OpenFieldRoyal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Discover world-class acting degrees, orchestral performance masters, stage design courses, and Welsh national artistic scholarships at RWCMD Cardiff.
Institutional Overview
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru), established in 1949 and set within the magnificent grounds of Bute Park in Cardiff, is the National Conservatoire of Wales. RWCMD is ranked among the United Kingdom's leading conservatoires for acting, stage management, scenic design, orchestral performance, opera, and composition, with state-of-the-art theatres and concert halls.
- Type
- Public National Conservatoire / University College
- Campus
- Bute Park Campus & Anthony Hopkins Centre, Cardiff, Wales
- Accreditation
- University of South Wales Group / QAA UK / Conservatoires UK (CUKAS)
- Admissions
- Highly competitive live artistic audition / interview and portfolio evaluation
- Language
- English (IELTS 6.0 - 7.0 depending on program; Welsh language pathways available)
- Aid
- RWCMD Scholarship Fund, Leverhulme Trust Awards & Welsh Government Grants
Academic Strengths & Distinctive Focus
- Richard Burton Theatre Company producing professional public seasons in Cardiff and London
- World-class concert hall (Dora Stoutzker Hall) and specialized opera school
- Award-winning design for performance department excelling in theatre scenography and puppetry
- Over 90% professional industry placement across West End, BBC, Welsh National Opera, and Royal Shakespeare Company
Featured Academic Degrees & Curricula
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Acting
Three-year intensive conservatoire training in voice, movement, screen acting, classical text, and industry showcase performances.
Master of Music (MMus) in Performance
Two-year postgraduate instrumental or vocal curriculum with principal study tuition, masterclasses, and orchestral rehearsals.
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Design for Performance
Practical degree in theatre set design, costume construction, digital scenography, and puppetry for stage and screen.
Current Verified Opportunities & Fellowships (7)
Leverhulme Arts Scholarship at RWCMD
Prestigious merit scholarship awarded to exceptionally gifted undergraduate and postgraduate students in music or drama.
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Acting Enrolment
Three-year full-time conservatoire degree developing professional actors for stage, television, radio, and international screen industries.
Richard Burton Theatre Company Production Practicum
Final-year intensive production residency staging 15 fully mounted theatrical productions directed by visiting international directors.
Master of Music (MMus) in Performance Enrolment
Two-year postgraduate degree providing intensive individual instrumental instruction, chamber music, and side-by-side orchestral placements with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
BBC National Orchestra of Wales Professional Orchestral Pathway
Side-by-side orchestral training scheme placing advanced instrumentalists in live rehearsals and broadcasts with the BBC NOW in Cardiff.
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Design for Performance Enrolment
Three-year studio training in theatre set design, period costume construction, digital projection mapping, and scenic art.
Gareth Jones Vocal Arts Bursary
Endowed bursary supporting young opera singers studying at the David Seligman Opera School at RWCMD.
Sourced Faculty & Research Advisors (3)
Prof. Helena Gaunt
Principal and Professor of Music · Directorate of the Conservatoire
Prof. Helena Gaunt leads the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, publishing internationally on professional artistry, chamber music pedagogy, and creative ensemble leadership.
Jonathan Munby
Director of Drama Performance · Richard Burton School of Drama
Jonathan Munby directs drama performance at RWCMD, having directed internationally acclaimed productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Globe.
Tim Rhys-Evans, MBE
Director of Music · School of Music
Tim Rhys-Evans coordinates classical and contemporary music curricula at RWCMD, renowned for pioneering choral innovation and community vocal engagement.
Connect with OpenField Advisors
Our academic advisors provide free mentorship, admission guidance, and research proposal feedback for prospective scholars applying to Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.