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Undergraduate

Performing Arts BA (Hons)

University of Gloucestershire

What is Performing Arts BA (Hons)?

Focus on singing, dancing and acting and take part in full-scale musical theatre performance. You’ll develop acting techniques for the stage and strengthen your voice and singing with regular tuition. Take dance lessons including ballet, tap, modern and jazz.

With live performance opportunities throughout the course, including full-scale musicals, you’ll gain plenty of experience, working in real theatres with industry experts. You’ll learn with international theatre companies at renowned events and locations. Students have recently been developing skills with Motionhouse Dance Company and Frantic Assembly, as well as performing at Edinburgh Fringe, Jolt Theatre and Strike a Light festivals. You’ll also make the most of performances at local theatres and venues such as the Everyman and The Wilson Art Gallery.

Study style

Weekly practical technique classes in voice, singing and dance combine with academic support and engaging modules. High levels of contact time with tutors each week during term time combine with intensive practical rehearsal periods to help support you to graduate career-ready.

You’ll learn from lecturers who are performing arts professionals, having worked with organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company. Throughout the degree, you’ll be able to choose modules based on what you’re passionate about. You’ll have opportunities to study other aspects of theatre, such as choreography, technical theatre and business development; theoretical study underpins all elements of the course.

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Entry requirements

    • 96 – 120 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.

      Entry to this course is by interview. Check out our Interview Guide to learn what to expect and help you prepare.

    • We welcome applicants with a pass in a relevant Foundation or Extended Diploma (Level 3 or 4).

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2023 Oxstalls, Gloucester W402 £9,250 £15,450
Sep 2024 Oxstalls, Gloucester W402 £9,250 TBC
Sep 2025 Oxstalls, Gloucester W402 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work as:

  • Performer
  • Actor
  • Dancer
  • Musician
  • Teacher
  • Singer.

Industry links

We have strong relationships with the Royal Shakespeare Company; BBC; Motionhouse Dance Company; Frantic Assembly Theatre Company; Battersea Arts Centre; The Everyman, King’s, Olympus and Playhouse theatres; Wilson Art Gallery and Museum; Edinburgh Fringe Festival; Jolt Theatre Festival; Strike a Light Festival; and the National Trust.

Achieve additional dance qualifications

Graduate a step ahead by achieving ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) awards alongside your degree. We are the only UK university to offer this internationally-recognised dance accreditation as part of your study.

Perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Students regularly perform at this internationally-renowned arts festival, gaining invaluable experience and inspiration from other cutting-edge work. It’s your chance to meet other performers and practitioners and undertake a full performance week of your own show. August 2018 saw students perform a version of Treasure Island that received a 4* review and was described by the host venue as ‘A colourful, explosive adventure and a pleasure to watch’.

Gain experience through live theatre performances

Work within theatre settings including Everyman and Playhouse theatres in Cheltenham with professional directors, designers and technicians. Work also takes place within site specific venues such as the Wilson Gallery in Cheltenham and the National Trust’s Croome Park.

Trips and experiences

You’ll regularly perform at the internationally-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, gaining invaluable experience and inspiration from other cutting-edge work. It’s your chance to meet other performers and practitioners and undertake a full performance week of your own show. August 2018 saw students perform a version of Treasure Island that received a 4* review and was described by the host venue as “A colourful, explosive adventure and a pleasure to watch”.

 

Placements

As part of your course you can gain valuable experience on an optional placement year.

  • Duration – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
  • Location – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
  • Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
  • Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
  • Placement support – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

Isis is a performing arts graduate and one of the cast in a major new feature film ‘The Secret Garden’ working with Julie Walters and Colin Firth (released 2020).

“My time at University of Gloucestershire provided me with skills and knowledge that I have taken out into the industry and continue to use in every audition and every job I undertake.”

Isis Davis, Performing Arts student

"I’ve toured the world with the Actors Touring Company and been nominated for an Olivier Award."

“I’ve acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Royal National Theatre, as well as touring with my own company as artistic director and performer before becoming artistic director of the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham for 10 years. I’ve worked as an actor, director, writer, practitioner and theorist. I am passionate about drama and the process of creating work with young people and building their understanding of the theory and power of performance through practice. This is a crucial part of my delivery and ethos as a lecturer.”

Sue Colverd, Principal Lecturer in Drama, Performing Arts and Production

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