Musical Theatre at UCW was awarded a 100% overall satisfaction score in the 2019 National Student Survey.
Performance is at the heart of this course. It provides a rigorous programme of creative, theoretical and professional development, with its training in singing, dancing, acting and other key performance skills enhanced by an understanding of the theatre industry and how to secure roles and work to expected industry standards.
As well as developing your artistry and creativity, you will gain an understanding of core musical theatre disciplines from a theoretical perspective by examining key practitioners and pieces and by viewing the genre from the viewpoints of its cultural, political and digital developments.
This approach means that you will be able to understand and interpret a broad and exciting repertoire of musical theatre, and also be well-prepared for postgraduate study and employment in related roles.
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 Sylvia Lane 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.
Students who pass this course are awarded a degree from Bath Spa University. The agreement between Bath Spa University and UCW is reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure academic standards are maintained.
2021 entry full-time tuition fees: £8,500 per year.
This covers all of the teaching and assessment elements that are required for you to complete the course.
It also includes:
- The use of all UCW facilities and equipment.
- Attendance at guest lectures at UCW.
- Annual £10 printing and photocopying allowance for full-time students.
- The use of UCW computers at any of our campuses and access to Microsoft Office 365 while you are enrolled with UCW.
- The loans of books from our libraries.
- Access to all of the UCW student support and careers services.
It does not include:
- Optional theatre trips at an approximate cost of £50 each.
- Optional residential visits at an approximate cost of £75 (UK) and £100 (overseas) per night.
- Clothing and footwear suitable for performing at an approximate cost of £200 per year.
- Scripts and scores at an approximate cost of £50 per year.
- Props and costumes at an approximate cost of £50 per year.
- The recommended but optional cost of joining the Equity trade union.
- Extra printing and photocopying above the £10 limit.
- The cost of books you may wish to purchase.
- Transport between our campuses, and to/from your partner university and any work placements. We encourage students to take advantage of termly bus passes to reduce transport costs.
- Accommodation and other living costs.
UCW publishes its Tuition Fees Policy on the Wider Information Set page of this website.
You may also be eligible for additional financial support, depending on your circumstances.
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 26 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 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.
