15Jan
PostgraduateCourse summary
Central’s *MA/MFA Voice Studies: Teaching and Coaching * is a globally renowned course designed for those seeking to develop specialist skills in voice training and pedagogy. Whether you aspire to teach voice in drama schools, coach actors and performers, or work in communication training, this course offers the expertise, industry connections, and hands-on experience needed to excel. Why choose this course
- Learn from internationally respected voice tutors and professionals
- Develop pedagogical skills for voice teaching in a range of contexts
- Engage with actors, accent coaches, speech therapists, and singers
- Gain practical experience through education and industry placements
- Join a global alumni network of voice trainers and researchers
- The fundamentals of voice training, including vocal anatomy, phonetics, and speech transcription
- A range of teaching methodologies for voice and speech coaching
- Techniques for accent analysis, text interpretation, and performance coaching
- Strategies for personal voice development and effective communication
- Masters-level academic writing and research skills
- Voice teachers and coaches seeking formal training
- Actors, directors, and performers interested in voice pedagogy
- Professionals in related fields such as speech therapy, linguists and communication training
Modules
In the first year of the MFA, you join the MA students for terms one to three of the course. The MFA then extends into a second year, beginning in October, which involves a mix of workplace attachments, mentorships and observed practice, in close liaison with members of the related industries. You are encouraged to specialise in one or more directions, building on the first year’s teaching. Term one develops awareness of personal and professional needs and gives a foundation in practical skills, related academic disciplines, vocal pedagogy and research methods for the more applied work that follows. Term two builds on the previous term by relating acquired knowledge and practical experience to the needs of others and seeks to develop growing confidence and abilities. Practical experience of teaching, both of groups and of individuals in institutions where voice work is relevant, begins in this term. Term three consolidates the work already done, extends the teaching experience in a variety of contexts, and allows for a deepening of thought about voice as a field of study. It includes advice on preparation for a professional career. Term four of the MA is focused entirely on the preparation and submission of a portfolio or dissertation. The MFA second year widens your opportunities to develop voice knowledge within a variety of professional contexts in which pertinent questions can be asked, protocols tested and new structures suggested. This involves a combination of workplace attachments, mentorships and reflective observation where appropriate. You are expected to undertake tutorials and occasional seminars throughout the year, although these may be via Skype, as part of an ongoing process of pedagogical reflection and engagement leading to the submission of a final dissertation and reflective pedagogical documentation. The MFA offers a further embedding of skills and concepts learnt during the first year. In some countries the MFA is more recognised, particularly for those interested in teaching, or researching in a higher education environment. An MFA top-up year for those with an existing MA in this subject is also available.
Assessment method
During the first three terms of both courses, assessment is through written work, practical projects and teaching practice. In the fourth term of the MA, you complete a dissertation or portfolio focusing on your specialist area of enquiry arising from the work of the course. In the MFA second year, assessment is by means of documents based on field experience and related research.
How to apply
International applicants
https://www.cssd.ac.uk/international-students/information-international-applicants
Entry requirements
An understanding of voice informed by appropriate work experience of at least two years is normally an essential prerequisite, or a degree (or equivalent) in a subject which has included an element of voice and speech studies. Graduates of other disciplines will be considered if they can provide evidence of previous training in voice and/or speech. You will also normally be required to have the equivalent of 20 hours teaching experience in the field of voice and/or performance-related subjects. Applicants without an undergraduate degree (or equivalent), but who have professional experience working with voice for at least two years, e.g. actors and directors, will be considered for interviews for non-standard entry. An offer will normally only be made after interview. A top-up year for those with an exciting MA or PGDip in this subject is available.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £12500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £12500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £12500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £12500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £12500 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £12500 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23850 | Year 1 |
| International | £23850 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Please note that the EU fee may not be applicable to students originating from an EU country who have settled/pre-settled status. Other criteria apply. See the gov.uk website for further details.
Students who are applying for an equivalent or lower level qualification (ELQ) to one they already possess, will be charged full fees, unless they are exempt. Please see the Office for Students' website for details.
Sponsorship information
https://www.cssd.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/scholarships-bursaries-awards
Provider information
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
Embassy Theatre
Eton Avenue
Camden
NW3 3HY