Royal Academy of Music: Courses, Fees, and Rankings 2026
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The Royal Academy of Music London stands as Britain's oldest music school. Founded in 1822, this institution has shaped the music world for over two centuries. The academy received its Royal Charter in 1830 from King George IV. Located on Marylebone Road London, the academy sits next to Regent's Park. This prime location gives students access to London's exciting cultural scene. Over 800 students from more than 50 countries study here each year.
The academy became a full member of the University of London in 1999. Students graduate with University of London degrees. The Royal Academy of Music rankings show it at #2 globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for Performing Arts. This places it among the world's elite music conservatoires. The Royal Academy of Music London acceptance rate stands at approximately 10%, making it highly selective.
About Royal Academy of Music
John Fane, 11th Earl of Westmorland, founded the academy in 1822. The first Duke of Wellington supported its establishment. The academy first operated from Tenterden Street in Hanover Square. In 1911, it moved to its current location. Sir Ernest George designed the new building and in 1976, the academy expanded significantly with a new opera theatre.
The academy maintains partnerships with conservatoires worldwide. The Sir Elton John Global Exchange Scheme connects leading institutions, including Juilliard and the Paris Conservatoire. The academy's library holds over 160,000 items, including manuscripts and rare recordings.
Royal Academy of Music Rankings
The academy consistently ranks among the top colleges in London and worldwide. These rankings reflect excellence in music education. The academy's #2 global ranking places it second worldwide. This position demonstrates exceptional quality in music education. The ranking considers academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact.
Global Rankings
| Ranking Body | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings by Subject (Performing Arts) | #2 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings by Subject (Performing Arts) | #3 | 2024 |
The academy excels across multiple disciplines: instrumental performance, opera, jazz, musical theatre, and composition. Graduates enjoy excellent career prospects worldwide. Many alumni perform with major orchestras and opera companies.
Popular Courses at Royal Academy of Music
The academy offers diverse programs combining practical training with academic study. Students receive individual attention from world-class faculty.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Music (BMus)
| Course Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| UK Fees | £9,250 per year |
| International Fees | £28,500 per year |
| Entry Requirements | High school completion, audition, IELTS 5.5 |
Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre
| Course Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years |
| UK Fees | £9,250 per year |
| International Fees | £28,500 per year |
| Entry Requirements | Bachelor's degree, audition, IELTS 6.5 |
Postgraduate Programs
Master of Arts (MA) in Performance
| Course Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year |
| UK Fees | £9,250 per year |
| International Fees | £28,500 per year |
| Entry Requirements | Undergraduate degree, audition, IELTS 7.0 |
Postgraduate Certificate in Musical Theatre
| Course Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years (full-time) |
| UK Fees | £6,800 per year |
| International Fees | £19,500 per year |
| Entry Requirements | Master's degree, research proposal |
MPhil/PhD in Performance Practice or Composition
| Student Category | Undergraduate (per year) | Postgraduate (per year) | Doctoral (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK/Home Students | £9,250 | £9,250 | £6,800 |
| International Students | £28,500 | £28,500 | £19,500 |
Royal Academy of Music Tuition Fees
The tuition fees at this institution differ for UK and international students. Here’s a breakdown of the fee structure for both domestic and international students:
Tuition Fees Overview
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £777 - £1,400/month |
| Food | £250 - £350/month |
| Transport | £100 - £200/month |
| Utilities | £100 - £200/month |
| Personal Expenses | £150 - £250/month |
| Total | £1,377 - £2,400/month |
Annual fees require a 10% deposit in July and the remaining balance by 1 September.
Living Costs in London
Student accommodation in London and other expenses require careful budgeting.
| Milestone | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Application Opens | September | September |
| Application Deadline | Early October | December |
| Audition Period | November - March | December - April |
| Offers Released | March - April | April - May |
Annual living costs range from £16,500 to £28,800. The academy does not provide on-campus housing.
Royal Academy of Music Scholarships
The academy offers various institutions’ scholarships to support talented students. The academy awards scholarships based on musical ability and financial need:
1. Bicentenary Scholarship: For exceptional talent across all disciplines
2. Disney Scholarship: Supporting students from diverse backgrounds
3. Julian Bream Trust: For guitar students showing outstanding promise
4. Brass and Woodwind Awards: For orchestral instrument students
5. String Scholarships: Supporting violin, viola, cello, and bass players
Most scholarships do not require separate applications. The academy automatically considers all admitted students for financial support. The scholarship application deadline typically falls in March.
Students can also seek external funding like Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and country-specific awards.
Royal Academy of Music London Admission
The institution’s admission process combines academic requirements with rigorous auditions.
Application Timeline
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 5.5 overall (min 5.0 each band) |
| TOEFL iBT | 72 overall |
Undergraduate Requirements
Academic: High school completion with good grades
English Language:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall (min 6.0 each band) |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 overall |
Royal Academy of Music Alumni
The institution’s alumni have achieved extraordinary success worldwide. The academy's alumni network spans the globe. Graduates perform at major venues including Covent Garden, the Met, and leading European houses. Some of the recognisable alumni in the list include:
Classical Music
1. Sir Simon Rattle: Renowned conductor, former music director of the Berlin Philharmonic
2. Maxim Vengerov: Virtuoso violinist and conductor
3. Evelyn Glennie: World's premier solo percussionist
4. Arthur Sullivan: Composer of operettas, including The Mikado
Popular Music
1. Sir Elton John: Rock legend, bestselling music artist
2. Annie Lennox: Grammy-winning artist, member of Eurythmics
3. Jacob Collier: Multi-Grammy-winning musician and producer
4. Katherine Jenkins: Mezzo-soprano, classical-crossover artist
Opera and Vocal
1. Lesley Garrett: Celebrated soprano
2. Felicity Lott: Internationally acclaimed soprano
From jazz to opera, the academy covers diverse musical styles. Students can explore different genres and collaborate across disciplines. Through this guide, you can understand the requirements of this institution and be clear about your decision to pursue music and make it big.