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Apply to study music in the UK at a leading conservatoire | Bachelor’s programmes at RWCMD

Apply to study music in the UK at a leading conservatoire | Bachelor’s programmes at RWCMD

Apply now to study music at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama – Wales’ national conservatoire and one of the UK’s top destinations for music training.

Applications for Fall 2026 entry are open for our Bachelor of Music (BMus Hons) degrees in performance, composition and jazz.

Start your application

Make it happen - Launch your international music career in the UK

Train in the heart of Cardiff, the capital of Wales, at a world-leading UK conservatoire known for performance, creativity and career-focused training. The UK has a global reputation for excellence in music education, and at RWCMD you’ll benefit from intensive, practical learning from day one.

At RWCMD, you’ll join a vibrant international community and study with acclaimed performers, composers and educators working at the highest levels across the UK and internationally.

Whether you're a classical instrumentalist, jazz musician, composer or singer, you'll develop the skills, confidence and artistic voice you need for a successful global music career.

What you need to know about applying from the US

Why choose RWCMD?

- Experience a practical, collaborative approach to conservatoire training – designed to equip you for a sustainable career in the creative industries.
- Learn from leading UK and international musicians and composers, many active at the top of the UK and international music industry.
- Our small class sizes and one-to-one teaching with some of the world’s most inspirational artists will provide you with a bespoke education that is best suited to your needs.
- With fewer than 1,000 students, you can expect a high level of individual attention.
- Take part in masterclasses and creative workshops with world-class visiting artists.
- Perform in our state-of-the-art venues including the award-winning Dora Stoutzker Hall.
- Build industry connections through placements and partnerships with major UK arts organisations.
- Join a vibrant international student community, which includes students from more than 40 countries.
- Live and study in Cardiff - the welcoming capital city of Wales and thriving cultural hub, just two hours from London.

Explore our undergraduate music courses

What our students say

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'I enjoy being trained by leading specialists who have performed with world-renowned singers, instrument soloists and chamber musicians. My favourite part of the course are the ample real-world performance opportunities and rich diversity of collaboration projects which are helping me become a comprehensive artist and will further my career development.’
Chen MengGraduate

'What is so central to life at the RWCMD is the idea that the music that we make is not just what you play, it's about who you are and what you bring to it.'
Elizabeth BonsellBMus

'Having the space to learn from fellow musicians at the top of the British and European music scene alongside the support of fellow students, has been invaluable for my individual development, not only as a professional but also as a friend and mentor.'
Sam GreenBmus Jazz

'Since I started the course, I learned to do things I never thought I could - such as electronic composition or sound synthesis. Everyday I learn something useful and my compositional toolkit is constantly expanding.'
Anna DrewniokBMus Composition

'I was lucky to be able to collaborate across all departments of the College, and I made lots of contacts throughout the UK before graduating. I’ve really benefited from all the opportunities I was given.’
George RobinsonBmus Guitar

'What I love about Cardiff and the College is that it’s a really inclusive place to study, which has helped me to feel comfortable being open about my identity. I’m so proud to be part of a College and a city where I feel diversity is embraced, where I can be free to truly be myself, and where my gifts and talents are recognised and celebrated.'
Mica SmithGraduate

Explore our world-class campus and facilities

Find out more

Find out how our training has led to successful, sustainable careers across the creative industries.

Explore graduate stories

‘The College feels like a place of true investigation into what the future of music will be like, in all its forms, asking the important questions of our time about music and drama.'
Errollyn WallenComposer in Residence

Take the lead - Make it happen at RWCMD

Apply now