BMus (Hons) Music – Composition

Train at one of the best music conservatoires in the UK
RWCMD is widely regarded as one of the UK's top places to study music. Our BMus (Hons) Composition course offers outstanding one-to-one tuition alongside rigorous training and performance opportunities to help you succeed in the music industry.

World-class tuition from renowned industry professionals
You’ll have a combination of weekly one-to-one and group tuition, known as ‘principal study’. You’ll work with specialist tutors who are composers in notated music and creative music technology. They bring years of professional expertise, and all remain active in the creative industries. They offer not just technical guidance, but also mentorship and valuable insight into the professional world of music.

Training to suit your interests and goals
As you progress through your course, you'll be able to focus increasingly on instrumental composition, or on creative music technology, or both. You’ll study subjects such as orchestration and arranging, electronic music, conducting, interactive applications and coding, music for film and TV, and live electronic music performance.

Professional experience and industry links
Our strong partnerships with leading arts organisations and world-renowned opera companies and orchestras in Cardiff, including Welsh National Opera and BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Experience schemes and placements are open to you to apply as an undergraduate music student, helping you build connections and practical insight into life as a working musician.

A creative, collaborative conservatoire community
You can collaborate with students from across the College, from acting to design, building the skills and confidence to work creatively across different art forms.

Study in a dynamic arts centre environment
RWCMD is a working arts centre in the heart of Cardiff, home to an internationally recognised public performance programme. Each year the College welcomes acclaimed artists from across the globe, and you’ll be encouraged to attend as many events as possible – either for free or at a discounted student rate.

Live in Wales' capital city
Cardiff is a friendly, affordable, and creative place to live. As a student, you’ll be part of a thriving music and arts scene, with major venues on your doorstep and chances to get involved in performances, community outreach, and professional events.

• Performance is a central part of your training, with a wide range of opportunities to play in public – from orchestras and opera productions to in-house ensembles. This also includes your performance assessments, which will typically take place in front of an audience, allowing you to build your platform and artistic performance skills, as well as connect with audiences on a regular basis.

• You’ll not only hone your technical and artistic skills with some of the industry’s leading practitioners, but you’ll have opportunities to perform and work on a range of student-led projects from departments across the College – from different instrumental/vocal disciplines through to acting and design.

• You’ll have the opportunity to take masterclasses with some of the industry’s most acclaimed international artists, gaining valuable insight into the professional world of music.
• Our students are encouraged to take part in external competitions throughout their time here. Major events – such as BBC Cardiff Singer of the World and World Stage Design – have also been hosted on our campus.

Our admissions team are happy to help with any questions about entry requirements, auditions or life at RWCMD. Email admissions@rwcmd.ac.uk to get started.

Join a community of passionate, talented musicians at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Whether you’re preparing for a career in the creative industries or looking to shape the future of music education, your path starts here.