Take your creative practice to the next level with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at RWCMD – Wales’ national conservatory in Cardiff. Our MFAs stand out in the UK for their specialist, industry-focused training with direct links to the creative industries.
You’ll study in small, supportive cohorts, work alongside leading professionals, and graduate with the skills, experience and industry connections to launch your career.
An MFA, or Master of Fine Arts, is a postgraduate program built around real-world industry practice. It’s designed to help you deepen your craft, expand your creative voice, and make a confident transition into the professional world.
As an internationally recognized qualification, an MFA can also open doors to teaching at college or university level in the US and other countries. It’s ideal if you want to specialize after graduation, develop your practice as an early-career creative, or retrain to take your career in a new direction.
Career pathways – designed to prepare you for sustainable careers across theater, opera, TV, film and digital media, giving you the skills and experience to succeed in a fast-changing industry.
Strong industry links – connections with organizations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Welsh National Opera, Sherman Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre keep your training closely connected to the profession.
Professional experience – placements and public productions built into every program mean you graduate with real-world experience and professional credits on your resume.
Specialist training – intensive, practice-based programs taught by experienced professionals.
Small cohorts – a highly supportive environment with small class sizes, one-to-one mentoring and space to develop your individual artistry.
Collaborative community – opportunities to work across drama and music disciplines, building creative partnerships for your future career.
A working arts center – as Wales’ national conservatoire and arts center, RWCMD stages over 500 performances each year as part of an internationally recognised public program.
Affordable study abroad – tuition and living costs in Cardiff are often lower than in the, so you can focus on your training and creative work.
International student support – we help guide you through applications, visas, housing and settling into life in the UK.
Choose from four two-year MFAs, each combining specialist training with professional experience.
As well as training in a world-class conservatoire, you’ll be based in Cardiff – a vibrant capital city with a thriving creative scene. Known as one of the UK’s most student-friendly cities, it’s safe, affordable and easy to get around, with theaters, rehearsal spaces, festivals and cafés all within walking distance from the College.
You’ll be surrounded by professional companies including BBC Cymru Wales, Welsh National Opera, Sherman Theatre and Welsh National Theatre, and the city is a hub for major TV and film productions being made for the likes of HBO and Netflix. This mix of stage and screen opportunities creates a dynamic environment that’s especially valuable for MFA students building networks and experience across different industries.
Cardiff is also a welcoming and inclusive place to live – big enough to feel exciting, small enough to feel like home. With London just two hours away by train and easy access to Europe, it’s an ideal base for international study and travel.
Our international student guide contains all the information you need to help you picture yourself here https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/welcome-to-rwcmd/international-student-guide
Join our upcoming Introduction to MFA webinar to hear directly from program leaders, or head to the individual program pages to learn more. International applicants are supported at every stage, from application to arrival in Cardiff.