RWCMD A Guide for International Students 2021

www.rwcmd.ac.uk The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is:

+ Europe’s first Steinway-Exclusive Conservatory

+ Ranked Number 1 Drama School in the UK 4 times in the last 7 years*

+ Honoured to have His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales as RWCMD President

*Guardian University League Tables, 2019, 2018, 2015 & 2013.

HRH The Prince of Wales meeting students following his 70th Birthday Gala held at RWCMD. WHY STUDY HERE

The Royal Welsh College of Music & + has industry partners and + Cardiff is the Most Cost-effective Drama (RWCMD) is the National placement opportunities with the City in the UK for Students, Conservatoire of Wales and competes BBC National Orchestra of Wales, according to the Natwest Student alongside an international peer group Welsh National Opera, Royal Living Index 2017 of conservatoires and specialist arts Shakespeare Company, National + campus hosts major events such colleges for the best students Theatre, Royal Court Theatre and as BBC Cardiff Singer of the globally, enabling students to enter many more World, World Stage Design, and influence the world of music, + is a multi-cultural institution, World Harp Congress and theatre and related professions. with students from 50 different BBC Young Musician of the Year

countries + the campus is located in the very The College: + has internationally renowned centre of Cardiff, the capital city + boasts small class sizes and one-to- teachers, the majority of which of Wales, and is just 2 hours by one teaching, providing students also work in industry train to central London with lots of individual attention + regularly hosts international + has its own arts centre on campus visiting artists which presents 500 plus performances each year, providing students with performance opportunities and valuable experience 01

A powerhouse of innovation RWCMD

and collaboration across the A Guide for International Students 2021 performing arts. *The Telegraph (national newspaper) | rwcmd.ac.uk 02

RWCMD CARDIFF FACTS

A Guide for International Students 2021

Media City Music, Theatre and Dance An energetic musical energy Stimulating Arts Centre Cardiff’s booming film and TV Home to the BBC National is evident across the city’s As one of the city's favourite industry produces ambitious Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, famed music scene from venues, RWCMD presents over drama for global audiences. Welsh National Opera and venues including Tramshed 500 public performances each With BBC, Bad Wolf & indie National Dance Company Wales, and the cult Clwb Ifor Bach year offering plentiful, diverse production companies receiving to name a few, there’s always showcasing contemporary and performance opportunities from international recognition, Cardiff something on offer in one of underground music. Shakespeare to the NEW writing | rwcmd.ac.uk is recognised as the largest Cardiff’s plentiful concert halls season, opera to jazz and just media city outside of London. and music venues. With a rich and vibrant theatre about everything in between. World-class facilities together scene, the Welsh capital with Wales’ dramatic landscape There’s also a large jazz scene, presents a wide spectrum of rugged coastlines, castles, with the likes of Café Jazz and of theatre productions from mountains and cityscapes The Bootlegger, Cardiff’s very Broadway hit musicals at the provide diverse filming locations own speakeasy, bringing a slice iconic Wales Millennium Centre and attract big budget of America to the Welsh capital. to eclectic new writing across productions. the many neighbourhood art centres.

Extraordinary beauty, wonderful people and great hospitality. *Barack Obama, Former U.S. President 03 RWCMD

A Guide for International Students 2021

Affordable Epitome of Cool Shopping Connected Ranked as the UK’s Most Cost- Described by The Lonely Planet St David’s Centre is one of the Just 2 hours to central London effective City in the UK for Guide to Britain as the “epitome largest shopping centres in the by train and with Cardiff Students (Natwest Student of cool” with “a creative energy UK with luxury designer labels International Airport and Living Index 2017) Cardiff is a and relaxed atmosphere that available alongside high street nearby Bristol Airport much-loved, student-friendly complements its youthful stores and cool independent providing access from most city renowned for being safe heritage”, The Rough (Travel) shops in a beautiful network worldwide destinations, this | and affordable, ensuring you Guide calls it “one of the coolest of antique arcades. coastal city is ideally located rwcmd.ac.uk can enjoy its rich and vibrant cities in the UK” and Cardiff is for easy travel. culture. ranked “third best capital city in Europe” according to The Quality of Life in European Cities Survey, 2017!

