please upload the following items into your Acceptd profile as instructed on your department's 'Audition Requirements' page:

• a repertoire list
• recording portfolio (text list of recordings, with links where possible)
• your ideas for the year, including a list of professional engagements to which you are already committed

In Accepted, you will be asked if you also like to be considered for the Professional Diploma course. If you would, please include the Prof Dip specialist proposal document in your Acceptd profile; you do not need to make a separate profile or add a second application in UCAS Conservatoires because both courses will then be considered for your entrance assessment.

You are not required to submit academic written work.

If you are also applying to one of the other postgraduate programmes detailed above for the Vocal Studies department, you must upload the appropriate written work into your Vocal Studies profile in Acceptd as instructed on the Vocal Studies 'Audition Requirements' page.