If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering the art of a proper metal growl you now have a chance. Summa College in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is now offering a degree in heavy metal through their program, The Metal Factory. Yes, you read that right. It is now a legitimate academic pathway to study heavy metal at university.
This isn’t just about headbanging and leather jackets (though, let’s be honest, that’s probably highly encouraged). The Metal Factory promises to train students to become “independent artist-entrepreneurs,” combining creative skills with industry smarts. Whether it’s composing, producing, or even venturing into music therapy or speech coaching, the curriculum is as versatile as it is heavy.
And it’s no gimmick. The faculty includes industry pros who’ve toured the world, bringing firsthand experience to the classroom. These aren’t just academics—they’re metal-heads who’ve lived it, ensuring the program stays as current and relevant. The syllabus covers everything from growling techniques to rocking out on guitar, bass, drums, and even keyboards.
Metal isn’t the only genre to break into academia lately, but this feels different. Taylor Swift and Beyoncé may have inspired classes dissecting their influence and careers, but The Metal feels like it’s designed for the outsider. The person who learned their life lessons through Slayer and Slipknot instead of textbooks.
Potential students can check out The Metal Factory at their open day on January 26 at Dynamo Eindhoven. You’ll be walking into a space that values individuality, loud music, and carving your own path— which, to be honest, is exactly what metal is all about.
So metalheads gather round, this is your time. Skip the business degree and study something that screams you. Whether you’re destined for arenas or just want to refine your chops, this could be the ultimate backstage pass to a career in heavy metal. Or, at the very least, something very fun to do.
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