The Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) has become the first Irish conservatoire to enter the QS World University Rankings for Music, placing 12th.
The QS World University Rankings evaluate institutions globally using indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact.
In performing arts fields, including music, these rankings draw on global surveys of academics, employers, and arts-sector professionals.
RIAM said the inclusion in the rankings marks a transformative milestone for the country's national conservatoire and a significant moment in Ireland's emergence as a global cultural force.
This recognition aligns with wider national momentum in the arts including RIAM 'High Achiever' Jessie Buckley's recent Oscar success and RIAM graduate Donnacha Dennehy's Grammy win.
Founded in 1848, RIAM has been Ireland's national conservatoire for music for more than 175 years.
It teaches pre-college and full‑time degree students annually from its campus on Westland Row and also operates a national music assessment system examining many thousands of learners each year, making RIAM the benchmark for music education in Ireland.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Internationally, RIAM has forged performance partnerships with leading conservatoires abroad, and with the classical music industry in Ireland, including national orchestras, opera companies, and festivals.
Director of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Deborah Kelleher, said the institution is delighted to achieve the prestigious global ranking and be recognised as a leading institution in its field.
"This comes at a time when Ireland is increasingly asserting itself as a major player on the global cultural stage and we are thrilled to have played a part in Ireland's recent success at the Oscars and Grammys," she said.
"We pride ourselves on providing a quality education and setting our students up for success once they graduate, and this achievement recognises that," she added.
RIAM's alumni include Celine Byrne (soprano), Donnacha Dennehy (Grammy-winning composer), Brian Byrne (Golden Globe‑nominated film composer), Ava Dodd (Classic FM 2025 Rising Star) Joseph O’Connor (writer), Sinéad and Niamh Cusack (actors), Tara Erraught (soprano), Finghin Collins (pianist).
