Musical Theatre | BA (Hons) Degree
Why this course?
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.
Watch our video about this course
Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)
This programme is validated by University of the Arts London (UAL). UAL is a leading education provider in the creative arts, ranked second in the world for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022). They oversee the standards and quality of our curriculum, which enriches your overall learning experience.
Course requirements
Each application will be assessed individually, including a review of your grades, interview, portfolio/audition and any experience.
Typical entry requirements are below but offers may vary:
- a relevant A-Level or Level 3 Extended Diploma
In exceptional circumstances, if you do not meet our entry requirements, your application may still be considered if you demonstrate additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- related academic or work experience
- the quality of the personal statement
Audition and interview
You will also be required to audition and interview for this course.
Please prepare two contrasting Musical Theatre songs which will be sung unaccompanied. You will also be required to participate in a dance class so please bring appropriate clothing to dance in.
Entry guide
Entry guide for more information about the range of qualifications we accept (including English language requirements for international students).
Students are given the opportunity to perform many times at our own 160-seat professionally-equipped theatre and have the chance to present their skills at an agents’ showcase. Students also take part in external shows such as at the Brighton Fringe Festival.
In addition to this, students have benefitted from a range of additional performance opportunities over the last few years.
These have included performing at Earls Court Olympia and London Excel as part of the Move It dance exhibition; creating and performing work at corporate events; voice overs and promotion videos; cabarets in bars and pub venues; and modelling for clothing designers in catwalk shows.
In the past few years, we have built up a close relationship with industry professionals both here and in New York and have been able to offer workshops by performers, composers and directors from a wide range of high-profile West End and Broadway shows.
We have two main performing spaces on campus - ‘The Northbrook Theatre’ and ‘Studio 21’, which are flexible and adaptable and replicate most working spaces that students will encounter in the professional industry.
The final year is a unique combination of practical and academic work. The focus of this challenging programme is the development of the student as an individual through the practice, study and exploration of theatre skills.
Regular workshop and showcase productions enable students to develop their own skills to professional standards, preparing them for employment or postgraduate study.
Potential careers
Performer in West End or touring productions
Dance companies
TV/film
Entertainer for parks and cruise ships
Host, compere or presenter
Drama or dance teacher
Drama or dance therapist
Director or choreographer
Recent alumni include Helen Woolf, who has been playing 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.
Some of our student destinations
Theatre:
Wicked London, Wicked UK Tour, School of Rock, Cats UK Tour, Footloose European Tour, Jesus Christ Superstar European Tour, Sound of Music UK Tour, Pirates of Penzance (Sasha Regan) UK Tour, Pop Factor UK Tour, Gods and Monsters, The Hired Man, Chess in concert at the Albert Hall, Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Potters Theatre Company, Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company at Buxton Opera House, regional pantomimes, Disney cruises & parks, Prodigal theatre co, Periplum Theatre, Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium, Skellig National Tour, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Seabourn Cruises, Norweign and Costa Cruise lines
TV:
The Five – SKY 1, Take Me Out – ITV, Come Dine With Me – C4, The Coroner – BBC, Babylon – C4, Pineapple Dance Studios – Sky1, Cucumber – C4, Casualty – BBC1, Britain’s Next top Model – Living TV, Being Human - BBC 3, The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson - BBC 1
Advertising campaigns for Dreams,Walkers, Adidas, PC World, Head and Shoulders, Orange, Subway, Hive, Barclays, Macdonalds, MI6
Film:
Nine, Mission Impossible 3, The Inbetweeners
Music videos in the UK & India
Tuition fees, student loans and bursaries
Additional costs for this course
Kit list: Leotards , tights, t-shirts and shoes (which students may already have).
In addition to the basics required, there are a few more specific items on the kit list, including ballet and tap shoes, New Yorkers and technique books.