Matthew McConaughey is adding another string to his bow, by joining his old university as a professor.

The actor and producer is to start working in the Radio-Television-Film department at the University of Texas at Austin in September and will teach a class on script to screen film production.

He has been teaching it at the university since 2015, alongside director Scott Rice. McConaughey developed the curriculum which looks at the stages of film production from behind the scenes.

He said: “It’s the class I wish I would have had when I was in film school. Working in the classroom with these students gives me a chance to prepare them.

“Making movies, turning words on paper into film, is both a science and art – no matter the time or generation. The elements of truth and genuine joy for the process are timeless. That will always be our classroom focus.”

McConaughey, 49, graduated from the university in 1993 with a film degree and has gone on to win an Academy Award for his role in Dallas Buyers Club.

He’s also well known for roles in films including The Wolf of Wall Street, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and TV series True Detective which was nominated for several awards.

Noah Isenberg, chair of the Department of Radio-Television-Film at the university, said: “He has a passion for teaching, and for all things cinematic, that is palpable, even infectious.”

Jay Bernhardt, Dean of Moody College, where McConaughey will work, said: “We are proud to welcome Professor McConaughey to officially join our world-class faculty.

“Matthew cares deeply for our school and our students, and we are thrilled that he shares his time and talent to help prepare the next generation of media leaders and innovators.”

The announcement of his role at the university came shortly after he became one of four new investors in Austin FC, the city’s Major League Soccer team.

Anthony Precourt, the club’s chief executive, welcomed him alongside technology entrepreneur Eddie Margain, president and chief commercial officer of Dell technologies Marius Haas and local energy executive Bryan Sheffield and said they were a group who “knows and loves the city of Austin and the beautiful game”.

McConaughey said: “The most diverse and borderless game in the world is now coming to one of the most multicultural, creative and diverse cities in the world. Austin FC is a healthy investment in our city’s culture and future.”

The team is currently building a new, football specific stadium in the city, and plans to open in 2021, when it will also make its MLS expansion debut.

McConaughey, a Texas native, is also to be the Minister of Culture at the university’s new basketball arena, that will also host graduation ceremonies, which it hopes to open in 2021.

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