students performing on stage students performing on stage

Course Summary

On this course, students are provided with the opportunity to develop technical, artistic, creative, theoretical and critical understanding of musical theatre performance. Students will focus on three main areas of study within the discipline of musical theatre: singing, acting and dance, with singing and vocal technique underpinning acting and dance. This course aims to produce imaginative, intelligent and employable practitioners able to demonstrate creativity through their discipline and beyond. The modules provide an extensive curriculum with strong vocational elements and a contemporary outlook, incorporating technological skills for both practical and artistic purposes.

The course aims to:

  • Foster the development of intelligent performers by providing opportunities for the acquisition, application and improvement of technical, artistic and creative skills.
  • Encourage the development of knowledgeable performers with an awareness of the historic, cultural and social context of the profession they are entering by engagement with academic theoretical studies.
  • Promote the development of reflective performers by providing opportunities for students to engage with analysis, evaluative practices and critical thinking.
  • Produce responsible performers and promote career longevity by instilling the principles of health, fitness and safe practice as a foundation for maximising physical efficiency.
  • Produce independent performers by facilitating increasing learner autonomy throughout the course.
  • Produce professional performers by providing extensive experience of public performance.

What you'll Study

As an Apprentice Performer in Year 1, you will gain familiarity with established technical, creative and artistic concepts and practical competencies in singing, acting and dance.

In Year 2, as an Evolving Performer, you will apply and develop technical skills, creative methodologies, artistic performance strategies and contextual theories.

In Year 3, as a Professional Performer you will take a high degree of responsibility for the planning, direction and management of your own development.

How you'll Learn

You will be taught via tutor-led studio-based practical classes, lectures, seminars, tutorials and directed study. Guided learning through workshops, theatre trips and rehearsals and independent work on projects, encourages increasing independence as a practitioner. You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including: performance work in singing, acting and dance; studio and theatre performances; submission of essays and reflective journals; presentations; and oral assessments.

Entry Requirements

104 UCAS points

UCAS

104 UCAS points

GCE A Level

104 UCAS points from GCE A Levels or equivalent. Typical offer: BCC/CCC. Specific subjects required: Drama, Drama and Theatre Studies, Performing Arts, Performance Studies

BTEC

BTEC Performing Arts. Typical offer DMM

T Level

T Level - Pass (C or above on the core).

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers - H3, H3, H3, H4, H4 including one of the subjects stated above

Scottish Highers - BBBB including one of the subjects stated above

 

International Baccalaureate

26 points, including 5 in HL Theatre Arts

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma (Drama) to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit

Extra Information / General Entry Requirements

Please note that we accept a maximum of 8 points from GCE AS Levels and that the Welsh Baccalaureate (core) and General Studies A Level will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Applicants will be required to attend an audition and interview.

It is beneficial but not necessary to have studied Drama or Performance at A Level or equivalent. However, some level of dance is essential and will be part of the audition process.

 

This course is not open to international students.

Where you'll Study The Hammond

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Course specific additional costs

Non-compulsory theatre trips cost approximately £40-£50 each including coach travel. 

The uniform leotard is £36.99, the Hammond/university hoodie is £39.99 and the Hammond/uni polo shirt is £13.99. Other than the leotard, no item is compulsory and students can use their existing black dance clothing for practical sessions.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

 

 

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Graduates will be equipped with a collection of specialist and transferable skills enabling them to gain employment in a range of professional contexts, including other areas away from performing arts. 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study