This Master’s programme is based at USW’s purpose-built campus, in the creative centre of Cardiff.

The MA Songwriting and Production course is delivered in the context of a thriving contemporary music and cultural scene in Wales. This innovative Songwriting and Production programme will inspire you to develop your own artistic voice, and make serious connections within the world of songwriting.

As well as offering numerous opportunities for collaboration, the course embraces the DIY philosophy of being able to fully produce your own original songs.

Designed for those interested in songcraft and studio production, you’ll learn a range of traditional and contemporary songwriting approaches, and have access to our well-equipped studios, rehearsal and writing rooms.

Your major project is reviewed and judged by an industry panel that includes our course ambassador, Gruff Owen CEO of Libertino Records.

Songwriting & Production and Blended Learning:
In most cases we prefer to be on campus, experiencing our songwriting workshops and creative events in real time. However, just like the rest of the music industry, we have had to rethink our approach and embrace new models to help minimise the risk. This has been an invigorating refresh, and one that has brought about new habits to embrace more permanently such as asynchronous songwriting co-writes, overseas guests beamed in via satellite, remote mixing and mastering etc.

This course is designed to encourage, nurture and promote the individual voice of the developing writer.

The theatrical landscape is constantly being moulded by theatre makers who are presenting original works or reimagining classics. Critical to this process is new writings and adaptations. On the Master in Fine Art degree in Playwriting at The Lir Academy, we offer every student the opportunity to develop and hone their unique writing skill so that each play written is the best it can be.

Modules in contemporary theatre practice, dramaturgy and workshops in writing, are supplemented with one-to-one training and development, so that each individual student has quality time with playwrights, directors and designers. The training culminates with the students writing a full-length play whilst being mentored by the Head of Playwriting, Graham Whybrow. Graham brings a wealth of experience to this role, including twelve years as Literary Manager of the Royal Court Theatre.

Excerpts of these final works are shared in a public event with an invited audience of industry professionals.

The course is designed to complement the existing Master in Fine Theatre Directing and the Master in Fine Art Stage Design including Lighting Design, Costume Design and Set Design. Students on all three programmes will work together in collaboration, developing a shared understanding of contemporary theatre practice and a collective appreciation of the dedication and commitment required to make innovative performances happen.

On completion of this postgraduate degree, you will qualify and graduate from Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin.

The MFA in Stage Design is a one-year programme with a practical focus for professionals looking to specialise in lighting, costume or set design.

The Stage Design programme is purposely designed to allow students to either specialise on one area of stage design (set, costume or lighting design) or to combine disciplines as desired for example, set and costume design or set AND lighting design.

The course is designed to complement the Master in Fine Art in Playwriting and the Master in Fine Art in Theatre Directing. Students on all three programmes will work together in collaboration, developing a shared understanding of contemporary theatre practice and a collective appreciation of the dedication and commitment required to make innovative performances happen.

In addition to the core classes and workshops, individual and group tuition from The Lir’s Head of Design will be a key feature of the training. In addition, master classes by visiting practitioners will supplement the student experience. Professional placements are a key feature of the programme and all students will showcase their work in public productions at the culmination of the course. Students can opt to take this course either part-time (24 months) or full-time (12 months).

Full-time and part-time students will take three concurrent modules in the first two terms. The final module (Production Design) will be taught in the third term and subsequent summer months (for full-time students) or in the second year of the course (for part-time students) and will culminate with a professional production staged in one of The Lir’s performance studios. Term Three will be supplemented by an ongoing series of master classes from professional directors and theatre makers.
Students on the Master in Fine Art (Stage Design) will take two compulsory modules and choose two of four elective modules.

On completion of this postgraduate degree, you will qualify and graduate from Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin.

What's involved?

This course has a hugely successful history of gaining student employment.

It gives you access to industry standard equipment and software in studio, sound reinforcement and gaming audio, including Ableton and Native Instruments.

We’re also one of only a few colleges to offer the internationally recognised gaming audio certification via Avid PT 130.

Some students will have the opportunity to undertake Certified Pro Tools courses. (Please ask us for more information on this.)

