RSL Diploma in Creative Music Industries

From September 2026, The Purcell School will offer the RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries as a two-year Sixth Form pathway for students aged 16–19 (Years 12 and 13). As the UK’s oldest specialist music school, Purcell is the only specialist music school currently offering this industry-focused qualification.

The RSL Diploma is a nationally recognised vocational course designed to reflect the realities of today’s music industry. It offers a practical, project-based alternative to traditional academic routes, with assessment through coursework rather than exams.

Students specialise in one of four pathways:

Jazz and Commercial Performance
Classical Performance
Composition
Music Production

Applicants working across a range of styles, including crossover genres, are welcome and will be supported within the pathway that best reflects their primary focus.

Alongside developing advanced skills in their chosen specialism, students gain broader industry knowledge, including collaboration, recording and production techniques, creative entrepreneurship, self-promotion, event planning and understanding how musicians build sustainable careers.

The Diploma includes two study options. Students may enrol on the subsidiary diploma alongside A Levels in one or two other subjects, or choose the extended diploma, which is a single vocational qualification equivalent in size to three A Levels.

The programme is led by Andrew Williams, Head of Academic Music, and integrates fully with Purcell’s wider musical life, facilities and performance opportunities.

This pathway is ideal for students who wish to combine high-level musical training with a realistic, forward-looking preparation for higher education and professional music careers.

This pathway is intended for students who wish to combine high-level musical training with a realistic, forward-looking preparation for higher education and professional music careers.

Andrew Williams Head of Academic Music

With a teaching career spanning almost twenty years, Andrew Williams is an established educator with extensive experience in the UK’s specialist music education sector. Alongside his role at the Purcell School, Andrew is Head of Aural and Musicianship at the...

What is the RSL Diploma in Creative Music Industries?

It is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification focused on practical music-making and understanding how the modern music industry works. Assessment is entirely coursework-based rather than exam-based.

When does the course start?

The Diploma will be offered at The Purcell School from September 2026 as part of the Sixth Form programme.

Who is the course for?

The course is designed for students aged 16–19 (Years 12 and 13) with strong musical ability who are interested in performance, composition, production or broader creative music careers, and who would benefit from a practical, project-based approach to learning.

What pathways are offered at Purcell?

Students specialise in one of four pathways: Jazz & Commercial Performance, Classical Performance, Composition or Music Production.

How long is the course?

The Diploma is typically studied over two years, in line with Sixth Form study.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment is entirely coursework-based, including performances, compositions, recordings, projects and reflective work set through industry-style creative briefs.

Is the qualification equivalent to A Levels?

The Extended Diploma is equivalent in size to three A Levels. Subsidiary Diploma options can be combined with one or two A Levels.

Is this course suitable for international students?

Yes. The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries is suitable for international students aged 16–19 who are seeking a practical, industry-focused music qualification within the UK education system.

Teaching and assessment are conducted in English, and international applicants are considered through a combination of audition and academic review. Academic qualifications are assessed individually to ensure they are comparable with UK Level 3 study.

As with all courses at The Purcell School, entry is subject to meeting the School’s academic and musical requirements.

How does this qualification compare internationally?

The RSL Level 3 Diploma is a UK post-16 qualification, typically studied over two years (Years 12 and 13). It is broadly comparable in level to the final years of secondary or high school education in many international education systems.

The Extended Diploma is equivalent in size to three UK A Levels and is commonly accepted for progression to higher education in the UK, including universities and specialist music institutions. Recognition by institutions outside the UK may vary, and students are encouraged to check specific entry requirements with prospective universities or conservatoires.

What are the academic entry requirements?

Entry requirements typically include a suitable academic profile at GCSE level (or equivalent), alongside a successful audition and evidence of musical potential.

What can students do after completing the Diploma?

The qualification supports progression to university or conservatoire study, as well as entry into professional roles within the music and creative industries.