Historically Informed Performance Practice (in conjunction with RCS) MA
This Masters, taught jointly with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly RSAMD), combines vocal or instrumental study with performance-related academic research and an element of apprenticeship with professional ensembles. If you’re aspiring to perform professionally or wishing to undertake historical research relating to performance practice, or both: this programme is designed for you.
- Academic contact: John.Butt@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- MA: 12 months full-time; 24 months part‑time
Why this programme
- You will benefit from access to our facilities including seminar and practice rooms, the University library, two audio labs and an electroacoustic music studio, the University’s Concert Hall and attached studios. You will also have access to facilities at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
- We offer the unique opportunity to study alongside world-class performer-scholars, and to work both within the University and the Conservatoire environment. Where possible, RCS can arrange involvement in the work of professional historically-informed ensembles, including Dunedin Consort and Concerto Caledonia.
- Glasgow is the UK’s first UNESCO city of music, and home to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Opera and National Theatre of Scotland.
Programme structure
Two routes are available: one weighted toward performance, the other toward musicological enquiry.
The core of the course concerns 17th- and 18th-century musical practices, but these can be used as a jumping-off point for the study and development of other historical and traditional musical activities.
You will have access to a range of both reproduction and original historical instruments from the collections of both institutions. Previously completed student projects include: phrasing marks in Beethoven’s string writing; tablature and transcription in vihuela repertoire; Baroque and traditional practices in Scottish fiddle variation sets; and Italianate vocal training and its relationship to pedagogic practice in 18th-century Britain. With professional groups, students have performed, prepared editions, researched repertoire and assisted on educational outreach.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
Our degree programmes open up opportunities to access or advance careers in the creative industries, whether working as a professional composer or musician, in the music industry for a record company, management company or promoter, or in the media industry. Some graduates have combined their degrees with other studies to pursue careers in areas such as law and education.
Entry requirements
Normally, at least a 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in Music, plus an audition.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 7.0 with no subtests under 7.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)
- 94; with Reading 24; Listening 24; Speaking 23; Writing 27
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 66 with no subtest less than: Listening 66;Reading 68; Speaking 65; Writing 82
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 185 overall, no subtest less than 185
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- Oxford ELLT 8
- R&L: OIDI level no less than 8 with Reading: 27-28 and Listening: 20
- W&S: OIDI level no less than 8.
Trinity College Tests
Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.
How to apply
Applications should be made directly to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
For further information regarding the course, or details on how to apply, please refer to The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland programme page.
