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Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama logo

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

Cardiff, WalesPublic
LGBTQ+ Affirming

Select Program

Program Characteristics

Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required

Program Highlights

TRAINING

Comprehensive training across singing, acting, dance (ballet, jazz, tap), and movement
Small group classes of up to 20 students
Weekly individual singing sessions with technical tutors and vocal repertoire coaches

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Multiple performance projects and fully staged productions throughout the course
Professional showcases in Cardiff and London's West End for agents and casting directors
Professional rehearsal environments with stage managers and technical designers

INSTITUTION

Only Musical Theatre programme of its kind in Wales
National Conservatoire of Wales, part of University of South Wales Group
Patron: HM King Charles III
Degree awarded by University of South Wales

Key Info

University App

Apply atUCAS
Deadlines
UCAS Conservatoires DeadlineJan 14, 2026
UCAS Undergraduate DeadlineJan 14, 2026
UCAS Conservatoires Fee
£28.95
Audition Fee
£35Waiver

Program App

Apply atAcceptd

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

SELF-TAPE: TWO CONTRASTING SONGS, 2 min each

ONE MUSICAL THEATRE SONG from pre-1965 repertoire
ONE CONTEMPORARY SONG (modern musical theatre, pop, or rock)

ACCOMPANIMENT

Preferably accompanied (live or pre-recorded backing track)
Unaccompanied singing is acceptable
No original compositions
Monologues

ONE AUDITION SPEECH, 2 min max

Either modern/contemporary (post-1956) or Elizabethan/Jacobean
Must be from a published play
May be edited for clarity
Gender of original character does not matter
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Submission Specifications
Must be filmed in one continuous shot — no edits or cuts
Use tripod or flat surface
If using mobile phone, record horizontally
Maximum file size: 4GB
Additional Materials

SELF-TAPE INTRODUCTION (1 min 30 sec max)

Why you want to study at RWCMD
Your training aspirations
Your interests outside of performing
A fun fact about yourself

Callback Requirements

Songs

RECALL: THREE SONGS TOTAL

Repeat your two original songs
Prepare one NEW song in a contrasting style to your originals
Bring sheet music in correct key with clearly marked cuts
Music must be in a folder or bound format
Monologues

RECALL: TWO SPEECHES TOTAL

Repeat your original speech
Prepare one NEW speech in a contrasting style

Good to Know

APPLICATION PLATFORM

Apply via UCAS Conservatoires (Institution Code: R59, Course Code: RW02)
Submit self-tape audition materials via Acceptd

AUDITION FEE

£35 audition fee covers arrangement and delivery costs
Fee waiver policy available for applicants facing financial barriers

ELIGIBILITY

3-year full-time course starting September 2026
Late applications NOT accepted for Musical Theatre
Exceptional practical ability may substitute for formal qualifications
International applicants must demonstrate English fluency

What's The Process

PRESCREEN

Submit self-tape via Acceptd after applying through UCAS Conservatoires
Self-tape includes introduction, two songs, and one speech

RECALL AUDITION

In-person at RWCMD in Cardiff (likely February-March)
Sessions covering singing, acting, and movement
Online recall available for candidates 120+ miles away, international applicants, or accessibility needs

DECISION

Recall decisions within one month of audition date
Program info updated Today

Academic School Information

96%
Grad Rate
900
Enrollment
In-State Tuition
£9,790
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
£29,500
before aid

Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.