Program Overview

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Course Overview

The Musical Theatre degree at the University of Winchester combines drama, dance, voice, and performing arts in a rewarding and vibrant program that engages with historical and contemporary musical theatre. The program aims to develop well-rounded and versatile performers through technical training in singing, acting, and dance, along with industry and contextual studies.

Course Features

• Learn from a friendly and supportive teaching team with professional experience in musical theatre, acting, singing, and dance.
• Rehearse and perform in excellent Performing Arts Studios with six bespoke spaces and the latest technology.
• Collaborate with industry partners to stay up-to-date with the latest training in contemporary performing arts.
• Produce and perform a final full-scale production with fellow students in a large public venue.
• Build and develop a portfolio of work to take to casting directors and agents.

Course Details

The program is designed to shape "confident learners" by enabling students to develop the skills needed to excel in their studies and beyond. Teaching takes place in a unique interdisciplinary environment, drawing on the combined strengths of the musical theatre team and staff from the drama and acting programs, with contributions from industry professionals.

Independent Learning

Students are expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving, and analysis with the support of staff.

Overall Workload

The overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning, and assessment activity.

Modules

Year 1

• Voice in Action (15 Credits)
• Musical Theatre Histories (15 Credits)
• Acting Foundations (15 Credits)
• Dance Foundations (15 Credits)
• Musical Theatre Industry (30 Credits)
• Performance Project (30 Credits)

Year 2

• Developing the Voice (15 Credits)
• Advanced Acting Practices (15 Credits)
• Developing Technique and Choreographic Approaches (15 Credits)
• Studying Musical Theatre (15 Credits)
• Swing Project (30 Credits)
• New Musical Theatre Production (30 Credits)

Year 3

• Theatre Company Project (30 Credits)
• Musical Theatre Production: Preparation (30 Credits)
• Musical Theatre Production: Performance (30 Credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Technique and Repertoire (Showcase) (30 Credits)
  • Dissertation

Entry Requirements

• UK: 96-112 points (A-Levels, BTEC/CTEC, International Baccalaureate, T Level)
• International: IELTS Academic at 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components
• GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher

Interview and Audition

Suitable applicants will be invited to attend a group workshop, audition, and interview.

Tuition Fees

• UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man/Republic of Ireland: £9,535 (2025/26)
• International: £16,700 (2025/26)

Additional Costs

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check: £40

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards

The University of Winchester offers various scholarships and bursaries to support students financially.

Career Prospects

Students pursue careers as musical theatre professionals, creating, performing, researching, or writing, or work with young people as teachers or in community contexts.

Pre-approved for a Master's

If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Master's degree at Winchester.

Programme Leader

Dr. Adam Rush, Lecturer in Musical Theatre, with a BA in Drama from the University of Lincoln, an MA in Theatre and Performance from Queen Mary, University of London, and a PhD from the University of Lincoln.