Edinburgh Glasgow

Travel times by train

Cardiff to London 2 hours Belfast Cardiff to Birmingham 2 hours Cardiff to Manchester 3 hours 30 min Manchester Dublin

Birmingham

Bristol CARDIFF London 04 RWCMD

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A Guide for International Students 2021 | rwcmd.ac.uk

Incredible students in Cardiff! So much talent in the school. It was an honor and such a pleasure to work with you. *Sarah Chang, Violinist COURSES AND TUITION FEES FOR SEPTEMBER 2021 ENTRY

Undergraduate Course Course Duration Application System Tuition Fees Per Year* BA (Hons) Acting 3 Years UCAS Conservatoires £23,117 BA (Hons) Musical Theatre 3 Years UCAS Conservatoires £21,849 BA (Hons) Design for Performance 3 Years UCAS £21,849 BA (Hons) Stage Management and 3 Years UCAS £21,849 Technical Theatre BMus (Hons) Music 4 Years UCAS Conservatoires £21,849 BMus (Hons) Jazz 4 Years UCAS Conservatoires £21,849

*subject to annual increase.

06 Postgraduate – Drama RWCMD Course Course Duration Application System Total Course Cost

A Guide for International Students 2021 MA Acting for Stage, Screen and Radio 13 months UCAS Conservatoires £23,117 MA Arts Management 13 months UCAS Conservatoires £19,037 MA Musical Theatre 10 months UCAS Conservatoires £23,117 MA Design for Performance 18 months* UCAS Conservatoires £21,849 MA Stage and Event Management 15 months* UCAS Conservatoires £21,849

*See course pages for further information.

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rwcmd.ac.uk

Postgraduate – Music Tuition Fee – Tuition Fee – 2 Year Programme Course Application System 1 Year Programme (Annual fee*) MMus (Instrumental)** UCAS Conservatoires £21,849 £21,322 MMus Music Performance (Vocal) UCAS Conservatoires £23,117 £22,620 MMus Composer-Performer (Instrumental) UCAS Conservatoires – £21,322 MMus Composer-Performer (Voice) UCAS Conservatoires – £22,620 MA Jazz UCAS Conservatoires – £21,322 MA Opera Directing UCAS Conservatoires £21,849 – MA Advanced Opera Performance UCAS Conservatoires – £22,568 MA Repetiteur Studies UCAS Conservatoires – £21,322 Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) (Instrumental)** UCAS Conservatoires £20,580 £20,155 Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) (Vocal) UCAS Conservatoires £21,849 £21,322 Postgraduate Diploma Composer-Performer UCAS Conservatoires – £20,155 (Instrumental) Postgraduate Composer-Performer (Voice) UCAS Conservatoires – £21,322

*subject to annual increase. **Awards available: Brass Band Conducting, Choral Conducting, Collaborative Piano, Composition, Historical Performance (Instrumental or Voice), Multi Instrument Woodwind Performance, Music Performance (Instrumental or Voice), Orchestral Conducting, Orchestral Performance.

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is part of the University of South Wales Group and all our degrees are validated by the University of South Wales. 07 RWCMD

A Guide for International Students 2021 | rwcmd.ac.uk

I’ve worked with recent Royal Welsh College graduates and these actors need to be aware of how good they are, and to know that they are the *best in the country. They have those essential qualities an actor needs – confidence and self- esteem, combined with that all-important low ego. They are totally professional, hugely talented and at ease, able to take direction – an absolute joy. Owen Teale, Actor, Game of Thrones 08 RWCMD HOW TO APPLY

A Guide for International Students 2021

First, complete the online Auditions/Interviews application. The College uses two Entry to the programme of study separate application systems; “UCAS is determined by audition or Conservatoires” and “UCAS”. Please interview. For 2021 entry, all see the table on page 6, which auditions will be via recording and shows which application system interviews will be done virtually. to use for your chosen course. | rwcmd.ac.uk Please visit The UCAS Conservatoires code for www.rwcmd.ac.uk/auditions for the Royal Welsh College of Music & audition guidance for your chosen Drama is R59. Please see your course. chosen course page on the RWCMD website (www.rwcmd.ac.uk) for your course code. www.ucas.com/conservatoires

The UCAS code for the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is R86. Please see your chosen course page on the RWCMD website (www.rwcmd.ac.uk) for your course code. www.ucas.com/undergraduate

