- Undergraduate
Musical Theatre BA (Hons)
Overview
Why study at UWL?
- Our dance and drama courses are ranked 2nd in the UK out of 85 institutes, in the Guardian's University Guide 2023
- In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
- University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
- Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
- Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023**
Step out into the spotlight with this musical theatre course featuring a stellar cast of professionals, industry interaction and an immersive experience.
Developed by industry practitioners, our course is for people with practical performance experience who want to enter the performing arts as professionals.
As an actor-singer, you will be encouraged to become an inspiring artist, able to think for yourself and to lead in the development of original works of musical theatre.
This rich educational environment gives you collaborative opportunities with composers, performers, jazz musicians, music technology students, photographers and fashion designers.
Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:
Start date:
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Why study Musical Theatre with us?
What our students say…
Course detail & modules
This degree will help you to stand out as an actor-singer in the competitive world of musical theatre. Our focus on the individual exploration of a 'sense over sound' approach sets the course apart from similar degrees.
Throughout, you will be encouraged to think independently as you develop a strong performance discipline and unique identity as a professional practitioner.
At Level 6, you will complete the Licentiate of the London College of Music qualification, essentially gaining two qualifications through this course.
During the course, you will be supported in developing and performing your own piece of musical theatre. The school often collaborates with external providers to produce our students’ pioneering work.
You will learn from dedicated teaching staff who are actively involved in their own disciplines. This gives you opportunities to benefit from their up-to-date experience of the professional world.
Compulsory modules
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Text to Performance
Using text as the basis for performance, you will explore core spoken voice and movement skills and theories for the actor-singer. You will work with materials pertinent to your identity as a starting point to discuss and apply theories and techniques informed by the text and to inform the text further.
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Performing Texts in Musical Theatre
Using musical text as the basis for performance, you will explore core singing and acting through song skills and theories for the actor-singer.
Running alongside Text to Performance, the Performing Texts in Musical Theatre module gives you the opportunity to engage with materials that are relevant to your own identity. These materials will serve as a foundation for investigating how theatre and music come together to shape characters in musical theatre.
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Ensemble Singing Lab
Ensemble Singing Lab builds a solid foundation in singing skills for musical theatre performance, providing you with an embodied understanding of core principles around sung voice and musicianship in the context of Musical Theatre.
Through practical classes, you will gain a foundational experiential understanding of vocal production and singing techniques whilst developing ensemble listening and harmony skills by exploring a diverse range of repertoire from around the world.
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Contextualising Musical Theatre
Contextualising Musical Theatre looks to examine the historical timeline of Musical Theatre. Exploring key moments in musical theatre history, focussing on the catalogues and repertoire of composers, lyricists, and other creators of musical theatre repertoire from around the world.
The module aims to:
- equip students with an overall underpinning of the genre of musical theatre
- explore key historical moments in the development of musical theatre
- identify influential contributors to the musical theatre repertoire
- examine where musical theatre currently sits within the world of performing arts.
This module has an attendance requirement of 90%
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Skills Development for the Actor-Singer
This module will lay the foundation for preparing your skill set, in future modules. Established and emerging disciplines will be explored through practice, supported and contextualised by performance theories from a range of practitioners.
The module aims to:
- support the development of the praxis of an actor-singer
- establish areas within relevant disciplines for continual development
- explore the inter-relationship of disciplines in creating authentic characters
- prepare the integration of relevant disciplines, using an interdisciplinary approach to actor-singer performance within musical theatre.
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Ensemble Rehearsal Process
You will engage in a rehearsal from initial concept to non-live performance using material selected by the course team. This module also introduces you to the working environment of the rehearsal process, allowing for collaboration with all participants of the creative rehearsal process.
The module aims to:
- provide an environment mirroring that of a rehearsal process within the musical theatre industry
- apply acting, singing and movement techniques in an interdisciplinary method
- introduce you to the demands of the rehearsal process
- explore the working relationships between all participants of the creative process.
This module has an attendance requirement of 100%
Compulsory modules
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The Singing Actor
This module provides an environment in which the actor can explore how the sung voice supports the communication of text within musical theatre performance. The Singing Actor will provide the opportunity to experience performances as both, soloist and ensemble member, and may support events held within the university, such as an open day.
