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.