• Undergraduate

Musical Theatre with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Overview

Overview

Why study at UWL? 
  • Our dance and drama courses are ranked 2nd in the UK out of 85 institutesin 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.

Foundation Year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

View some of our students' recent work.

A musical and dance number during a LCM production

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Musical Theatre with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Musical Theatre with Foundation Year with us?

What our students say…

My vocal teacher is really inspirational. She covers everything with us - not just about our voice work, but about the industry and our lives. You can tell she works really hard - and that makes me want to work hard.

Daniella Rocca
Next
Our Dance and Drama courses are ranked 2nd in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide
The London College of Music is an all-Steinway school
UWL boasts a 200-seat fully equipped studio theatre
London College of Music: founded in 1887
Course detail & modules

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.

Foundation Year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Compulsory modules

  • Discovering Musical Theatre

    This module will explore a sense of self, delivered through a series of practical workshops.

    Relevant practitioners will be introduced in the workshop environment. you will be encouraged to contribute to a prepared e-practice portfolio throughout the module which will demonstrate awareness and understanding of your own skills relevant to the required disciplines.

    The e-portfolio will be available to learners through Blackboard. This e-portfolio will include your own personal reflection, feedback at regular intervals and any other supporting material in suitable formats. This module requires a minimum of 90% attendance to practical sessions and consideration to the collaborative working environment in order to pass.

  • Creative Skills for the Actor-Singer

    You will expand your creative skills as an actor-singer through a series of practical workshops facilitating and underpinning the skills required in communicating the work of the actor-singer. 

    This module aims to:

    • provide collaborative experiences, replicating the demands of musical theatre
    • engage with all the disciplines requires of the actor-singer in an interdisciplinary format
    • offer dialogic and practical opportunities for personal and reflective response
    • encourage an understanding of personal improvement.
  • The Thinking Actor-Singer

    This module focuses on established ground rules and modes of practice of the actor-singer. The performance work will encourage a variety of methods for analysing, evaluating, and recording events that take place in the rehearsal space.

    In the exploration of the collaborative nature of this work the need to communicate with each other and have meaningful dialogue in the exploration of ideas enables opportunities to adopt styles of reflective and written practice such as:

    • self-reflection
    • review writing
    • presentations
    • the compilation of portfolios
    • essay writing.

    You will engage with literature, public performance and library resources and apply your research to academic writing.

  • Performance Skills for the Actor-Singer

    Developing personal performance skills is at the heart of this module, you will be encouraged to explore and develop your individual performance skills required for ‘live performance’.

    A working journal will accompany this module, providing a platform to evidence the learning journey and establish areas for future development.

  • The Jukebox Musical

    The module encourages creativity in the development of a ‘Jukebox’ musical performance.

    You will explore the development of the story through a catalogue of works agreed upon by all participants (suggestions may be put forward by the course team).

  • The Supporting Actor-Singer

    This module encourages you to input individual creative ideas and discover how the creative process can be altered and affected through multiple lines of creative input, allowing you to explore how to support the ideas of others within the creative process.

    You will interact with peers across the University taking an experimental approach to creative performance outputs. 

Compulsory modules

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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%

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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

  • 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. 

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Professional Practice

  • 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

Entry requirements

80 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:     

  • A Levels at grades B and B (if you have two A levels) or grades C, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass     
  • 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 without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course 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.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Musical Theatre without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four 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.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BA (Hons) Musical Theatre without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course 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.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Musical Theatre without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_uk_eu_main_fee.name) }} per year

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 on a four-year degree with a foundation year have received our Path to Success Scholarship.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

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

Teaching staff

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A chorus line during a theatre production

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

How to apply

ARTSFEST

actors on stage

Find out more about the work our students produce and view some of their recent work by visiting our Performing Arts ARTSFEST page.

Facilities

Facilities

Lawrence Hall, a black box theatre at the University of West London

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 Studio 1 at the University of West London

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.

A music practice room at the University of West London

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.

A music performance room at the University of West London

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 room at the University of West London

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 the University of West London

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.

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.