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Brunel University of London · Undergraduate
BA (Hons) Theatre with Placement Year Bachelor's degree at Brunel University of London
BA (Hons) Theatre with Placement Year at BUL. You'll develop competency across core theory, applied practice, research methods and professional skills, whilst undertaking specialist options and an independent project tailored to your interests.
BA (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
80%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Take your interest in theatre to another level with the Theatre BA from Brunel, offering a blend of practice and theory with an optional work placement year From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Theatre with Placement Year is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at BUL, based in Brunel University Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Performing arts graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 40% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Music & Performing Arts, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
7.2
/ 10
Strong
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong71
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent80
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Solid65
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 65% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Why Performance MattersCompulsory
- Performance and the WorldCompulsory
- ActingCompulsory
- Making TheatreCompulsory
Year 2 5 modules
- Performance PerspectivesCompulsory
Module details
This modular block investigates key areas of contemporary arts and performance practice and research, analysing existing work through specific research fields and introducing students to critical practitioners and core academic practices such as research, writing and presenting. It also equips students with foundational concepts for analysing performance in relation to society and power.
- Performance LabCompulsory
Module details
Transform your curiosity into dynamic performance creation. Engage with performance to pose questions, probe specific topics, and unravel issues. This module advances your performance making skills and empowers you to view performance not just as an art but as a potent mode of inquiry into the world around you.
- Applied Theatre ProjectOptional
Module details
Become a creative powerhouse. This module invites you to create and evaluate applied theatre workshops and performances tailored for specific audiences. Dive into collaborative ventures within student companies, where collective working becomes the heartbeat of your creative process.
- Music TheatreOptional
Module details
This module introduces you to the exciting ways in which music contributes to theatre and performance. You will learn about different approaches to using music and practically explore them by creating work that draws on specific performances and practitioners. Gaining practical insights through performance, you will reflect on the contribution of performances and practitioners to theatre, culture, and politics.
- Acting as a Critical PracticeOptional
Module details
This modular block extends students' knowledge of acting by introducing realist and non‑realist approaches as critical tools for representing social realities, while developing experience in devising theatre on social issues and themes. It also builds collaborative rehearsal and performance skills and strengthens students' ability to articulate how artistic practice relates to political, social and economic contexts.
Year 3 8 modules
- Contemporary Theatre ProjectCompulsory
Module details
Become a creator of original performance works, drawing from your interdisciplinary experiences. Navigate the dynamic interplay between performance-making and the ever-changing contexts of local, national, and international stages. This module equips you with tools to not only create but also market your work effectively.
- Drama, Theatre, and Performance DissertationCompulsory
Module details
Undertake a substantial research journey, crafting a written dissertation that contributes to the field. This module is designed to empower you to plan, design, and execute a specialised project. Develop research skills, critically evaluate your project, and leave a compelling mark on the academic landscape.
- Professional Practice and DevelopmentOptional
Module details
Prepare for your journey from university to professional practice with this module. Gain sector-specific insights and align academic experiences with career goals. The module develops crucial skills for post-graduation challenges, ensuring graduates emerge academically enriched, focused on key employment areas, and prepared for life after university.
- Advanced ActingOptional
Module details
Elevate your acting in this performance-focused module. Intensive workshops and theatre productions await you. Dive into the techniques of acting pioneers and let the stage become your workshop for honing your skills.
- Anti-Racism and PerformanceOptional
Module details
Ignite change as you explore anti-racism through the lens of performance. Navigate the historical landscapes of Critical Race Theory and delve into the intricate relationships between race, racism, and colonialism. This module is your gateway to understanding how performance becomes a powerful tool for social repair, protest, and activism.
- Advanced Musical TheatreOptional
Module details
Fine-tune your instrument, voice and body, in this practical module. Develop rehearsal and performance skills, seamlessly integrate singing, dancing, and acting, and embark on a journey of critical self-reflection on your evolving practice. Explore the industrial context of the musical theatre performer and master the art of auditioning with confidence and flair.
- Movement and Physical TheatresOptional
- Performing the NowOptional
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course blends practical theatre skills with theoretical study, offering an optional work placement year to develop professional experience. You'll typically begin with foundation modules in performance techniques, dramatic analysis and theatre history. As you progress, you'll move into more specialist areas such as performance, composition, music production, musicology, music education and ensemble work. Later stages usually introduce professional development, covering funding, promotion and careers in the creative industries, alongside a final major project or recital that demonstrates your artistic practice. Throughout, you'll combine studio work, rehearsals and academic study to build both technical proficiency and critical understanding of theatre.
