RSCM Sacred Music Studies
Sacred Music Studies
leading to a
University of Wales Certificate in Higher Education
and also to
RSCM Preliminary Certificate, CertRSCM and DipRSCM
Do you want to explore the use of music in church?
Do you want to understand the role of music in worship?
Do you want to learn how to use your skills more effectively?
- study by distance learning in the context of your own church
- a flexible, part-time course over 1-4 years
- option of starting in January, June or October
- intended for musicians, worship leaders, clergy
To start in June or October 2008
please download the brochure and application/registration form below.
- download brochure about the course
- download registration form
- download description of the course modules in more detail (PDF)
- description of the course modules in more detail (webpage)
2007 Residential Course in Bangor
18 past and present students on the Sacred Music Studies course took part in the 2007 Residential Study Week at the School of Music, Bangor University from in August. A report will appears in the December 2007 edition of Church Music Quarterly.
2006 Residential Course in Bangor
In August 2006, 18 students from across the British Isles gathered in Bangor, North Wales for a residential school as part of the Sacred Music Studies course. Claire Corbett and Sue Moore were there and write:
"The quality of the worship and making music together was a highlight of the course, particularly singing Compline by candlelight each evening. This, together with the sense of fellowship that characterized the entire week, made the whole experience very special.
"The discussion and workshop sessions covered key themes of the course and enabled us to explore ideas and personal experiences with others in similar situations. We gained in confidence and returned home with fresh inspiration. Tutorials provided some useful insights into areas we need to work on in our individual parish situations.
"Nightly impromptu concerts in a local taverna by a few course members (and tutor!) led to a specially arranged version of 'Day Trip to Bangor' (written in the wee small hours and rehearsed over breakfast) being performed at the conclusion of the course. Well... it just had to be done!"
Some pictures of the Bangor Residential Course, August 2006 (see 2006 Residential Course in Bangor for story)
The RSCM has established an exciting programme of education, training and qualifications in association with the Bangor University.
All enrolling on this programme will be part-time students of the University, as well as RSCM students. Study is based in, and related to, your own location; additionally there are short residential courses and ongoing tutorial support by telephone and e-mail.
The programme is intended to develop both your skills and your understanding of worship and of music in worship. The course is particularly intended for church musicians, but is also appropriate for clergy and others who lead worship.
It is an opportunity to explore
- Worship and ministry
- Music in worship
- Skills of the church musician
Your understanding of these three areas will develop throughout the course. More details can be found here.
A flexible course
The principal study areas outlined above (worship and ministry, music in worship, and skills of the church musician) are explored at each of the three learning stages. These stages of learning enable you to take on aspects of the course in manageable chunks – and each completed module gains you credits towards the Certificate of Higher Education from the University of Wales or towards another recognised course. More importantly, the work you do for this course will enable you to do your work within your own church with greater confidence and understanding.
Sacred Music Studies…
- "…has completely changed my outlook towards music in the church"
- "…an exciting journey"
- "…has given me new-found confidence"
- "…brilliant!"
RSCM qualifications
There are four RSCM qualifications, incorporated within the University's higher education and postgraduate programmes. Any studies you complete gain credits which may be transferred to other institutions and programmes where appropriate.
The first three RSCM qualifications
- RSCM Preliminary Certificate (awarded after completion of the first three modules)
- CertRSCM (awarded after completion of the next six modules)
- DipRSCM (awarded after completion of the final two modules)
are incorporated within the Higher Education Certificate and Diploma programmes at the University.
The fourth RSCM qualification
- LRSCM
is incorporated within the postgraduate programme at the University.
Entry requirements
If you wish to enrol as a student for Sacred Music Studies you have to be eligible to register for university study, and should have either A-level or other appropriate experience or qualifications. If you are unable to register for this programme you may want to consider the Skills of the Church Musician programme, which is currently under development.
Gap-year study
The flexible nature of the course makes it especially suitable for those who are considering gap-year study before undertaking a choral or organ scholarship.
- download brochure about the course
- download registration form
- download description of the course modules in more detail (PDF)
- description of the course modules in more detail (webpage)
Frequently-asked questions >
Residential Courses 2006 & 2007 >