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One of the leading music schools or conservatoires in the United Kingdom, the Royal Northern College of Music has a rich history, with its origins traced back to the late 19th century. Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available to study here, with the college divided into six schools of specialization:
School of Composition
School of Keyboard Studies
School of Strings
School of Vocal Studies and Opera
School of Wind, Brass & Percussion
Popular Music
The city of Manchester where the college is based has a sizable student population, although only 770 students are currently enrolled at the college itself. Students at RNCM typically either live in the college’s residential hall - Sir Charles Groves Hall - or rent a flat elsewhere in the city. The small student numbers mean the ratio of faculty to students is significantly impressive, with approximately 320 teaching staff employed. The majority of these are part-time visiting tutors.
Notable alumni of the college include award-winning mezzo-soprano Helen Sherman, international award-winning violinist Eva Thorarinsdottir and 2014 Mercury Prize nominees GoGo Penguin.
About Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
One of the leading music schools or conservatoires in the United Kingdom, the Royal Northern College of Music has a rich history, with its origins traced back to the late 19th century. Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available to study here, with the college divided into six schools of specialization:
School of Composition
School of Keyboard Studies
School of Strings
School of Vocal Studies and Opera
School of Wind, Brass & Percussion
Popular Music
The city of Manchester where the college is based has a sizable student population, although only 770 students are currently enrolled at the college itself. Students at RNCM typically either live in the college’s residential hall - Sir Charles Groves Hall - or rent a flat elsewhere in the city. The small student numbers mean the ratio of faculty to students is significantly impressive, with approximately 320 teaching staff employed. The majority of these are part-time visiting tutors.
Notable alumni of the college include award-winning mezzo-soprano Helen Sherman, international award-winning violinist Eva Thorarinsdottir and 2014 Mercury Prize nominees GoGo Penguin.
Entry is subject to academic performance at a level appropriate to the qualification applied for, along with an audition and interview.
929
64.7%
35.3%
330
46.7%
53.3%
117
91%
9%
Cost of Living
Accommodation
$8,770
Food
$2,990
Transport
$1,190
Utilities
$4,380
Tuition fees
Domestic
9,535 GBP
International
29,300 GBP
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is one of the top universities in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is ranked #8 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2026.
QS Contributor - Europe University Rankings 2026
This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to sharing accurate, comprehensive data with QS. While not included in this year’s published rankings, the institution plays an active role in the global academic community and contributes to a more complete picture of higher education in the region.
What is a QS Contributor?
Contributor Status signals transparency, engagement and a willingness to be compared on a global scale – qualities valued by students, academics and partners alike.
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
Manchester, GB, Manchester United Kingdom
# 8QS WUR Ranking By Subject
6Undergrad & Postgrad Programmes
About Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
One of the leading music schools or conservatoires in the United Kingdom, the Royal Northern College of Music has a rich history, with its origins traced back to the late 19th century. Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available to study here, with the college divided into six schools of specialization:
The city of Manchester where the college is based has a sizable student population, although only 770 students are currently enrolled at the college itself. Students at RNCM typically either live in the college’s residential hall - Sir Charles Groves Hall - or rent a flat elsewhere in the city. The small student numbers mean the ratio of faculty to students is significantly impressive, with approximately 320 teaching staff employed. The majority of these are part-time visiting tutors.
Notable alumni of the college include award-winning mezzo-soprano Helen Sherman, international award-winning violinist Eva Thorarinsdottir and 2014 Mercury Prize nominees GoGo Penguin.
About Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
One of the leading music schools or conservatoires in the United Kingdom, the Royal Northern College of Music has a rich history, with its origins traced back to the late 19th century. Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available to study here, with the college divided into six schools of specialization:
The city of Manchester where the college is based has a sizable student population, although only 770 students are currently enrolled at the college itself. Students at RNCM typically either live in the college’s residential hall - Sir Charles Groves Hall - or rent a flat elsewhere in the city. The small student numbers mean the ratio of faculty to students is significantly impressive, with approximately 320 teaching staff employed. The majority of these are part-time visiting tutors.
Notable alumni of the college include award-winning mezzo-soprano Helen Sherman, international award-winning violinist Eva Thorarinsdottir and 2014 Mercury Prize nominees GoGo Penguin.
Available programmes
Arts and Humanities (2)
Bachelor of Music with Honours
Bachelor of Music with Honours
Bachelor of Music with Honours in Popular Music
Bachelor of Music with Honours in Popular Music
Social Sciences and Management (2)
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education
Arts and Humanities (2)
Master of Music
Master of Music
Master of Performance
Master of Performance
Social Sciences and Management (2)
Master of Education
Master of Education
University information
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Utilities
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Rankings & Ratings
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is one of the top universities in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is ranked #8 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2026.
QS Contributor - Europe University Rankings 2026
This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to sharing accurate, comprehensive data with QS. While not included in this year’s published rankings, the institution plays an active role in the global academic community and contributes to a more complete picture of higher education in the region.
Contributor Status signals transparency, engagement and a willingness to be compared on a global scale – qualities valued by students, academics and partners alike.
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
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