Professional Performance - AdvPgDip (post-Masters level 8)

Program Overview

Professional Performance - AdvPgDip (post-Masters level 8)

Overview

Support your developing career as a professional performer with Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's post-Masters, Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Performance. You can choose one of seven specialisms: Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Collaborative Piano, Organ Performance, Chamber Music Performance, Opera Repetiteurship or Choral Conducting.

Entry Requirements

• A postgraduate qualification (preferably Masters level), normally (but not necessarily) specialising in performance and/or substantial, verifiable public performance experience at a professional level.
• You will need to demonstrate that you're able to perform at a professional level and should submit a biography and list of performances at the time of application.
• You will need to demonstrate an awareness of what is required of the performer wishing to forge a successful professional career in the 21st century, and an open mind about developing your own portfolio of relevant skills and experiences, making clear your rationale for further study.

Fees & How to Apply

• UK students:
  • Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
  • The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
  • Award: AdvPgDip (post-Masters level 8)
  • Starting: Sep 2025
  • Mode: Full Time/Part Time
  • Duration: 12 months (Full Time), 2 years (Part Time)
  • Fees:
    • Full Time: £12,440 in 2025/26
    • Part Time: £2074 per 20 credits (Year 1 - 60 credits, Year 2 - 60 credits)
• International students:
  • Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
  • The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
  • Award: AdvPgDip (post-Masters level 8)
  • Starting: Sep 2025
  • Mode: Full Time
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Fees: £27,500 in 2025/26

Course in Depth

Modules

• Professional Performance Portfolio (60 credits)
  • Musicians who have already achieved a high standard of performance and who are preparing for life in the profession require time, expert guidance and high-profile performance opportunities to further develop and refine their skills and knowledge, and to broaden their experience of the concert platform.
• Career Management and Self-Promotion (20 credits)
  • If any performer is to stand a chance of gaining a foothold in the profession, they need to be equipped with a range of skills over and above the ability to perform at a professional level.
• External Engagement (40 credits)
  • If any performer is to stand a chance of gaining a foothold in the profession, they need to be equipped with a range of skills over and above the ability to perform at a professional level.
• Professional Project (40 credits)
  • If any performer is to stand a chance of gaining a foothold in the profession, they need to be equipped with a range of skills over and above the ability to perform at a professional level.

Course Structure

• The course revolves around your individual needs, strategic goals and enthusiasms.
• To get the most out of it, you'll need to be highly self-motivated and able to work on your own initiative.
• There is an expectation that, with the support of your course tutors, you'll take advantage of being on the course to seek out and maximise professional development opportunities which will be strategically useful to your developing career.

Employability

• This postgraduate degree will help support and advance your career as a professional musician or performer.
• You'll develop your already advanced skills with high-quality, 1:1 tuition and professional performance opportunities.

Facilities & Staff

• Our staff:
  • Dr Luan Shaw
  • Dr Siân Derry

Research Areas

• The course is designed to support your developing career as a professional performer, with a focus on practice-based learning and international opportunities at every stage.