Course overview
Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus) is a undergraduate (bachelor's) course in arts, design & media at Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, United Kingdom. It takes 4 years full time (3 years with direct entry to Year 2), with intakes in September (apply by 1 October 2026 for 2027 entry).
Royal Northern 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 Northern College of Music (Public) |
|---|---|
| Location | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Course | Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus) |
| Level | Bachelor's (undergraduate) |
| Subject area | Arts, Design & Media |
| Duration | 4 years full time (3 years with direct entry to Year 2) |
| Tuition per year | £30,700 (≈ ₹37.5 lakh) |
| Intakes | September (apply by 1 October 2026 for 2027 entry) |
| English requirement | IELTS 5.5 in each component (4-year route); 7.0 in each component for direct entry |
Interested in Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus)?A counsellor checks your eligibility and helps you apply, free of charge.
Fees and costs
Tuition for international students is £30,700 a year, about ₹37.5 lakh. Over 4 years that is roughly £122,800 (≈ ₹1.5 crore) before any yearly increase.
2027/28 international fee per year; the table also lists a higher 'SVSO & SCOND' rate of £32,250
Living costs near the university
| Cost | In GBP | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Standard en suite room, Sir Charles Groves Hall (42-week let)2026/27 price | £221per week | ≈ ₹26,971 |
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
Graduate employment
94%
In work or further study 15 months after the course
Highly skilled jobs
72%
In highly skilled work 15 months after the course
Average (median) salary
£25,000
≈ ₹30.5 lakh a year
Typical range £23,000–30,000
Job roles
- Musician
- Music producer
- Sound engineer
- Sound designer
- Music therapist
- Private music teacher
Employers hiring for these roles worldwide
Universal Music Group
Sony
Warner Music Group
Spotify
TUI
BBC
Disney
Netflix
Apple
Abbey Road Studios
Eligibility
General entry requirements at Royal Northern College of Music for bachelor's courses. Some courses ask for more, so check the course page.
- Every applicant must pass an RNCM audition in the year before entry (at least ABRSM Grade 8 standard for the 4-year BMus).
- The 4-year BMus asks for two A levels at grade E or above, normally including music, or international equivalents; applicants must be 18 by 31 December of the year of entry.
- Apply through UCAS Conservatoires by 1 October 2026 for 2027 entry.
English requirements
For this course: IELTS 5.5 in each component (4-year route); 7.0 in each component for direct entry.
| Test | What the university asks for |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 5.5 in each component for BMus (4 years), MPerf and BA Inclusive Music Education; 6.0 with 5.5 in each component for MMus and PGDip; IELTS Online not accepted |
| PTE Academic | 59+ is equivalent to IELTS 5.5 to 6.5; 76+ equals IELTS 7.0. PTE Home not accepted |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II (B2) pass for IELTS 5.5–6.0 programmes; ISE III (C1) for 7.0 |
| Cambridge English | B2 First or C1 Advanced (162–168 equals IELTS 5.5) |
| Not listed | TOEFL and Duolingo are not on the accepted list; email Admissions about other certificates |
Intakes
This course starts in: September (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 through UCAS 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 and Acceptd audition booking
- Valid passport
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Audition (at the RNCM, at an overseas location or as the programme allows)
- English test result, unless exempt
- Proof of funds for fees and living costs for the Student visa
Scholarships
GREAT Scholarship (India)
MMus (Intensive), MPerf (Intensive) or PGDip Advanced Studies
Value: British Council GREAT awards are a minimum of £10,000 for one-year study
One of three RNCM postgraduate GREAT Scholarships is for India. Applicants must be permanent residents and passport holders of India, apply through UCAS Conservatoires and audition.
Official pageEntrance Scholarships
All taught programmes
Value: Varies (one-year awards)
For outstanding ability and potential at audition. Everyone is considered automatically.
Official pagePostgraduate and International Bursaries
Postgraduate
Value: Varies; normally deducted from tuition fees
Allocated on need and merit.
Official pageInternational Artist Diploma Scholarships
Postgraduate Diploma in Solo Performance/Vocal Studies and Opera
Value: Can cover the full cost of tuition
Applied automatically to successful applicants.
Official page
About Royal Northern College of Music
The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) was established in 1973 by merging two Manchester music colleges. It has more than 950 students on one site at 124 Oxford Road in Manchester. The RNCM says it is ranked in the top 10 for music in the QS rankings, and it holds a Gold rating in all areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework.
For Indian students the RNCM is a slightly cheaper alternative to the London conservatoires. International fees for 2027/28 are £30,700 a year for the BMus, £33,100 a year for the two-year MMus and £39,100 for the one-year intensive MMus. Entry is by audition, which can be taken at overseas locations during the year, and one GREAT Scholarship is reserved for a postgraduate student from India.
Similar courses
Arts, Design & Media courses at other universities in the UK
- BA (Hons) Animation ProductionArts University Bournemouth3 years full time (up to 5 with foundation and placement years) · £19,950 / year
- BA (Hons) Games Art and DesignArts University Bournemouth3 or 4 years (full time) · £19,950 / year
- BA (Hons) Film ProductionArts University Bournemouth3 years full time (up to 5 with foundation and placement years) · £19,950 / year
- BA (Hons) Game Arts & AnimationArts University Plymouth3 years full time (4 with Integrated Foundation Year) · £18,000 / year
- BA (Hons) Graphic DesignArts University Plymouth3 years full time (4 with Integrated Foundation Year) · £18,000 / year
- BA (Hons) Film & Screen ArtsArts University Plymouth3 years full time (4 with Integrated Foundation Year) · £18,000 / year
More courses at Royal Northern College of Music
- Master of Music (MMus), 2 years2 years full time · £33,100 / year
- Master of Music (MMus), 1 year intensive1 year intensive full time (not for Conducting) · £39,100 / year
- Master of Performance (MPerf), 2 years2 years full time · £33,300 / year
- Master of Performance (MPerf), 1 year intensive1 year intensive full time · £40,500 / year
- Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced Studies (PGDip)1 year full time (for MMus holders) · £31,500 / year
- Postgraduate Diploma in Solo Performance/Vocal Studies (International Artist Diploma)9 months full time (maximum four students a year) · £20,600 / year
FAQs
What is the fee for Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus) at Royal Northern College of Music?
The tuition for international students is £30,700 a year (about ₹37.5 lakh). 2027/28 international fee per year; the table also lists a higher 'SVSO & SCOND' rate of £32,250. Fees usually rise each year, so check the course page before you apply.
How long is Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus)?
The course takes 4 years full time (3 years with direct entry to Year 2).
What English score do I need?
IELTS 5.5 in each component (4-year route); 7.0 in each component for direct entry. Some universities also accept Class 12 English marks or other tests; confirm on the course page.
When can I start?
Intakes: September (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.