International Students

Fireworks display over Cardiff Bay

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) is located in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Cardiff is Europe's youngest capital city and has a population of just over 300,000. It is one of the most popular student destinations in the UK and each year more than 5,000 students from outside the UK choose to study here. Whilst offering everything you would expect from a thriving, cosmopolitan city, Cardiff is relatively compact and easy to get around on foot. It also offers excellent value for money, with food, entertainment and accommodation costs significantly lower than in most major UK cities.

History and Status

The College was founded in 1949, with its home in Cardiff Castle. In 1974, the College moved to its current site, with expansion into the refurbished Castle Mews in 1999. In 2002, HRH The Queen granted the College 'Royal' status and is delighted to have HRH The Prince of Wales as Patron.

RWCMD has an unrivalled reputation for excellence in Wales and is part of a network of conservatoires throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. Students on all courses benefit from the extensive experience of the College's well established staff, which includes some of the UK's leading performers and practitioners.

Academic Strengths

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is Wales' National Conservatoire and a centre of excellence for the performing arts, specialising in Music, Acting, Stage Management, Technical Theatre, Theatre Design, Arts Management and Music Therapy.

Collaborations with professional organisations, visiting directors, casting agents and musicians provide students with valuable experience of real working conditions and enable them to make vital contacts within the industry. Our close links ensure that students never lose sight of the vocational nature of their training and that their work at the College accurately reflects current professional practice.

Facts

Music

  • One of only 9 Conservatoires in the UK and one of only 5 Conservatoires with 'Royal' Status
  • Guardian League Tables 2007 rated the College: 9/10 Student/Staff Ratio Score, 8/10 Value Added Score

Drama

  • Rated 4th in the UK (Guardian League Tables 2007)
  • Guardian League Tables 2007 rated the College: 9/10 Student/Staff Ratio Score, 9/10 Jobs Prospects Score, 10/10 Value Added Score

Facilities

The campus includes a range of facilities including theatres, studios, practice rooms and various performance spaces. There is also a well stocked library and several computer rooms.

In addition, the campus houses the Student Union, shop, coffee shop and canteen serving a variety of affordable foods to cater for every taste.

Severn Point, the College's halls of residence is a fully managed, safe and comfortable environment, based just 10 minutes walk from the College and around 15 minutes walk from the city centre's attractions.

All bedrooms are en-suite and have telephone and unlimited high speed internet access. A separate block has been reserved exclusively for international and postgraduate students.