Royal Academy of Music

Nicolas-Charles Bochsa, a French harpist, and the Earl of Westmorland founded the Royal Academy of Music in 1822, and King George IV granted it a Royal Charter in 1830. Since 1911 it has occupied a building on Marylebone Road, next to Regent's Park in central London, designed by Sir Ernest George. In 1999 the Academy joined the University of London as a full member, the only conservatoire of music accepted on those terms, and it awards University of London degrees ranging from the Bachelor of Music up to doctorates.

With fewer than 1,000 students, split more or less evenly between undergraduate and postgraduate study and coming from more than 60 countries, it is a compact conservatoire with highly competitive entry. Specialist departments deliver tuition in areas such as brass, piano and vocal studies, and the Academy stages a public series of concerts and events. Among its facilities are the Duke's Hall and a museum holding a significant collection of historic instruments. Elton John, Annie Lennox, Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Henry Wood are among its former students. Young musicians under 18 can train on Saturdays through the Junior Academy.

Information for International Students

Overseas applicants apply via UCAS Conservatoires, and admission depends chiefly on audition. Besides London auditions, the Academy holds in-person auditions for many courses in the United States, China and Australia after a video pre-screening, and for most courses candidates unable to travel may audition by video. English standards vary by level: entrants to the first year of the Bachelor of Music need IELTS 5.5 overall and no less than 5.5 in any skill, while 7.0 overall is required at master's and research level. The Admissions team handles Student visa sponsorship, CAS issuing and immigration advice.

Lacking halls of its own, the Academy can use a limited allocation of rooms in the University of London intercollegiate halls, where priority goes to overseas students, and cooperates with the nearby International Student House. Places are in heavy demand and not guaranteed, so applying early is recommended. During Enrolment Week, new international students are greeted by, among others, the Students' Union International Officer. A writing help desk and weekly English classes assist with study, hardship bursaries and merit-based scholarships are offered, and the Graduate Route is available to eligible graduates.