Course summary
High-level training. Industry-focused performance. Career-ready graduates. The MA Professional Performance is an intensive postgraduate course designed for emerging artists ready to elevate their practice and step confidently into the creative industries. Delivered across three dedicated Performers College campuses - Essex (Musical Theatre), Birmingham (Acting), and Manchester (Dance) - the course offers high-contact, practice-led training that mirrors the rhythm and demands of the professional world. With a minimum of 25 contact hours per week, you’ll train intensively in small cohorts, working closely with expert practitioners to refine your technical foundation, broaden your performance vocabulary, and shape your professional identity. The course follows a clear progression across three trimesters: the first builds advanced technique and repertoire; the second applies skills through creative performance exploration and interdisciplinary contexts; and the final trimester culminates in a high-profile graduate showcase and agent panel designed to springboard you into the industry as a professional performer. Within your chosen specialism, whether it’s delivering complex choreography, navigating multi-camera scenes, or commanding a live audience, you'll gain the stamina, focus, and adaptability to meet the moment. Training is enriched by industry mentors and artists who bring current insights from across theatre, television, and film — ensuring you're not only stage-ready, but career-ready. Whether you're an experienced performer returning to training or a recent graduate seeking rigorous postgraduate development, this MA is for those who want to perform with authenticity, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact in an evolving, intersectional arts landscape. Our practical audition process ensures access for non-traditional or professionally experienced applicants. This is a course for performers ready to refine their craft, deepen their practice, and step into the next stage of their professional journey.
Modules
- Advanced Techniques & Repertoire
- Screen Performance and Digital Practice
- Embodied Practice & Creative Process
- Professional Identity and Audition Practice
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
Applicants that require a Student Visa to study can be accepted at the following location: Performers College Manchester.
Entry requirements
A degree (normally 2.2 or above) in a creative industry-related subject or significant experience in a relevant field. Overseas students where English is not their native language may be required to meet a minimum English language requirement of an Academic IELTS 6.5. We require a minimum of 6.0 to be achieved in each band. All applicants will be subject to interview and a portfolio may also be requested for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPCEL).
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | a minimum of 6.0 must be achieved in each band (Reading, writing, listening, speaking) |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £16500* | Year 1 |
| EU | £18500* | Year 1 |
| England | £16500* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £16500* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £16500* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £16500* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £16500* | Year 1 |
| International | £18500* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
The tuition fee shown is for year 1 of study only.
Fees may be subject to increase on an annual basis, and do not cover additional costs such as:
Visa application costs
Living costs (rent/bills/travel)
Equipment required for your course
(computer and software/instrument/books)
Provider information
BIMM University
38-42 Brunswick Street West
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1EL