STUDY ABROAD

If you are already studying at This programme enables you to take Options are available at university level, the Royal Welsh part in high-level creative projects in undergraduate and graduate levels College of Music & Drama gives a forward-thinking, industry-linked across most disciplines. A fully students the opportunity to study institution, where you will have tailored programme can be provided here in the UK for one term, enhanced contact with an individual for students, enabling them to two terms or the whole academic professional mentor and access to follow study pathways that support year (typically 3 – 6 months and our vibrant arts centre, with its their development and fulfil home up to 1 year). fantastic roster of visiting institution study requirements. international artists. The Study Abroad programme For further details, visit allows you to fully immerse Further benefits of the programme www.rwcmd.ac.uk/studyabroad yourself in an exciting and creative include dedicated English language environment and experience a new support (where needed) and a culture, whilst developing an programme of cultural activities, additional set of professional skills including visits to events with key which broaden your horizons and partners, such as the BBC National networks. Orchestra of Wales, Welsh National Opera, BBC Wales (Doctor Who) and Wolf Studios.

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A Guide for International Students 2021

Scholarships Entry Requirements Accommodation/ Scholarships are awarded on the Applicants who are non-native Student Housing basis of merit following audition/ speakers of English are also required Unite Students Severn Point, the interview. You will automatically be to achieve a minimum level of Royal Welsh College of Music & considered for a scholarship when English language, determined by an Drama’s student housing, is a secure you make your application. You IELTS test. IELTS levels can be found and comfortable environment which do not need to make a separate on the course page of the website. complements the College’s unique | application. If you receive an offer community spirit. rwcmd.ac.uk of a place following an audition/ If you have been offered a place + Rent is £132.00 per week inclusive interview, your offer letter will at College but you have not quite of bills for the academic year include details of any scholarship achieved the required IELTS score, 2020/21* awarded. you may be eligible to enrol on the + The accommodation is arranged Pre-sessional English Language in flats of six rooms. Each flat has Course, which starts in July every a high quality fully fitted kitchen year and is held at RWCMD in and living areas. You will have Cardiff. This course combines your own bedroom and bathroom Academic Preparation, General + Free high-speed internet and English and Study Skills and aims wifi access to improve your overall IELTS score, + 10 minutes’ walk to the so that you can begin your studies College campus in September. *Housing fees for 2021/22 entry will be released Further details can be found at soon. Check www.rwcmd.ac.uk/accommodation www.rwcmd.ac.uk/international for update.

I had no idea it would be this extraordinary. Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, *Musical Theatre Composer The students are well prepared for the industry, have fantastic facilities and are supported by a passionate, creative and knowledgeable staff. *Edward Thomas, multi-award winning Production Designer of Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Da Vinci’s Demons

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A Guide for International Students 2021 | rwcmd.ac.uk ALUMNI

01/ 05/ 09/ Anthony Boyle Joanne Higginbottom Tim Routledge Anthony was cast in the role of Scorpius Malfoy Joanne completed an internship with Tim works as lighting designer and in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child when he composer, guitarist, songwriter, and record programmer for broadcast, concerts and was in his final year at RWCMD. He now has a producer, Tyler Bates in Los Angeles whilst events across the globe. Notable highlights string of awards and nominations under his in her final year of study. After graduating, amongst Tim’s varied career include designer belt, including Winner of Olivier Awards – Joanne went to work for Tyler and has for the opening and closing ceremonies of Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Nominated for since co-composed Primal, Samurai Jack, the Commonwealth Games 2014, the Queens 2018 NYC Drama Desk Awards – Outstanding The Public (Emilio Estevez); score co- Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Featured Actor, Nominated for 2018 Tony produced for The Spy Who Dumped Me; and Palace, Ryder Cup opening concert, the Award – Best Performance by an Actor in provided additional music for Fast & Furious opening and closing ceremonies of the a Featured Role. Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Guardians of the London Olympics and lighting programmer Galaxy 1 & 2, John Wick 1, 2 & 3, Marvel’s for the London Handover Ceremony at the 02/ The Punisher and Deadpool 2. Beijing Olympics. He’s worked with Beyonce, Chanáe Curtis The Spice Girls, U2, Coldplay, Jay-Z, Rhianna American soprano Chanáe studied at the 06/ and designed Stormzy’s now iconic headline Manhattan School of Music before graduating Ollie Howell show at Glastonbury which has been hailed as from the MA Opera Performance programme Since completing his BMus Music at RWCMD, a watershed moment culturally for the urban at RWCMD. Highlights include performing drummer Ollie has established himself as a music scene. for HRH the Prince of Wales at Buckingham film/TV composer, multi-instrumentalist and Palace; with the Hallé Orchestra; and the producer. Ollie has written music for multi- 10/ role of Anna Gomez in The Consul at Welsh award winning films and international TV Tom Scutt National Opera. Chanáe made her debut at the series and his work has been screened at Tom regularly works at most of London’s Metropolitan Opera New York performing the film festivals around the world. Ollie has also major theatres. He has provided the UK role of Annie, whilst covering the role of Lily, released two jazz albums and toured the premiere designs for award-winning plays in Porgy & Bess. world, receiving critical acclaim. A protégé King Charles III and Jesus Christ Superstar for of Quincy Jones, whom he first performed Regents Park Open Air Theatre. On Broadway, 03/ for at RWCMD, Ollie is also the only ever jazz Tom has provided set & costume designs for 12 Toks Dada recipient of a prestigious Sky Academy Arts Constellations, King Charles III (for which he While studying viola as an undergraduate at Scholarship. received a 2016 Tony nomination) and Les RWCMD RWCMD, Toks developed an interest in arts Liaisons Dangereuses. In 2019 he received The management and established the successful 07/ Stage Debut nomination for Best Director for

