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.

CAREERS

In addition to working professionally as a songwriter or in song production, potential careers for graduates of this course could include working as facilitators in community and arts outreach activities, as educators in formal teaching settings, and as practitioners

such as performers, producers and writers.

There are also opportunities as researchers, administrators/managers of organisations, festivals and music events, or within music journalism and publishing, A & R, radio, freelance production, music promotion, or as part of other media production teams such as advertising, event management and games.

Graduates can also progress to a PhD or research degree.

Our Careers and Employability Service

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.

This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.

Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.