Prepare yourself to be a ‘triple threat’ musical theatre performer as you train in the disciplines of acting, singing and dancing while exploring the traditions and contemporary practices of musical theatre on stage and screen.
This course aims to develop versatile, imaginative and employable performers and will instil in you the skills needed to flourish both on and off the stage. You will enhance your practical skills in acting, singing, movement and dance, and also gain an understanding of the theatre industry and how to market yourself and secure professional roles or succeed in related fields.
As well as developing your artistry and creativity, you will gain an understanding of core musical theatre disciplines from a theoretical perspective by examining their key practitioners and pieces.
A host of industry experts contribute to this course alongside our experienced lecturers with specialist workshops and guest lectures. These have included working with some of the most exciting writers, directors, agents, actors and dancers from both the UK and abroad.
On this course you will also benefit from being part of Creative Arts Weston. Here you will join our exciting and passionate creative community, and you will be perfectly placed to join the arts industry, leading the way as part of the next creative generation.
Although this is a Bath Spa University programme it is delivered here at UCW, if you would like to find out more about this programme or apply to it, please click here.
Duration:
Start date:
Location:
Course codes:
Awarding institution:
Course fees:
Delivered in partnership

Written
COURSEWORK
PRACTICAL
The UCW Academy of Performing Arts aims to replicate the professional workplace environment, so you will utilise our rehearsal studios and work individually and as part of an ensemble to perform in regional theatres and also further afield.
The numerous opportunities to perform in professional venues is what sets us apart. In the past three years, our students have performed week-long runs of Sister Act, A Christmas Carol and The Secret Garden at the Theatre Royal, Windsor. We also hold a spectacular end of year show every summer to give our students the chance to showcase their talents to theatre-lovers closer to home.
The UCW Academy of Performing Arts is part of our Knightstone Campus in the centre of Weston, but you will also be able to use all of our facilities at no extra charge. This includes access to the University Centre in the Winter Gardens on Weston seafront. The new facility has a higher education library, a café and modern learning spaces.
Please contact the course leader Kyle Davies or UCW’s HEART student services team if you have any questions. It would also be great to meet you and show you around at our next Open Day.
All of the modules on this course are compulsory and worth either 20, 40 or 60 credits each. Successful completion of all three years is worth 360 credits and will lead to the award of a degree at Level 6.
Year 1:
- Acting and Voice 1 (20 credits)
- Ballet and Jazz Dance (20 credits)
- Musical Theatre History and Repertoire (20 credits)
- Musical Theatre Singing 1 (20 credits)
- Personal Development (20 credits)
- Tap and Musical Theatre Dance (20 credits)
Year 2:
- Acting and Voice 2 (20 credits)
- Musical Theatre Dance Skills (40 credits)
- Musical Theatre Performance Processes (40 credits)
- Musical Theatre Singing 2 (20 credits)
Year 3:
- Musical Theatre Independent Study (20 credits)
- Professional Musical Theatre Project (60 credits)
- The Professional Musical Theatre Performer (40 credits)
This course is taught and assessed via a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, skills classes, in-class performances of devised work, presentations, individual and group work, written assignments and public performances. UCW’s Higher Education Library Plus (HE.LP) team also deliver a series of sessions on degree-level research and academic writing to all first-year students. When not in scheduled lectures and seminars, students are also expected to continue learning through independent self-study.
This course has an average of 30 hours of scheduled teaching per week.
Assessment is via a combination of practical exams and coursework, with an assessment breakdown of 25% coursework and 75% practical exams. There are no written exams on this degree.
- Students who pass this course are eligible to apply for postgraduate study, such as the Master’s Degrees in Classical Acting, Performing Shakespeare or Directing at Bath Spa University.
- Graduates can also seek roles with touring theatre companies and employment in various positions in the wider entertainment industry.
Industry insight
£1.28 billion was generated in ticket sales for performances in theatres in 2018 (UK Theatre).
A minimum of CDD at A Level, or a BTEC Extended Diploma at MMP, or a T Level at Pass, or equivalent, preferably in a related area. Applications from those studying two A Levels or alternative Level 3 qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants are also required to attend an audition.
Applicants with a level 5 qualification such as HND, Foundation Degree, or equivalent can be considered for 3rd year entry. Please contact admissions@ucw.ac.uk to discuss your application further.
Quick Stats


















Got a question
Prepare yourself to be a ‘triple threat’ musical theatre performer as you train in the disciplines of acting, singing and dancing while exploring the traditions and contemporary practices of musical theatre on stage and screen.
This course aims to develop versatile, imaginative and employable performers and will instil in you the skills needed to flourish both on and off the stage. You will enhance your practical skills in acting, singing, movement and dance, and also gain an understanding of the theatre industry and how to market yourself and secure professional roles or succeed in related fields.
As well as developing your artistry and creativity, you will gain an understanding of core musical theatre disciplines from a theoretical perspective by examining their key practitioners and pieces.
A host of industry experts contribute to this course alongside our experienced lecturers with specialist workshops and guest lectures. These have included working with some of the most exciting writers, directors, agents, actors and dancers from both the UK and abroad.
On this course you will also benefit from being part of Creative Arts Weston. Here you will join our exciting and passionate creative community, and you will be perfectly placed to join the arts industry, leading the way as part of the next creative generation.
Although this is a Bath Spa University programme it is delivered here at UCW, if you would like to find out more about this programme or apply to it, please click here.