Course summary
Develop as a triple-threat performer who excels at singing, acting and dancing, with our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre degree in Cambridge. On this course, you’ll train with industry professionals, take part in showcases and productions from Year 1, and gain real-world experience. You’ll gain skills unique to musical theatre training – specifically, actor-musicianship, physical theatre, dance, and choreography – and learn from established musical directors, artistic directors, and choreographers in professional performing arts facilities including our Mumford Theatre. You’ll take part in three full-scale musical productions and a spectacular final-year musical showcase. Recognised by Spotlight: Our Musical Theatre course is recognised by Spotlight, meaning you can join them at a discounted membership fee for two years. Spotlight connects performers with roles in theatre, television and film productions around the world. Casting professionals choose Spotlight to cast their projects because performers on Spotlight are recognised as the industry’s best. Our Drama and Dance courses ranked 13th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025, with 92% for satisfied with teaching. Our Drama, Dance and Cinematics provision scored 91% overall in the Complete University Guide 2024. Perform in multiple shows from year one to boost your experience and CV. Learn from established musical directors, actors and choreographers like Nikki Trow from Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly, as well as agents and casting directors. Graduate with a professional CV, headshots and showreel. Careers Our Musical Theatre degree prepares you for a variety of roles in the performing arts and wider creative industries. You'll learn advanced audition techniques, produce your own showreel, and receive feedback from agents, as well as having the chance to take part in our musical theatre choir and a professional singing competition judged by industry pros. Our range of optional modules allow you to follow your particular ambitions and interests. Throughout your studies you’ll gain confidence, emotional resilience, and the ability to work as part of a team. Creative industries You can work as a musical theatre performer, director, choreographer, or stage manager or you could choose to focus on technical theatre. You could also create your own company, produce new work and tour it globally. You can access jobs within arts organisations and management, acting as a theatre producer or event organiser, or join theatre and companies' marketing teams. You may develop as an arts journalist or critic or you could work in arts fundraising. Education As a graduate you’ll have access to numerous job opportunities in education, pursuing a career as primary or secondary school teacher, or as a workshop facilitator for a variety of communities. You can work as a musical theatre assistant, supporting school and students' productions; you might also have a role touring schools to use musical theatre to educate student groups. Health A growing number of roles in the health sector look at the role of drama in wellbeing. If this area interests you, you might want to train as a dramatherapist with our MA Dramatherapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees. Teaching In your first year you'll build a solid foundation of musical theatre skills in preparation for your first musical production. These include ensemble singing, acting technique, physical theatre, modern ballet and jazz dance. In Year 2 you'll perform in, design and produce a large-scale public performance, and continue developing your technical skills and theory, applying them to your theatre practice. You’ll also develop your professional discipline in work-based learning with industry professionals. In Year 3 you’ll complete a major individual research/creative project, and prepare for professional practice.
Modules
*=optional. Year 1: Foundation in Humanities, English, Media, Social Sciences and Education. Year 2: Technical Skills 1 and Showcase; Technical Skills 2; The Small-Scale Musical; Into ARU. Year 3: The Book Musical; Ruskin Module; Theatre Theory and Specialist Skills; Technical Skills 3. Year 4: Undergraduate Major Project; Professional Preparation; Professional Practice; Directing *; Stage Choreography *; Acting Through Song *; Vocal Reel *; Dance Collaboration *; Workshop Facilitation *.
Assessment method
You’ll show your progress mainly through performance and practical work, with some small written components or longer essays if you choose theoretical options. The methods of assessment will include studio and public performances, essays, presentations, critical reflections, and a Major Project, which can be practical or written work.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- W492
- Institution code:
- A60
- Campus name:
- Cambridge Campus
- Campus code:
- C
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
5 GCSEs at grade D, or grade 3, or above and evidence of two years post-GCSE study at Level 3. If you have achieved at least grade E in one A level, or equivalent, you are exempt from the two years post-GCSE study requirement, but you still must meet the GCSE requirements. Applicants who do not meet the two years post GCSE study at level 3 may be considered based on their satisfactory employment history, which must be a minimum of two years full time employment supported by employer evidence and deemed appropriate by the University for meeting the course of study applied for.
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | With minimum 5.5 in each component |
Equivalent English Language qualifications, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University, are also accepted.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9535 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT