At Open Door, our Behind the Scenes Access Programme supports participants aged 17-30 who are passionate about a career in Technical Theatre and Productions Arts and who want to apply to study at one of our partner schools. Technical Theatre and Productions Arts careers can include the likes of scenic art, theatre technology, set construction, costume construction, prop-making, set/costume design and more!
Our current partner schools are Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, LAMDA, Royal Welsh College of Music, and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. We can give you the support you need to approach your interviews with confidence, knowing that you have benefited from the advice and mentoring from our selected industry professionals.
The Behind the Scenes Access programme provides participants with:
Our dynamic, flexible degree programme allows you to study literature from different periods and cultures, and across the range of principal literary genres. You will not be restricted to studying the printed word: we are intrigued by the connections between literature and film, art, history, technology, language, and everyday life, and our teaching reflects these interests. You will learn how literature addresses social, environmental, and economic concerns with the aim of creating a better, more inclusive world and developing sustainable solutions for the future of the planet.
The Creative Writing element of the programme provides you with the opportunity to progress from introductory modules on reading and writing creatively to specialised work within specific forms and genres such as fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting, culminating in the production of an extended collection of creative work.
Throughout the programme you will be encouraged to stretch yourself intellectually and imaginatively by exploring literature as both a creative practitioner and a critic. Our approach will help you develop an understanding of the creative process, as well as enhancing your knowledge of genre, literary history, and the varied and dynamic academic field which is English Literature.
You will focus on becoming a careful, attentive, and informed reader and writer, sensitive to the nuances of language and style and able to produce polished and sophisticated creative work.
You join a friendly and supportive environment with an international reputation for both teaching and research. Our talented Creative Writing team regularly scoop national and international awards, and collectively share experience in theatre, television and film. Our public platforms Cardiff BookTalk and Cardiff Poetry Experiment are popular and hugely engaging.
Our Musical Theatre degree is a two-year intensive programme that provides practical training in the essential triple-threat disciplines of acting, singing, and dancing. This course is designed to offer an industry-relevant and focused study experience, ensuring you gain the skills needed for a successful career in the musical theatre industry.
You will receive professional training from experienced industry professionals who are dedicated to developing you into a creative, independent, thinking artist. Our course aims to make you relevant to the demands of the industry today. Throughout your studies, you will gain a thorough and practical understanding of how the musical theatre industry operates. This comprehensive training ensures that you develop transferable skills that enhance your employability potential across various fields.
The course covers a wide range of topics including audition techniques, stage presence, choreography, and voice training. You will also delve into character development, scene study, and musical theatre history. The training is designed to provide you with production skills and showcase opportunities that are critical for industry networking.
Throughout the programme, there is a strong emphasis on collaboration and the creative process. You will work closely with your peers and instructors in a supportive environment, fostering your ability to work effectively in professional settings. The course also includes training in technical theatre, ensuring you have a well-rounded understanding of theatre performance and professional stagecraft.
Graduates of this programme will leave with a robust set of performance techniques, acting techniques, and artistic development skills. They will be well-prepared to pursue careers in the musical theatre industry, backed by strong industry connections and comprehensive career preparation. With opportunities for creative performance and the development of dance techniques and singing techniques, our graduates are equipped to excel in various performance opportunities on stage and screen.
Location: Cardiff
Our Events and International Festivals Management degree offers a mix of academic learning and practical experience to help you develop your skills and prepare for a career in events.
This programme provides opportunities to build your knowledge and improve your professional talents. You will learn about Festivals, Sports Events, Meetings, Conferences, and Weddings. Our course aims to enhance your managerial understanding and help you work creatively and innovatively.
You will cover wide-ranging topics including the impacts of Events and Festivals and their legacies. You will also learn about stakeholder engagement, event operations, legacy planning, scoping, funding, and marketing. This will equip you to manage events effectively and understand the global events industry, its strategies, and destinations. You will also study issues related to sustainability.
Our course is 100% coursework, with no exams. This includes innovative industry assessments and events-based assessments. This approach ensures you gain direct experience in areas like event staging and production, event marketing and promotion, project management, safety and licensing, and strategic management.
By the end of the course, you will be well-prepared for a career in Event Management. You will also understand event finances and be ready to make a difference in local economies and community events. The skills and knowledge you gain will help you succeed in managing various types of events.
This degree is perfect for those passionate about events and looking to build a career in this exciting field.
Location: Cardiff
Our Creative Music Technology degree is designed to equip you with the artistic, technical, creative, and professional skills needed for a career in the music industries. This degree is highly practical and industry-focused, offering a multi-skilled approach that includes composition, analysis, recording, and production.
Throughout the course, you will develop your music production skills, learning how to convey personal expression and imagination in practical music-production. You will also gain expertise in recorded music and applied sound production. The project-based nature of the programme means you can tailor assignments to your own interests within the broad field of music technology and production.
The course covers a wide range of music technology techniques and resources, helping you to build an in-depth understanding of the field. You will enhance your enquiring, analytical, innovative, and creative approaches to the production and performance of music.
You will gain insight into the business and legal issues related to the successful application of music technology in the commercial environment. This includes learning how to generate and communicate original concepts that build on the knowledge gained in the taught sections of the programme.
Our degree provides state-of-the-art facilities and access to the latest music technology. You will work on projects that include sound design, electronic music, and experimental music, preparing you for a wide range of careers in the audio sector. The course also covers live performances, composing and performing, and sonic arts.
The practice-led course is designed to keep you engaged and excited about your studies. Our strong connections with the local music scene will provide you with plenty of opportunities to apply what you learn in real-world settings.
By the end of the course, you will have developed a comprehensive portfolio of work that showcases your skills and creativity. This will prepare you for employment in the music industry, further research, and continuing professional development. You will be well-equipped to contribute to the future sounds of the music world and excel in contemporary music technology practice.
Our BA (Hons) in Marketing and Business prepares students for the challenges of the modern business world and strengthens and develops their broader personal and professional skills.
Key course features
