Study MA Opera Directing at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in the UK, Royal Welsh college of Music & Drama
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What will I learn?

Our fully mentored course features specialist, tailored tuition, experience directing our operatic projects and a placement within industry. This course, which is the first of its kind in the UK, provides individually tailored tuition that elevates your skills in readiness for a professional role as an opera director.Mentored by tutors who are professionals drawn from across industry, you’ll examine the key elements that will contribute to your artistic and creative development – including acting methodologies, rehearsal techniques, principal singing languages and movement.You’ll also explore different operatic forms, styles and conventions. Investigating artistic relationships – such as the design process and the conductor’s role – forms part of your tuition too.Practical directing experience in a collaborative setting is fundamental to your training. You’ll work across various creative disciplines involved in producing opera, immersing yourself in the many performances and projects that take place here at the College – with opportunities to direct in-house opera scenes as well.You’ll observe professional opera directors at work – both here at the College and at the Welsh National Opera – to gain a better understanding of the industry in practice and build your network of contacts.Your course culminates with a fully negotiated industry placement in a professional UK opera company, focusing on the role of staff director and associated areas of expertise.

Which department am I in?

Royal Welsh college of Music & Drama

Study options

Full Time (14 Months)

Tuition fees
£2,228.57 (US$ 2,878) Month
This is a fixed fee
Start date

September 2026

Venue

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

Castle Grounds, Cathays Park,

Cardiff,

Wales,

CF10 3ER, Wales, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

Entry is by interview, and you should be able to demonstrate significant experience of, and engagement with, the opera/theatre world. Professionals already working in these areas, but seeking to enhance their skills, are encouraged to apply.

Minimum entry requirements usually include a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification, although we are able to consider applications from people without formal qualifications if they have an exceptional level of ability, practical experience, and a good understanding of the opera profession.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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