Who it's for
You are drawn to theatre, whether as a performer, designer, director, dramaturg or scholar, and want to deepen that passion through rigorous study and hands-on creative work. You thrive when moving between the practical workshop and the seminar room, analysing texts and traditions alongside making and experimenting. The placement year suits those keen to test their abilities in a theatre company, venue or related professional setting before graduating, though you can pursue the standard three-year route if you prefer. This is a full-time course taught in English.
Careers & job market
Across Music & Performing Arts nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of leaving university. Of those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking postgraduate study. National Graduate Outcomes data show theatre and performing arts graduates earn between £20,000 and £28,000 at the 15-month mark; by five years post-graduation, the range is £19,975 to £28,200. Earnings vary widely depending on sector, role and location.
University & format
Brunel University of London is a public university founded in 1966, located at Brunel University Campus. This BA (Hons) Theatre course runs for 4 years full-time (including an optional placement year) and is taught in English. The degree is a nationally recognised UK qualification. Teaching quality has been rated Bronze by the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Published entryBBB - BCC (A-level) typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Contextual offersPublished by this provider
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
PlacementBuilt into the named course route
With placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Open daysBook an Open Day
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBB. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent90% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check BUL's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| a Baccalaureate | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accessible entry
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBCCA-level equivalent admitted students held
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask BUL whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Home (source figure)£9,535 / yr
International£17,400 / yr
Provider-sourced figure; academic year not supplied. The 2026/27 England cap is up to £9,790. Verify this course.
Check fees at BUL →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario; provider-source year unavailable
illustrative borrowing over 4 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All BUL funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
talented sportsmen and sportswomen
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Music & Performing Arts graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £19,000 – £26,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £21,000 | £11,500 – £26,500 | 80 |
| 5 years after | £26,500 | £20,000 – £32,000 | 75 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
80%
in work or further study 15 months on
40%
in highly skilled work or study
65%
continue past their first year
85%
find their work meaningful
70%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in music & performing arts · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Music & Performing Arts nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000
£20,000 – £28,000After 3 years LEO
£21,000
£15,725 – £22,200After 5 years LEO
£26,500
£19,975 – £28,200national rangethis course’s medianaxis £14,500 – £29,500
National figures for Music & Performing Arts graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
80 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
60% working10% working and studying10% in further study40% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Music & Performing Arts courses at the same study level.
This course £26,500Peer median £23,500Middle 50% £22,500–£25,500
82nd percentile
Compared with 527 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Secretarial and related occupationsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Music & Performing Arts graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Music & Performing Arts courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Music & Performing Arts graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Orchestras & ensembles
- Schools & conservatoires
- Studios & venues
- Media & freelance
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Music & Performing Arts graduates.
Music Tech Beta Liaison & Support SpecialistinMusic Brands, Inc.Music QTSColmore Education Recruitment LtdMusic Teachers in HuddersfieldAcademicsMusic Rights Operations & Data Services LeadPPLMusic Engagement Officer - Alternative Provision · Coventry MusicMusiceducationukMusic Audio & Tech Support Desk SpecialistMandarin RecruitmentLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,535/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
📈
Where graduates go
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.2 out of 10: NSS 71.4% · in work or study 80% · continued 65%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Brunel University London
All students12,705
International34.6%
Aged 25+25.3%
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
Students178,755
Aged 25+15.7%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Brunel University Campus
1,392 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 429Anti Social Behaviour 365Shoplifting 132Public Order 94Other Theft 75
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Music & Performing Arts right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to BUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,400 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
BUL offers the Dean's International Scholarship (£2,000 per academic year) for international students, see Scholarships above.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with BUL and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at BUL
Music & Performing Arts at other universities
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated foundation year)Aberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated year in professional practice)Aberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) Drama & Theatre StudiesAberystwyth University
BA (Hons) Creative Industries Futures (including Foundation Year)ACMCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 96 - 111 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by BUL. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Performing arts graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 40% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
The latest provider-sourced home-fee figure in our data is £9,535, but its academic year is not supplied; verify the 2026/27 fee on the provider's course page. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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