‘World-class’ Manchester music school named one of the best on the planet
- Written by Thom Bamford
- Last updated 2 weeks ago
- City of Manchester, Music
The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has once again put Manchester on the global map, retaining its place among the top five universities in the world to study music, according to the prestigious QS World University Rankings.
For the second consecutive year, the RNCM has been ranked No. 5 worldwide for music, cementing its status as a leading international conservatoire.
This ranks RNCM ahead of New York’s Julliard and many other incredibly prestigious schools.
The 2025 QS World University Rankings
The 2025 QS World University Rankings, which assess more than 1,700 institutions across the globe, also place the RNCM among the top 10 universities globally for performing arts.
The rankings analyse 55 individual subjects spanning broad areas such as Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, and Natural Sciences. Institutions are measured on factors including academic reputation, employer standing, research impact, and sustainability.
Professor Linda Merrick CBE, Principal of the RNCM, welcomed the news, saying: “We are extremely proud to be in the top five institutions in the world for music and to have retained our position in the QS World University Rankings – a prestigious recognition that affirms our reputation as a world-leading conservatoire. I wish to express my gratitude to the exceptional staff and outstanding students who strive to create an innovative environment that ambitiously drives forward our industry and strives for excellence in everything we do.”
For the full listings of what’s on at Royal Northern College of Music, click here
The Royal Northern College of Music
Located on Oxford Road, the RNCM continues to attract talented musicians from across the globe, contributing to the city’s incredible cultural scene.
With cutting-edge facilities and a packed calendar of public performances, the College is regarded not only as a leading centre for music education but also as a key part of Manchester’s creative identity.
The latest ranking further highlights Manchester’s status as a hub for world-class music and performing arts education, with the RNCM standing shoulder to shoulder with the very best institutions internationally.
You can see the full rankings by clicking here
- This article was last updated 2 weeks ago.
- It was first published on 14 March 2025 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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