Opera Department | Royal Academy of Music

Royal Academy Opera (RAO) functions as a small opera company and a bridge to the profession.

The two-year postgraduate course (see Vocal Studies for undergraduate training and study at Master's level), which includes invaluable performance experience, is for exceptionally talented singers with the potential and aspiration to succeed as principals at the highest levels. Generous scholarships are available for RAO students.

The Academy means an awful lot to me. It was the beginning of my musical journey, it was where I realised that I wanted to be a professional singer. Once I went to the Academy it became clear to me that that was my path.
Freddie De Tommaso

Our highly focused study environment includes one-to-one tuition, group classes and opera scenes, as well as three fully staged productions per year, which are regularly attended by representatives from opera companies, artist agencies and press.

You will work closely with distinguished in-house professors and international visiting artists, and will also benefit from acting and movement classes, language coaching and classes in many other areas of professional development.

Meet the Academy's Professor of Vocal & Opera, Catherine Wyn-Rogers

Courses

Applications open 9 July 2026
Opera
Advanced Opera DiplomaPostgraduate
A specialist and intensive postgraduate 2-year Advanced Diploma (Level 8 in the UK Qualifications Framework). This course is for those with the potential and aspirations to succeed as principals at the highest international standard.
Apply now More info
Applications open 9 July 2026
Opera (Répétiteur)
Professional Diploma (Répétiteur)Postgraduate
Work closely with distinguished professors, coaches and visiting artists, and develop your skills in an environment that closely replicates a professional opera company.
Apply now More info
Applications open 9 July 2026
Opera (Répétiteur)
Advanced Professional Diploma (Répétiteur)Postgraduate
A two-year Level 8 course bridging to professional work. Demands high autonomy and initiative, supporting the development of industry-related skills tailored to your profile, with programme supervision and one-to-one lessons.
Apply now More info