A Guide for International Students 2021 contemporary music ensemble, Sinfonia Alis Huws Berberian Sound Studio, Donmar Warehouse Newydd. He went on to complete an MA in Alis Huws became the new Official Harpist and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Set Arts Management at RWCMD and became to The Prince of Wales before graduating Design and nomination for Best Costume Classical Programme Manager at Town Hall from her course at RWCMD. Alis has also Design for Little Shop of Horrors, Regent’s and Symphony Hall, Birmingham. He is also a represented the Welsh Government in Park Open Air Theatre. spokesperson for diversity and inclusion within Japan and across Europe and is the Youth the music profession and a Non-Executive Coordinator for the World Harp Congress 11/ Director of Welsh National Opera. 2022 which will be held in Cardiff. Alexander Vlahos Alexander is best known for his roles as 04/ 08/ Philipe d’Orleans in the periodic drama Dawn Hardwick Tianyi Lu Versailles, starring in all 30 episodes as London-based soloist, chamber, orchestral Tianyi is making a name for herself across the brother of the notorious King Louis XIV, and contemporary pianist Dawn Hardwick, the continents as Assistant Conductor of the and as Mordred in the medieval fantasy | rwcmd.ac.uk completed her BMus studies at RWCMD. She Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, a Dudamel fiction Merlin. is now the member-director of the original Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic six-piano ensemble, Piano Circus, who are at Orchestra, Principal Conductor of the the forefront of commissioning and performing St. Woolos Sinfonia in the UK and the new works for multiple pianos. She has wide Associate Female Conductor-in-Residence experience as a soloist, most recently with Welsh National Opera. This international performing John Psathas’ double concerto outset of her career includes collaborations View From Olympus for amplified piano and with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hallé percussion with Dame Evelyn Glennie. Orchestra, Dallas Opera Orchestra, Royal Welsh College of Music Symphony Orchestra, Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, Sydney Symphony and Auckland Philharmonia.

The Royal Welsh College changed my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the training it gave *me. It allowed me to approach the professional industry with the confidence I needed. Anthony Boyle 01/ 02/ 03/

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09/ 10/ 11/ [email protected] +44 (0)292039 1361 Office withany queries: Please contact theAdmissions www.rwcmd.ac.uk courses, pleasevisitourwebsite: For furtherdetailsaboutallour 5 4 3 2 1

National Museum & Gallery ofWalesNational Museum&Gallery New Theatre Cardiff Castle Principality Stadium Royal Welsh College ofMusic&Drama

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BBC Drama Village** &Centre for Creative Industries Wales MillenniumCentre* No FitState Circus Sherman Cymru St David’s Hall United Kingdom Cardiff CF103ER Cathays Park Castle Grounds Music &Drama Royal Welsh College of 4 5

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8 updates follow us@RWCMD & student stories andregular For breaking news, graduate

** Homeof * National Dance Company Wales BBC NationalOrchestra ofWales and Home ofWelsh NationalOpera. Doctor Who, Sherlock,Casualty

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of SouthWales Group. & Drama ispartoftheUniversity The Royal Welsh College ofMusic

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Photography Credits: Catrin Arwel, NB:Design, Kirsten McTernan, Kiran Ridley, LGEmerick Photography