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Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
UAL Level 3 Diploma In Performing & Production Arts – Musical Theatre
Singing, acting, and dancing, all in one course. If you love musical theatre, you probably already do a bit of all three. This course brings them together, training you as a triple threat who can hold their own on any stage. You'll develop your voice, your movement, and your acting skills side by side, then put them into practice in live shows and collaborative projects with your fellow performers. You'll work in our performance spaces and dance studios with tutors who know what the industry looks for. Most students continue into Year 2 for the Extended Diploma — the route to musical theatre programmes at university, conservatoire, or straight into the profession.
Got a question? Ask us
How you’ll learn
Sing. Act. Dance. All of It.
If you love musical theatre, you probably already sing, act, and dance a bit. This course brings all three together — training you as a triple threat who can hold their own on any stage. You’ll develop your voice, your movement, and your stage presence side by side, study the repertoire from golden age classics to contemporary shows, and perform in live productions in our drama theatre and dance studio.
You’ll complete 30 hours of work placement and work with visiting industry professionals who know what the profession looks for. There are no sit-down exams — it’s 60% practical and 40% written coursework. Most students go straight into Year 2 for the Extended Diploma, building towards auditions for conservatoires, drama schools, and universities.
Performance Units
- Principles of Performance
- Engaging with an Audience
- Performance Skills and Context
- Collaborative Performance Project
Professional Development Units
- Introduction to Professional Practice
- Critical and Contextual Awareness
- Production Skills and Context
- Preparation for Specialist Study
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Entry requirements
- 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Maths and English
- A short audition as part of the interview process
- A genuine passion for musical theatre — singing, acting, and movement. You don’t need to be perfect at all three yet
Need GCSE support? If you're still working towards Grade 4 in Maths or English, you can study for these alongside your course. Financial support and learning support assistance are available for everyone who needs them.
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
Careers it can lead to
- Actors, Entertainers and Presenters £30,900 a year
- Dancers and Choreographers £30,900 a year
- Arts Officers, Producers and Directors £36,200 a year
- With further study or experience Teaching Professionals £18.01 an hour
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Life on the course
See what it’s really like
Our facilities
Where You'll Train
Rehearse and perform in our dedicated performance spaces and fully equipped dance studios, staging full musical theatre productions for live audiences throughout the year.
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Full Dance Studio
Full-length mirrors, professional sound system, sprung floors. This is where you'll train, learn, and rehearse. It's your space from day one.
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Drama Hall & Performance Space
A dedicated performance space where you'll rehearse and stage live shows for real audiences throughout the year. This isn't a classroom with the desks pushed back, it's a working theatre space where you learn what it actually feels like to perform under proper conditions.
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Industry Guest Speakers
Every year we bring in working professionals from across the performing arts industry: actors, directors, choreographers, producers, and backstage specialists. They work directly with our students. You'll hear how they got started, what the industry actually looks like, and get honest advice from people who do this for a living. It's one of the things our students consistently say makes the course feel real.
Live performances
Students performing in our own drama hall
Student Voice
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College has helped me become more open-minded and step out of my comfort zone. I’ve loved the opportunities, especially the work placements. I plan to follow my passion for performing. It’s been a great experience—I’ve learnt loads and made memories with amazing people.
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for, locally and nationally.
See career optionsA Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeMental Health & Wellbeing
College is a big change. Our wellbeing team is here for every student, whether they need someone to talk to, help managing stress, or ongoing support. No referral needed.
Wellbeing supportFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help, and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoYour next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 0800 358 7575
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.
2
You meet your tutor
We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.
3
You get an offer
We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.
4
You get ready to start
Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.