Entry Requirements

Whether you are applying from within the UK or joining our international community, this guide will help you navigate the academic, musical, and language requirements for your journey at the Academy.

A note on accreditation

We use Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) to recognise skills you've gained through work or professional experience that might not be reflected in formal qualifications.

Undergraduate Requirements

BMus, Gap Year, Organ Foundation

Musical Standards

To see the specific musical standards and entry requirements for your instrument or program, see our Course Finder.

General Academic Entry (Matriculation): UK and International Students

To join the Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree, you will need to gain suitable academic qualifications.

See the qualification guide for full information about which qualification is needed for entry.

Transferring into Year 2 or 3

If you are transferring from another institution, you must:

1. Select Point of Entry 2 or 3 on your UCAS Conservatoires application.
2. Provide transcripts proving you have covered the same study areas as the Academy's Year 1 (or Year 2).

Note: It is not possible to transfer into Year 4.

Postgraduate Requirements

MA, MMus, Research Degrees, Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates

We offer several paths depending on your previous experience and professional goals. Find your course on the course finder for specific details.

• Written Work: Required for MMus, Professional Diploma, and Advanced Diplomas.
• No Transfers: We do not accept credit transfers for postgraduate courses; all students must apply for Year 1.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language (and you are not a national of a UKVI exempt country), you must demonstrate your proficiency. The Admissions Policy (paragraph 10.1) will cover other eventualities.

Key Deadline: 1 May

We must normally receive your official language test result by 1 May before your course begins. If your audition takes place after our Christmas vacation, or your evidence is a degree or a UK school qualification, the deadline will be later.

Accepted Tests & Minimum Scores

The Academy accepts the following tests:

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based Test)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE – Certificate in Advanced English)

Submitting Your Documents

Including information on deadlines and verification.

Language Results

Please follow these steps so we can verify your results:

• IELTS: Ask the centre to send results electronically; email us your TRF number.
• PTE: Send via the secure portal; email us your Score Report Code.
• TOEFL: Use DI Code B867; email us your Appointment Number.
• Cambridge: Ask the centre to send results electronically; email us your Statement of Results number.

Academic Results

• Deadline: Most results must be submitted by 17 July 2026.
• UK Students: If you took A-levels or BTECs in the last two years, UCAS sends these to us automatically in August.
• International/Other: Email high-quality color scans of your final certificates/transcripts to admissions@ram.ac.uk.

Translations: Any document not in English must be accompanied by a certified professional translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit?

The minimum age for study is 18 years old by 1 September of your joining year. There is no upper age limit.

Do I need a ‘UKVI’ specific English test?

No. As a Higher Education Provider, we accept standard Academic tests for your Student Visa.

Can I combine the scores from different tests?

Yes, you can combine scores from different tests and test dates, provided the tests are not more than two years old on the date you submit your visa application. You do not need to pass all individual elements (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) on the same day.

However, there is an exception: we normally cannot combine scores from a secure UKVI test (SELT) unless your test provider specifically allows you to retake a single element. Because of this restriction, we do not recommend taking a UKVI test.

What if I have a UK school exam result in English Language or English Literature?

You are exempt from taking a language test for your visa if you have passed a UK school exam in English Language or English Literature, provided you meet the following criteria:

• Age and Location: The exam must have been taken at a UK-based school where your education began when you were under the age of 18.
• Accepted Qualifications: Eligible exams include GCSE, International GCSE, A Level, Scottish National Qualification (level 4 or 5), or Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher.
• Regulated Awarding Body: The exam must be issued by an approved regulatory body, specifically Ofqual, SQA, Qualifications Wales, or CCEA.

(Note: You are also exempt if you already met the UKVI language requirement at the required level in a previous, successful UK visa application.)

What if I have an academic degree which was taught in English?

• If your degree was taught in a recognised English-speaking country: You are exempt if your qualification is equivalent to a UK degree and was completed in any of the approved countries listed above (including the UK, but excluding Canada).
• If your degree was awarded outside the UK: If you hold a qualification that meets or exceeds the standard of a UK bachelor's degree, but it was awarded by an institution outside the UK, you can still use it. However, you must provide official confirmation from the awarding institution stating that the degree was taught or researched in English.

Ready to take the next step?

• Auditions
• Start Your Application

Need help?

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, please contact the Admissions team.

Qualification Guide

Don’t see your qualification?

If you have questions about a specific award, email admissions@ram.ac.uk.

For formal comparisons, contact the UK ENIC (UK national agency for international qualifications).