Royal Academy of Music - In Depth

Founded: 1822.

Structural features: Part of London University from 1999. Collaboration with King's College London on performance courses (undergrad and postgrad).

Site: Central London.

How to get there: Baker Street or Regent's Park underground stations; many buses.

Special features: Many distinguished visiting musicians eg Alberni Quartet. International composer festivals.

Awarding bodies: London University; Royal Academy of Music.

Main awards: BMus, MMus, Diploma of Postgraduate Performance.

Length of courses: 4 years (2 years postgraduate).

Library & information services: Approx 175,000 items in total, 40 periodicals and approx 10,000 books.

Specialist collections: Sir Henry Wood, Sullivan Archive and Otto Klemperer collections of orchestral scores. Separate IT service; 1 workstation for every 28 students (5 with access to the library, 30 to the internet), open 16 hours/day. 1 full-time, 3 part-time support staff; guidance and information given to all.

Other learning resources: Concert hall, recital hall, living museum, opera theatre, 5 organs.

Study abroad: Member of Socrates, in which a permanent exchange programme operates between leading european conservatoires. Exchange links with conservatoires in Europe, USA and Australia.

Careers: Information and advice.

Student advice & services: Student services; counsellor. Amenities: Music shop on site; RAM Magazine; canteen, licensed students' club; social facilities.

Accommodation: Some students in Academy or London University halls of residence. Very small numbers live at home.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £7500 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by academy.

Term-time work: College allows term-time work for students (30% believed to work). Term-time work in college bars, offices, library, security and fire stewarding; adverts for jobs elsewhere on noticeboards.