Course overview
Artist Diploma in Composition is a postgraduate (master's) course in arts, design & media at Royal College of Music in London, United Kingdom. It takes Full time (see the course page for length); for students who have completed master's-level study, with intakes in Once a year (apply by 1 October 2026 for 2027 entry).
Royal College of Music is a public institution. Read the full course description, modules and entry rules on the official course page.
Key highlights
| University | Royal College of Music (Public) |
|---|---|
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Course | Artist Diploma in Composition |
| Level | Master's (postgraduate) |
| Subject area | Arts, Design & Media |
| Duration | Full time (see the course page for length); for students who have completed master's-level study |
| Tuition per year | £33,200 (≈ ₹40.5 lakh) |
| Intakes | Once a year (apply by 1 October 2026 for 2027 entry) |
| English requirement | CEFR B2 in all four skills (equal to IELTS 5.5) |
Interested in Artist Diploma in Composition?A counsellor checks your eligibility and helps you apply, free of charge.
Fees and costs
Tuition for international students is £33,200 a year, about ₹40.5 lakh.
2027/28 Overseas fee
Living costs for the UK as a whole: £12,000–18,000 a year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Plan my monthly living costsCareer outcomes
Job roles
- Graphic designer
- Television/film/video producer
- Social media manager
- Multimedia specialist
- UX designer
- Photographer
Employers hiring for these roles worldwide
WPP
Heineken
Disney
Netflix
BBC
Adobe
Sony
Meta
Google
Universal Music Group
Eligibility
General entry requirements at Royal College of Music for master's courses. Some courses ask for more, so check the course page.
- Master's courses need a bachelor's degree or equivalent international undergraduate degree, usually in music, plus a successful audition.
- The Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance is designed for graduates of three-year degrees, especially from a non-conservatoire background.
- Artist Diplomas are for students who have already completed master's-level study.
English requirements
For this course: CEFR B2 in all four skills (equal to IELTS 5.5).
| Test | What the university asks for |
|---|---|
| B2 courses | BMus, MPerf, MComp, Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance and Artist Diplomas in Performance, Composition and Opera: CEFR B2 in all four skills, equal to IELTS 5.5 |
| C1 courses | MMus Performance, MMus Composition, MSc Performance Science, Artist Diploma in Conducting and PhD: CEFR C1, equal to IELTS 7.0 with at least 5.5 in each component |
| Approved tests | Listed in the RCM's 'Approved English tests and scores – 2026 onwards' document; all four skills must be passed in one sitting |
| Degree taught in English | A degree taught in English in a non-majority English-speaking country, with evidence, can exempt you from a test |
Intakes
This course starts in: Once a year (apply by 1 October 2026 for 2027 entry).
Upcoming intakes and deadlines in the UKHow to apply
- Check the entry requirements and the deadline on the official course page.
- Take IELTS, PTE or the test the university accepts, if you need one.
- Prepare your documents: transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters and CV.
- Apply on the university's application portal and pay any application fee.
- Accept your offer, meet any conditions and pay the deposit.
- Apply for your student visa for the UK, then arrange accommodation.
Documents you'll need
- UCAS Conservatoires application
- Valid passport
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Audition (in person or video) or composition portfolio
- English test result from the RCM's approved list, unless exempt
Scholarships
RCM performance and composition scholarships
Undergraduate and taught postgraduate
Value: Varies; for international students the award is taken off tuition fees
Merit-based, from the audition, video audition or (for composers) portfolio and interview. There is no separate application.
Official pageABRSM International Scholarships
One undergraduate and one postgraduate
Value: Full tuition fees plus a £5,000 a year stipend (2025 figures; 2026 details to be confirmed)
International students nominated by the RCM Admissions Committee after auditioning in London during the main audition period.
Official page
About Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music (RCM) opened in 1883 and stands in South Kensington, opposite the Royal Albert Hall. It trains more than 900 performers, composers and researchers from more than 60 countries, at bachelor's, master's, artist diploma and doctoral level.
Places are offered on audition, or on a portfolio and interview for composers. Main auditions are in London in November and December, with venues normally also in Asia, North America and Australia, and video auditions for most programmes. Overseas fees for 2027/28 are £32,600 a year for the four-year BMus and £34,100 a year for most master's courses. All applicants who audition are considered for merit scholarships, which are taken off tuition fees.
Similar courses
Arts, Design & Media courses at other universities in the UK
- MA Animation ProductionArts University BournemouthFull time from September (see the course page for length) · £19,950 / year
- MA Visual Effects and Photorealistic Computer GraphicsArts University BournemouthFull time from September 2027 (see the course page for length) · £22,000 / year
- MA User Experience (UX/UI)Arts University BournemouthFull time or part time from September 2027 (subject to validation) · £19,950 / year
- MA Graphic DesignArts University BournemouthFull time from September 2027 (no September 2026 intake) · £19,950 / year
- Master of Architecture (Part 2 RIBA/ARB)Arts University Bournemouth2 years (full time) · £19,950 / year
- MA Immersive MediaArts University Plymouth1 year full time (2 years part time) · £18,000 / year
More courses at Royal College of Music
- Bachelor of Music (BMus)4 years full time · £32,600 / year
- Master of Music in Performance (MMus)2 years full time (3 years part time) · £34,100 / year
- Master of Music in Performance (MMus), fast track12 months full time · £41,700 / year
- Master of Performance (MPerf)2 years full time (3 years part time) · £34,100 / year
- Master of Music in Composition (MMus)2 years full time, or 12 months fast track (fast track has a higher fee) · £34,100 / year
- Master of Composition (MComp)Full time (see the course page for length) · £34,100 / year
FAQs
What is the fee for Artist Diploma in Composition at Royal College of Music?
The tuition for international students is £33,200 a year (about ₹40.5 lakh). 2027/28 Overseas fee. Fees usually rise each year, so check the course page before you apply.
How long is Artist Diploma in Composition?
The course takes Full time (see the course page for length); for students who have completed master's-level study.
What English score do I need?
CEFR B2 in all four skills (equal to IELTS 5.5). Some universities also accept Class 12 English marks or other tests; confirm on the course page.
When can I start?
Intakes: Once a year (apply by 1 October 2026 for 2027 entry). Apply early: popular courses can fill up before the deadline.
Can Admission Mantra help me apply?
Yes. A counsellor checks your eligibility, helps you prepare your documents and statement of purpose, and guides you through the application and visa. The first conversation is free.
We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026 from the university's own pages. Fees, entry rules and intakes change every year; confirm them on the official course page before you apply. Listing a course doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university.