Musical Theatre

This 3 year BA Honours degree is designed to help you develop as a 'triple threat' performer preparing for work in the global Musical Theatre industry. It aims to provide a solid grounding in practical and intellectual skills across the disciplines of dance, singing and acting; all necessary skills for a successful career on stage or screen.

As the worldwide Performance Industry grows and with musicals and dance companies dominating the commercial stage; there’s a need for Musical Theatre graduates well-trained in dance, singing and acting.

This award is validated by The Open University.

About the course

We offer specialist training from lecturers with real professional experience. The emphasis is placed equally on all disciplines in order to make great all-round performers. We have small class sizes to maximise individual tuition. After a balanced and comprehensive training: graduates are ready to go out and perform with confidence and a style of their own. Training focuses on developing dance, singing and acting skills to enable you to communicate effectively across a range of Musical Theatre styles. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own original work, exploring areas of specific and personal interest and to find your own creative voice.

In Years 1 and 2, each module begins with the foundations of technique and ends in a practical performance project.

Year 3 focuses on your development as a professional performer, with at least two major public performances and the opportunity to create your own original piece of musical theatre or film.

Year 1 (Level 4) modules:

-Acting Skills 1
-Dance Technique 1
-Singing Technique 1
-Early Musical Theatre in Context

Year 2 (Level 5) modules:

-Acting Skills 2
-Dance Technique 2
-Singing Technique 2
-Contemporary Musical Theatre in Context

Year 3 (Level 6) modules:

-Industry practice
-Professional practice
-Musical Theatre performance

Assessments

A mix of traditional and innovative methods including: case studies, group projects, live briefs, peer review, research projects, critical reflection and presentations. All assessments focus on one, or a combination of exploration, preparation, rehearsal, performance and written response, there are no written examinations.

Bursaries

We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Details for 2025-26 will be advertised once approved by the university regulator – the Office for Students (OfS). Please check our website - www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk - for more information.

Qualification awarded:

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Musical Theatre. - awarded by The Open University

Your career and progression

Graduates will be well-equipped for a long and successful career in the Creative Arts. Possessing practical transferable skills in performance, production, technical theatre, stage management, directing and choreography that can be applied to a wide variety of careers.

We’re very proud of our alumni and graduates, who can be seen in West End shows, UK tours, on cruise liners and gracing our TV screens.

This programme could be the first step toward postgraduate study or springboard your career as a: performer, actor, singer, dancer, director, musical director, choreographer, drama/dance/music therapist, community arts practitioner, teacher or arts manager.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS