Opposite Regent's Park on Marylebone Road, the Royal Academy of Music has been training musicians since 1822, making it the oldest conservatoire in the UK. Entry to every course is by audition or portfolio, and one-to-one lessons sit at the centre of each student's week. The Academy is part of the University of London. Its museum holds historic instruments, including Stradivari string instruments that students can sometimes play.
London, United Kingdom
Official website: ram.ac.uk
1822
Top 10 in the world
Member institution of the University of London
Marylebone Road, opposite Regent's Park
£28,000 – £35,000
International students, undergraduate and postgraduate courses
£16,000 – £21,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ram.ac.uk before you apply.
BMus Performance
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 6.0
BMus Composition
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Portfolio; IELTS: 6.0
MMus Performance
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 6.5
MMus Composition
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Portfolio; IELTS: 6.5
MA Musical Theatre
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 6.5
The oldest conservatoire in the UK, dating from 1822.
One-to-one lessons with working professional musicians.
A museum collection that includes Stradivari instruments.
Graduates join orchestras, opera companies, chamber groups and West End shows.
Many build freelance careers mixing performing, teaching and recording.
Graduates can stay in the UK on the Graduate visa after their course.
Undergrad
UCAS Conservatoires, October
Postgrad
Early October
The Academy is at the corner of Marylebone Road and Regent's Park, beside Baker Street station. Wigmore Hall, one of London's main recital venues, is a short walk south.
London has more professional orchestras than most cities, and student tickets are cheap. Rent is the big cost, so many students share flats further out on the Tube.
CAS from Royal Academy of Music
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Most courses use UCAS Conservatoires, with the main deadline in early October for entry the following September. Auditions follow in late autumn and winter, in person in London or by recording for some applicants.
All courses start in September.
The Student route visa. Your CAS comes from Royal Academy of Music after you meet your offer conditions and pay the deposit; the online application needs proof of funds, your English result and the health surcharge.
Performance and composition at BMus and MMus level are the core, with an MA in musical theatre for graduates. Admission depends mainly on the audition or portfolio, plus IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or an equivalent test.
The Academy awards scholarships based on audition and financial need, and international students are eligible. Most support is partial, so plan for London living costs.