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The Adaptable Actor-Singer
This module introduces the ideology of alternative performative techniques. This module focuses on creating an understanding of ‘how’ characters are established as opposed to focusing on ‘what’ the actor-singer does within a performance. Opportunities to explore alternatives within technical delivery are encouraged throughout this module, creating a selection of options available to the actor-singer when performing.
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Participatory Musical Theatre
The module explores how the actor-singer chooses appropriate techniques for performance to communicate text successfully. By establishing an understanding of the history of participative musical theatre and how the audience experiences the theatrical experience through audience participation, the module culminates in the performance of a thoroughly rehearsed live production for audience interaction.
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The Curious Actor-Singer
This self-led research module encourages the investigation of further opportunities in musical theatre.
Introducing you to research methodologies applicable to creative performance, opportunities may be offered for co-collaboration and co-creation of devised musical theatre performance. You will propose areas of personal interest and be encouraged to join the research community within LCM.
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Musical Theatre Scene Study
This module explores the development of 'the musical' as a specific genre of theatre. The module develops an understanding of the evolution of musical theatre and explore its application across multiple styles and socio-political and geographical contexts.
The various forms of musical theatre will be established as well as looking at how relevant historical key moments have influenced and shaped the development of the musical theatre formula. You will investigate key creative writers and will explore the genre beyond commercialised “Western” musical theatre.
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Cabaret Performance
This module encourages you to explore the communication of text to an audience. You will collaborate with peers to create fully rehearsed performances in an intimate performance setting. Support could be provided in the provisions of small musical ensembles (this could vary from piano accompaniment to small 3–5- piece band). You will create a fully rehearsed intimate performance, establishing performance locations and setting with support from the LCM team.
Compulsory modules
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The Facilitating Actor-Singer
This module allows you to explore your personal strengths and weaknesses as an individual artist. You will explore how to situate yourself as a creative practitioner and finalise personal development within the interdisciplinary nature of the discipline.
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Musical Theatre R ‘n’ D
This module aims to:
- develop research skills in the creation of new musical theatre work
- develop practice in designing and developing a new musical theatre piece
- performing in a new musical theatre piece.
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The Performing Actor-Singer
This module encourages you to consolidate previous learning and skills development for performance. It provides the opportunity for a holistic review of their development and allows for an informed action plan for further growth. You are encouraged to choose the material that resonates with your identity and socio-cultural status.
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Professional Practice
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Commercial Musical Theatre
The module will allow the application of disciplines developed over the course of the degree, establishing believable characters within the rehearsal creative process. You will be encouraged to apply these disciplines in an interdisciplinary method as the process evolves and prepares for a fully rehearsed piece of commercial musical theatre for a public audience.
Entry requirements
These can include:
- A Levels at grade B, B and B, or above
- BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Distinction, Merit
- Access to HE Diploma
- T Levels
You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.
Looking for BA (Hons) Musical Theatre with Foundation Year?
Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.
Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.
Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.
Looking for BA (Hons) Musical Theatre with Foundation Year?
You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.
You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.
We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.
Looking for BA (Hons) Musical Theatre with Foundation Year?
Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.
Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.
Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.
Looking for BA (Hons) Musical Theatre with Foundation Year?
Fees & funding
The fee above is the cost per year of your course.
If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
Funding your studies
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.
Additional scholarships specifically for music students are also on offer.
View full details, including conditions and eligibility.
The fee above is the cost per year of your course.
If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
International students - funding your studies
We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships.
Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Teaching staff
Gillian Ford
Gillian Ford is an experienced and passionate performing arts educator specialising in Musical Theatre. With a wealth of experience as an actor, Gillian brings nearly two decades of expertise to her teaching practice. Throughout her career, she has successfully delivered workshops and classes for students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
As a lecturer at the London College of Music, Gillian focuses on enhancing students' performance abilities through a comprehensive range of physical, vocal and textual techniques. She delves into the history of musical theatre, covering key developments and influential figures. Notably, she successfully directed the Level 6 graduate performance of The Addams Family Musical in 2022.
Previously, Gillian worked as a lecturer at ROM Theatre Arts (University of Chichester), leading private singing lessons and modules in Musical Theatre Practice and Ensemble Singing. Her approach involved developing students' technical and interpretation singing skills, and leading various practical performance projects.
