Course Overview
The BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programme is designed to equip you with a comprehensive, highly developed and fully integrated set of technical skills that will enable you to adapt to the diverse opportunities and wide-ranging demands of today’s rapidly expanding musical theatre industry. Distinctively, the programme also incorporates modules dedicated to exploring the creative process involved in the development of new work, in order to further extend your professional potential.
Practical classes and workshops focused on singing, voice, speech and text run throughout the first two years, supported by individual tutorials. Dance classes cover jazz technique and repertoire including street and commercial forms as well as ballet and tap, Latin and ballroom styles.
Acting classes in the first term guide you through practical explorations of approaches to improvised performance, working with texts, developing character and building relationships through the rehearsal process. The second year Acting module comprises of two components focusing on a) approaches to Shakespeare and other heightened texts and b) an investigation of the specific practices and demands of the film and television industry.
A series of performance-based projects runs throughout the first two years providing opportunities for practical exploration of the integrated and creative processes involved in the rehearsal and production of new and known works.
A ‘Bridge Project’ in the third year places you in a professional rehearsal environment working alongside stage managers, lighting and sound designers towards a short run of performances of scenes, or an abridged work, for an invited audience.
In the final year, you will take part in rehearsals and public performances of two consecutive, fully staged productions working under professional conditions as part of the College’s Richard Burton Company.
Regular seminars running throughout the course offer insights into the professional context, identifying key developments within the industry and offering strategies for finding employment, with particular emphasis on audition technique.
Towards the end of the third year, you will perform in Showcases in Cardiff, London and New York (US students only) to an invited audience of industry professionals including agents and casting directors.
Entry Requirements
Normal entrance requirements include A levels, BTEC or equivalent qualifications, including WBQ, Scottish Highers, BTEC National Diploma/Certificate, International Baccalaureate, Advanced GNVQ, AVCE or Advanced Diploma (Level 3), or recognised international qualifications. However, candidates with an exceptional level of practical ability may be accepted without formal qualifications.
Selection is made on the basis of an audition.
International Applicants
International applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate that their English language ability meets the College’s minimum requirements. Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of accepted English language tests and required scores.
Tuition Fees for 2023-2024
| Course Duration | Students from the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man | Overseas Students |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years full time | £9,000 * | £23,860 ** |
* Undergraduate tuition fees for UK students are set by the Welsh Government. They are reviewed annually and may be subject to an increase in future years.
** Undergraduate tuition fees for overseas students are subject to an annual increase.
Further information on the funding available towards the cost of tuition fees.
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Other Costs
Travel costs are low as most parts of the city are easily accessible on foot. The halls of residence, most residential areas and the city centre are a 10-15 minute walk from the campus.
Some teaching will take place at our Llanishen Studios, which is a short bus ride from the campus. A weekly ticket from Cardiff Bus is £15 and students aged 16-21 can apply for a pass which reduces this to £9.60 (prices correct as of October 2019).
You will need to purchase your own scripts and sheet music, which are available from the RWCMD Academic Services Office at subsidised prices. You should allow around £50 per year.
A digital recording device (such as a smartphone) with good quality microphone is recommended for voice and singing classes.
Membership of the Spotlight directory is recommended, and you will need to cover this cost (currently £95).
You will need professional headshots by the start of the third year. These vary in price depending on the photographer, but you should allow up to £300.
Travel to London for performances and for the Musical Theatre Showcase is partially subsidised by the College although you will need to cover part of your travel and accommodation costs.
American students attending the New York showcase will need to cover the costs of their travel to New York as well as accommodation and subsistence.
Students are encouraged to attend as many College performances as possible and are eligible for free tickets to Richard Burton Company shows. For other performances, students are eligible for discounted tickets.
You may wish to join Equity Actors’ Union and you will need to cover this cost. The joining fee is currently £18.25 and the annual subscription is £8.25.
Students who are required to re-sit assessments may be expected to pay a resit fee.