Here’s more on what you’ll be doing:

- You’ll gain in depth knowledge in sound production theory and practice, including advanced microphone and synchronisation techniques, and how to undertake complex recording tasks.
- You’ll expand on your knowledge of digital audio theory, including analogue to digital conversion and vice versa.
- You’ll learn how to use a digital audio workstation for recording and manipulating audio and MIDI signals.
- You’ll develop skills in advanced studio techniques, including multi-track recording, mixing and mastering.
- You’ll extend your knowledge of sound reinforcement technologies, including techniques for system equalisation.
- You’ll look at management and legal issues in the audio and sound production industries, including contracts and intellectual property.
You’ll also have the opportunity to:

- Gain professional studio experience and live sound work experience. Previous student placements have included Celtic Connections, Gorbals Sound Studio Glasgow, King’s Theatre Glasgow, well-known music venues such as the O2 ABC in Sauchiehall Street, and local pubs and clubs.
- Work within our own record label, Sun Turtle Records, and help artists record and release original music.
- Practise your skills through free access to the studio during the day when it’s not in use.

This three-year honours degree is perfect for students who are interested in a career backstage and enjoy a practice-based learning environment. Please note, this course is not part of the CAO points system.

The course prepares students for many career paths including: Stage Management, Lighting Technology, Costume, Sound Technology, Prop Making, Set Construction, Scenic Art, Film & Production Management.

Previous graduates engage with work that is as diverse as the Entertainment industry itself and have secured employment in Theatre, Film, TV, Venues, Hire Companies, Production Companies, Audio Visual Companies, Corporate Entertainment, TV Stations nationally and internationally.

The course is led by a dedicated and experienced team all of whom have had successful careers in the theatre and performance industry.

The Lir Academy provides training that reflects the best practices in professional theatre. The practical training during the degree will be complemented with a range of classes including Theatre History, Principles of Stage Management, Principles of Theatre Technology and a three year Professional Development programme that covers everything from the workings of the industry to health and safety and managing a full time or freelance career.

Classes and active learning through working on productions are supported by an extensive placement programme. The course is full time and requires long working hours. As a result, students will be ready to engage with the intensive nature of the industry from the moment they graduate.

This course will prepare you extremely well for accessing a BEd in Music (Teacher) course or for starting your career in the music industry, either in professional recording or as a session/touring musician. It will push you creatively and prepare you professionally to get you fully ready for the next stage in your musical journey.

You’ll spend one day a week rehearsing at the Berkeley 2 Studios in Glasgow (http://www.berkeley2.co.uk/) and will perform regularly including

- Live gigs in the college theatre, and local pubs and clubs around Ayrshire
- Outdoor gigs, such as Jam at the Dam in Ayr
Here’s some of what you’ll be doing:

- You’ll continue to improve your live performance skills, developing a high level of proficiency and professionalism
- You’ll extend your skills in songwriting, moving onto more advanced elements
- You’ll develop your composition skills, broadening your technique and learning about composing for the visual arts such as film, games or theatre
- You’ll extend your knowledge of recording techniques, looking at multi-track recording
- You’ll extend your skills in music theory
- You’ll experience what it’s like to be a session musician, including creating musical parts while working under pressure
- You’ll look at the impact of digital technology on the music industry and how it affects production, distribution, marketing and consumption
You’ll have the opportunity to:

- Take part in regular masterclasses with professional musicians
- Pitch to record and release your own material via our record label Sun Turtle Records
- Take part in community based projects such as Tam Fest and OCMBA (Organised Community Based Musical Activity) such as working with school pupils or older people
- Volunteer at local schools, such as running guitar workshops
- Go busking!

If you're thinking about a career in the music industry, this course can help you on your way.

If you’re already a competent musician or singer, this course will help you take your skills to a whole new level via the studio and live performance environments.

You’ll spend one day a week rehearsing at the Berkeley 2 Studios in Glasgow (http://www.berkeley2.co.uk/) and will perform regularly including:

- Live gigs in the college theatre, and local pubs and clubs around Ayrshire
- Outdoor gigs, such as Jam at the Dam in Ayr
You’ll discover what it takes to be a performer – as well as musical talent, you’ll need business know-how, entrepreneurship, loads of hard work and plenty of confidence.

Here’s some more on what you’ll be doing:

- You’ll focus on live performances, finding out about all the practical aspects involved with ‘gigging’ and developing skills to successfully perform live.
- You’ll look at stagecraft, including how to interact with your audience and fellow performers, technical skills relating to your performance and how to create a stage persona.
- You’ll develop skills in songwriting, researching the structural elements of songs and different genres, before writing your own original song.
- You’ll develop skills in composing, looking at a range of techniques and styles, and creating your own musical composition.
- You’ll learn about recording techniques, including the multi-track recording process.
- You’ll develop skills in music theory.
- You’ll look at the practical issues or ‘non-performance’ aspects of being a professional musician, including self employment and legal obligations.

You’ll also have the opportunity to:

- Take part in regular masterclasses with professional musicians
- Record and release your own material via our record label Sun Turtle Records
- Take part in community projects