With a freelance background, Gillian has made a positive impact on students and organisations, including The BRIT School, Trinity Laban, LMA London, Big Creative Education, Ambassador Theatre Group and Birmingham Stage Company.
Gillian is dedicated to sharing her passion and expertise in musical theatre, guiding students on their artistic journeys and nurturing their talents and aspirations.
Gillian Ford is an experienced and passionate performing arts educator specialising in Musical Theatre. With a wealth of experience as an actor, Gillian brings nearly two decades of expertise to her teaching practice. Throughout her career, she has successfully delivered workshops and classes for students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
As a lecturer at the London College of Music, Gillian focuses on enhancing students' performance abilities through a comprehensive range of physical, vocal and textual techniques. She delves into the history of musical theatre, covering key developments and influential figures. Notably, she successfully directed the Level 6 graduate performance of The Addams Family Musical in 2022.
Previously, Gillian worked as a lecturer at ROM Theatre Arts (University of Chichester), leading private singing lessons and modules in Musical Theatre Practice and Ensemble Singing. Her approach involved developing students' technical and interpretation singing skills, and leading various practical performance projects.
With a freelance background, Gillian has made a positive impact on students and organisations, including The BRIT School, Trinity Laban, LMA London, Big Creative Education, Ambassador Theatre Group and Birmingham Stage Company.
Gillian is dedicated to sharing her passion and expertise in musical theatre, guiding students on their artistic journeys and nurturing their talents and aspirations.
Study & career progression
After graduating with your musical theatre degree, you will be ideally set to develop a career in a variety of fields including:
- acting or musical theatre
- community theatre
- theatre in education
- applied theatre and therapy (following successful completion of a postgraduate qualification in this area)
- teaching (following the successful completion of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education programme).
Past UWL graduates have gone on to appear in West End productions including A Strange Loop, Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys, Six, and many more. As well as boasting various links to the industry, the course is affiliated with a creative agency to promote the work of our students.
Alternatively, you may want to explore a related area of study. Please see our postgraduate courses.
How to apply
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
- 0800 036 8888
- courses@uwl.ac.uk
We may invite you to an audition and interview at the university. Find out more about the audition process and what happens on the day.
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
- 0800 036 8888
- courses@uwl.ac.uk
We may invite you to an audition and interview at the university. Find out more about the audition process and what happens on the day.
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website – you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Contact the team: international@uwl.ac.uk
We may invite you to an audition and interview at the university - or online, if you aren't able to travel here. Find out more about the audition process.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website – you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Contact the team: international@uwl.ac.uk
We may invite you to an audition and interview at the university - or online, if you aren't able to travel here. Find out more about the audition process.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
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ARTSFEST
Facilities
Performance spaces
Our flexible, professionally-equipped performance spaces include Lawrence Hall, a 200-seat black box studio theatre, and Vestry Hall, a classical music performance space featuring a Steinway B Concert Grand piano, concert tuned percussion and seating for up to 150
Production studios
We have four black box production rooms featuring performance dance floors, ballet barres, wall mirrors and ¾ drapes. All rooms have PA and AV support in all rooms. The digital stage pianos are by Roland.
One-to-one teaching pods
We have five acoustically isolated teaching pods featuring Roland and Korg digital pianos and mirrors to facilitate one-to-one teaching in voice.
Music performance rooms
All music performance rooms feature drums and backline plus PA support.
- Drums by Roland and Pearl.
- Backline by Marshall, Orange, Line 6, Fender and Gallien-Kruger
- Stage pianos by Korg and Roland
- Synths by Roland and Kurzwiel
- PA by Yamaha, ABT and Nexo.
Basement practice rooms
- All LCM practice rooms benefit from LCM’s All Steinway School status to bring you the very best instruments.
- Three percussion practice and teaching rooms.
- Percussion rooms feature Pearl kits with recording and playback systems.
Media Resource Centre
At our Media Resource Centre (used by all subject areas) you'll find extensive portable audio recording systems, including up to 24 track digital HD recording and portable Focusrite RedNet systems.
There is also video-camera and accessory support, including LED and tungsten lighting systems, track and dolly systems and stedi-cam rigs.
Student life at UWL
Important notes for applicants
Disclaimer
*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.
**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.
Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.
Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.
Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.
Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.