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

At the nexus of creativity, technology and business, the MSc Music Engineering and Production is designed for graduates who want to further develop their music engineering and production skills, to establish a career as a professional producer in the music industry or related fields.

An important element of the music engineering masters is the practical application of your knowledge to generate highly creative work.

Allied areas are also examined, which allows graduates to apply their skills in many other media-related fields, including film and animation. Such a strategic approach to your higher-level study engenders responsibility, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the highly creative generation of musical and visual tangibles.

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.

With pathways in Stage Management, Production Management, Lighting Design and Sound Design, this course offers practical and vocational training in our professionally equipped theatre and studio space.

Key features

- The Northbrook Theatre – our on-campus professional theatre
- Studio 21 – double truss studio space for rehearsals and performances
- ETC ION Lighting Desk and extensive selection of intelligent and generic fixtures
- Digico SD Series consoles
- Counterweight, hemp, motors and truss for flying and rigging
- Prompt desk, radio comms and cue lights
- Ten on-campus rehearsal studios
- AV mixer, projectors and video mapping software

An exciting course combining strong technical training, creative opportunities and industry experience. The course programme involves the study and practice of both traditional and innovative areas of musical performance. It includes in-depth vocal training, a wide range of acting techniques and technical dance training in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, pas de deux and commercial.

Key features

- Taught by professional performers, directors and choreographers
- 11 rehearsal studios, five with sprung dance floors and mirrors
- Professional-standard theatre with industry-level equipment, recently over-hauled with new lighting and sound systems
- Collaboration with make-up, costume and technical theatre students
- Alumni have been working in West End and UK touring shows, TV and film, and for many of the leading cruise ship entertainment companies
Recent alumni include Helen Woolf, who has been starring as Glinda on the Wicked UK tour having previously played the role in London’s West End; Alfie Parker, who has been performing in Kinky Boots having previously performed in School of Rock in London’s West End covering the lead role; and Blake Patrick Anderson who was in Starlight Express.

Applications are open for the fourth cohort of Diploma in Creative Producing (DipCP). The 16-week course will begin on the 20th February 2023 and run until 9th June 2023.

The CGO Institute DipCP programme is for aspiring creative producers of theatre and live performance. The course is cloud-based and designed for up to 12 practitioners who will work together and learn from a range of established UK and International arts professionals.

- The DipCP is open to creative producers working in all performing arts including: opera, live music, dance, circus, live art, musical theatre, and festivals.
- Many producers work across a portfolio of projects which may also encompass visual arts, publishing, and film. The course will not focus on these areas, but the skills taught will be transferable.
- The course is cloud-based, meaning it is run online via Zoom. This allows participants to participate from their own homes/work bases. Our hope is that participants will also meet ‘on the ground’ where possible.
- The course will be led by Chris Grady. Sessions, workshops and Q&As will be delivered by our Faculty, who all share a similar passion and vision for the role of the Creative Producer.
- The CGO Institute will help each participant find a mentor and local network. We support our students to build a creative network in their local area and specialism(s).

This musical theatre course, at Mechanics’ Performing Arts, is for those who wish to pursue a career in the ever expanding and increasingly popular industry of musical theatre. It is a unique course that focuses on rigorous training in the three art forms of dance, drama and singing, alongside vocational and academic study that supplements and supports the practical learning. There will be a wide range of opportunities for you to perform in our professional theatre, alongside chances to attend professional performances in both regional and national venues. You will be taught by industry experienced tutors alongside visiting professionals working in the West End and nationally.

Identify your backstage specialism with this programme. You’ll gain an understanding of backstage theatre and will work on live productions delivering shows that excite and delight audiences. In your second year you’ll choose from the following pathways:

- Video
- Lighting
- Sound
- Stage Management
- Hair and Makeup
- Costume
- Set and props