RNCM launches Master of Education programme

Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has announced a new Master of Education programme, commencing September 2024.

The degree is aimed at music teachers wishing to gain further training and accreditation for their teaching or conducting practice, as well as at graduates looking to specialise in education.

Available full-time over one year or part-time over two years, the programme offers a mix of timetabled and optional modules, flexible supervision and placements.

Robbie Gardiner, the RNCM’s programme lead for music education, said: ‘Our new Master of Education degree is a really exciting and innovative programme that has been deliberately designed to support the varied and flexible professional lives of music educators, aiming to nurture and support teachers across all disciplines, musical styles, contexts and settings.

‘It is rooted in our passion for developing inclusive approaches to music education and enriching the lives of everyone through music.’ 

The MEd degree requires students to complete four compulsory modules: ‘Music Education: Philosophy, Theory and Practice’, ‘Research Methods: Music Education’, a dissertation, and placement.

Optional modules include a mix of practical, research and vocational areas, including Arrangement, Contemporary Songwriting, Cross-cultural Approaches to Musicianship, Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Dynamic Rehearsals, Electronic Experimental Ensemble, Music and Environment, Research Lecture Recital, and Underrepresented Music and Musicians.

In addition to the Master of Education degree (requiring 180 credits), the College is offering a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) and Postgraduate Certificate (90 credits), both in Education or Community Conducting.

All applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, normally in music. Those without formal music qualifications must demonstrate their musical background and potential to complete the programme at interview.

Applications for September 2024 entry are now open.

Find out more on the RNCM website.