ACM & RSL Awards Partnership

ACM is pleased to announce a new partnership with RSL Awards, one of the world’s leading music qualifications providers.
The partnership establishes a recognised progression route for students seeking to continue their creative education and develop careers across the music and wider creative industries.
Built on a shared commitment to nurturing talent and supporting progression, the collaboration creates a stronger connection between recognised musical achievement and industry-focused higher education.

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About the partnership

RSL Awards qualifications represent years of dedicated study, practice and artistic development. By
formally recognising this achievement within its admissions process, ACM is helping students build
on the progress they have already made and focus on the opportunities ahead.
The partnership reflects the values shared by both organisations: recognising talent, rewarding
achievement and creating meaningful opportunities for progression.
Together, ACM and RSL Awards are helping aspiring musicians and creative professionals transform
recognised achievement into the skills, experience and industry connections needed to build
successful careers in the creative industries.

FAQs

Complete an ACM application form HERE and ensure you select the ‘RSL Grade 6+’ option. This will allow us to recognise your eligibility for the progression route. You will be asked to provide evidence of your qualification later in the admissions process.

You need to have achieved Grade 6 or above through RSL Awards’ graded music exams, or successfully completed a Creative Music Industries / Music Practitioners Level 2 or Level 3 RSL Vocational Qualification to be eligible for the no-audition route.

This applies to ACM’s 2-year Extended Diploma in Performance, Production, or Songwriting subject areas. This also applies to the Performance, production, songwriting pathways* for ACM’s BA/BSC(hons) Creative Industries Futures (Music) and MCCI in Creative and Cultural Industries (Music, Digital Arts)

*Excludes AC[M] Sound Recording and Engineering pathway

No. Eligible students can apply without an audition, all applicants must still meet ACM’s
standard entry requirements, including 104 UCAS tariff points, and successfully complete the
admissions process.

Yes, provided the qualification achieved is in a relevant musical discipline.

Yes. You will still need to submit a full application, including personal details, qualifications, and any
required supporting information.

You will need to provide official certification or confirmation of your RSL Awards qualification during
the application process.

It means eligible students do not need to complete a performance or creative audition
as part of their application.

No. Students entering through this route are recognised as having already demonstrated a high level
of ability through their RSL qualification.

No. Your course content, structure, and learning experience remain the same for all students.

No. ACM offers courses across performance, production, games development, songwriting, music
business, and wider creative disciplines.

Yes, subject to standard visa and entry requirements.

No, it is a formal progression partnership. However, admissions policies may be reviewed periodically.

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