MFA in Directing (Theatre, Opera and Musical Theatre)

Train at one of the UK’s top conservatoires
RWCMD is considered one of the best places to study drama in the UK. With our MFA in Directing, you’ll get outstanding teaching alongside practical experience in a professional training environment, all in readiness for your career as a director of theatre and opera.

Expert teaching and mentorship from leading practitioners
You’ll be guided by a team of tutors operating at the top of their field. Their extensive experience and insight into the professional world will prepare you for the demands of the multifaceted world of theatre production, aligning your training with current industry standards.

Tailored training in a safe and supportive environment
Our small cohort sizes – fewer than six – means you’ll get personalised mentorship and a high level of support from your tutors, as well as the space and freedom to really push your creative boundaries.

Real-world experience and professional links
We have strong partnerships with some of the most prestigious theatre companies and producers in the UK, including the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), National Theatre, Young Vic, Sherman Theatre, Theatr Clwyd, Welsh National Opera (WNO), English National Opera, Royal Opera House and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Our partnerships with these companies will allow you to build your network of industry contacts and potentially open up employment opportunities.

Collaborations with other creatives
You’ll train alongside peers from other departments across the College, giving you an opportunity to build creative partnerships that could last a lifetime. These cross disciplinary interactions also enrich your training and reflect the collaborative nature of the professional theatre and opera worlds.

Sessions with acclaimed visiting directors and practitioners
You’ll regularly attend masterclasses with renowned directors, practitioners and artistic directors from the UK’s major theatres. They’ll share their knowledge and expertise, contributing to your training in the craft of directing and offering you insights into the professional world.

Train in Wales’s capital city
You’ll study in the centre of Cardiff, a creative, affordable city that boasts a thriving theatre community allowing you opportunities to collaborate and network – a skill that is essential to building a successful freelance career. 

Study in a vibrant arts centre environment
Every year, world-renowned artists and groups visit our campus as part of our internationally recognised public performance programme of opera, musical theatre, orchestral concerts and award-winning drama. We encourage you to attend as many of these events as possible, all available to you at a student rate.

• Collaboration is at the heart of this MFA programme. In addition to training alongside peers from other RWCMD departments, you’ll also direct a professional theatre production with professional actors, creatives and crew at a venue in Cardiff. This is a unique and invaluable experience that will set you apart from other directing graduates.
• You’ll serve as an assistant director or observer to a variety of world-class freelance and staff directors who are directing at the College. Previous visiting directors have included Blanche McIntyre, Dan Raggett, Adele Thomas, Ned Bennett, Jonathan Munby, Iqbal Khan, Isobel Kettle, Caroline Clegg, Emily Ling Williams, Jade Lewis, amongst others. These opportunities will give you an insight into a broad range of directing styles and techniques, further broadening your practical knowledge and professional outlook.

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

Join a community of passionate, talented artists at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Whether you’re preparing for a career in TV and film, or looking to shape the future of drama education, your path starts here.