BMus (Hons) Jazz Bachelor's degree at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
BMus (Hons) Jazz at RCS integrates core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Studying our BMus (Hons) Jazz programme, you will experience a high level of training aimed at cultivating your development as a creative and versatile jazz performer. From the provider’s course page.
BMus (Hons) Jazz is a Bachelor's degree (BMus (Hons)) at RCS, based in Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Performing arts graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for General Studies, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 100% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Jazz Performance 1Core60 credits
- Ear Training through Performance 1Core10 credits
Module details
Developing your aural awareness, sight-reading, sight-singing and musical dictation skills
- Jazz History through Performance 1Core10 credits
Module details
Broad overview of the history of jazz from its origins to Free jazz
- Jazz Theory and Composition 1Core10 credits
Module details
Fundamentals of jazz composition and knowledge of jazz repertoire
- Creative CitizenshipCore10 credits
Module details
Introduction to the cultural, artistic, political, and educational context of learning in a Higher Education Performing Arts institution
- Introduction to Professional Skills for MusiciansCore10 credits
Module details
An introduction to some of the skills required to enter the profession; and an introduction to working as a music leader in educational and community settings
- Music LeadershipCore10 credits
Year 2 7 modules
- Jazz Performance 2Core60 credits
- Ear Training through Performance 2Core10 credits
Module details
Developing your aural awareness, sight-reading, sight-singing and musical dictation skills
- Jazz History through Performance 2Core10 credits
Module details
Historical understanding of jazz from Mingus through to Acid Jazz
- Jazz Theory and Composition 2Core10 credits
Module details
Jazz composition skills; perform your own compositions and write for a jazz ensemble
- Chord ScalesCore10 credits
- Interdisciplinary and Extended Practice (IXP)Elective10 credits
Module details
10 credit IXP module from catalogue of more than 30 choices; topics such as Gamelan, Kodaly, Experimental Improvisatory Practices, Mindfulness, Community Music, Writing for the Screen and British Sign Language
- The Teaching MusicianCore10 credits
Module details
Focuses specifically on the pedagogy of your own discipline and the skills and knowledge of an effective teacher
Year 3 6 modules
- Principal Study 3Core60 credits
- Ear Training through Performance 3Core10 credits
Module details
Ear training skills with a focus on conducting, rhythmic duets, and sight-singing
- Jazz History through Performance 3Core10 credits
- Contextual Studies ElectivesElective10 credits
Module details
Elective topics from Contextual Studies; choices include the study of topics ranging from Beethoven's String quartets to A History of Scotland in 100 Tunes; from Performance Practice to The Beatles; from film and television music to Music Psychology
- Musicianship ElectivesElective10 credits
Module details
Elective topics in Musicianship; choices include Orchestration, arranging for Big band, ARSM Teaching Diploma, Jazz Keyboard Skills, Introductions to Jazz or Folk Ensembles, and free Composition
- The Freelance MusicianCore10 credits
Module details
Focus on how to approach a freelance career and on planning a project related to your life after graduation
Year 4 5 modules
- Principal Study 4Core60 credits
- Advanced Ear Training Through PerformanceCore15 credits
- Research PaperCore15 credits
Module details
A small, student-directed project that brings together the reflective skills developed in Principal Study in years 1 to 3 with the research skills developed in Contextual Studies
- Professional Development OptionsElective20 credits
Module details
Choices include a public performance, a professional composition project, work in music education or community music, a business project or another project of your own design
- IXP and ElectivesElective10 credits
Module details
Either another IXP module, or a Musicianship or Contextual Studies elective that you did not take in year 3
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This BMus (Hons) Jazz programme emphasises high-level training to develop you as a creative and versatile jazz performer. A course like this typically begins with foundational work in jazz performance, music theory and ear-training, alongside broader musicianship. As you progress through Year 2, you'll usually undertake intermediate study of jazz history, styles and improvisation, often with applied projects that put skills into practice. In your final year, you'll typically pursue specialist options reflecting your interests, such as ensemble performance, composition, or jazz history, while completing independent research or a capstone project. Throughout, you'll normally develop professional skills and may undertake work experience or placement opportunities.
Who it's for
Most entrants arrive with A-levels or equivalent qualifications; recent accepted students typically held a UCAS tariff of 176–191 points. This course suits musicians committed to developing jazz performance and understanding at degree level.
University & format
The BMus (Hons) Jazz is a 4-year full-time degree awarded by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, a University located on its Main Campus. Instruction is in English. The degree is nationally recognised as it comes from a recognised UK degree-awarding body. The university, founded in 1847, also offers bursaries and scholarships. Check its funding pages for further details.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 65%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| another higher-education qualification | 15% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at RCS →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What General Studies graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,500 | £15,000 – £30,000 | 10 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in general studies · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs General Studies nationally
National figures for General Studies graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 15-month median earnings compare with General Studies courses at the same study level.
Compared with 207 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 65; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How General Studies graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where General Studies graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Employers across sectors
- Public sector
- Corporates & charities
- Startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit General Studies graduates.
General PractitionerMatchMedicsGeneral ManagerParkside RecruitmentGeneral ManagerThe Management Recruitment Group (MRG)General ManagerBite TalentGeneral ForemanCONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITEDGeneral PractitionerFlexzo AiIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.1 out of 10: NSS 77.7% · in work or study 95% · continued 100%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Combined and general studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is General Studies right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to RCS from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £29,786 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check RCS’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with RCS and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at RCS
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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