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Foundation Musical Theatre

  • CertHE
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Shockout Arts, Manchester
More about University of Greater Manchester

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

The CertHE Foundation Musical Theatre, delivered by Shockout in Manchester, is designed for those who are passionate about a career in musical theatre but want to develop and strengthen their foundation skills before undertaking full-time professional training at the degree level.

This one-year intensive and industry-driven programme aims to prepare aspiring performers for further training within the musical theatre sector. Driven by industry trends and innovation, the CertHE Foundation Musical Theatre course, delivered by Shockout, will provide you with a foundational understanding of core acting, voice, and dance techniques and styles, preparing you to undertake an undergraduate degree course. The partnership between Shockout Arts and the University of Greater Manchester offers you access to a number of undergraduate opportunities through our audition process.

You'll be based at Shockout Arts, studying and training in their world-class, purpose-built, high-specification studios that are equal to professional industry standards. This demanding and intense CertHE offers students the opportunity to acquire and develop essential foundation technical, artistic and theoretical skills to enable them to progress to a degree programme. Delivered by a range of highly qualified expert industry specialists and faculty, it will ensure you receive the highest possible standard of foundation training that reflects the current needs and requirements of the sector to enable you to progress onto a degree course. Progression onto a Shockout degree is not guaranteed.

Shockout's teaching staff are professional and world-renowned practitioners and choreographers. They are keen to make your time with them as stimulating and rewarding as possible and enjoy a well-deserved reputation for being approachable and interested in your progress. As teaching often takes place in small groups, you'll have access to individual support and guidance at every stage.

For full details about Shockout, their open days and accommodation, please visit http://www.weareshockout.com/.

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

Modules

Information about the modules offered as part of this course is available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.

Assessment method

Details of the learning activities and assessment methods for this course are available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Shockout Arts, Manchester

Study options

  • CertHE • Full-time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
P427
Institution code:
B44
Campus name:
Shockout Arts, Manchester
Campus Code:
S
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Greater Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
P427
Institution code:
B44
Campus name:
Shockout Arts, Manchester
Campus Code:
S

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

This course is open to Home students only. Applications from International and EU students cannot usually be accepted because the study location for this course is not licenced by UKVI to sponsor students. Therefore, if you require sponsorship under the Student Visa Route to study in the UK, then, unfortunately, we'll be unable to consider your application for this course. Some EU students are eligible to study this course under the EU Settlement Scheme or Common Travel Area arrangement – for details, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/studying-in-the-uk-guidance-for-eu-students.

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
64 points

Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Subjects that include experience of dance, drama or performing arts are preferred.

You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.

You'll be required to attend an audition and interview, staged at Shockout.

If you don't have the above qualifications but possess equivalent qualifications or experience, we'll be happy to consider your application. In addition to attending an audition and interview, we may require you to provide a portfolio of work or complete another form of test so that we can assess your application.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Audition
Health checks
You'll need to provide a satisfactory medical report signed by your GP to confirm you are fit and well to undertake full-time intensive and rigorous physical training.
Interview

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6If English isn’t your first language you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent).

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/international-general-entry-requirements/

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

You’ll be required to pay a one-off enrichment fee. The enrichment fee is refundable if you do not gain the UCAS points required for entry to the course or a satisfactory medical report.

Successful applicants and students on the course will need to wear suitable dance attire (a list of items will be provided). You may well have many of these items, but for an estimate of the cost if you need to buy them new, please contact Admissions at Shockout.

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At University of Greater Manchester

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