BA (Hons) Performing Arts Bachelor's degree at Hereford College of Arts
BA (Hons) Performing Arts at Hereford College of Arts integrates core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Develop the skills and understanding to create compelling performances with intent. Do what you love most and embrace all aspects of performing arts,… From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Performing Arts is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Hereford College of Arts, based in College Road Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Design, and creative and performing arts graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 20% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £20,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (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 ONE 5 modules
- PERFORMING TO AN AUDIENCE
Module details
Daily skills sessions will develop your acting, vocal and singing skills, movement and technical theatre skills. Skills sessions are delivered by industry professionals.
- START A COMPANY
Module details
With your peers you will set up and learn the in's and out's of running a start-up business and you will have a one week-long work experience performing to the public at a local venue.
- CREATIVE LAB
Module details
You will develop your creative muscle, as well as your collaboration, performance making and performance skills through four diverse performative projects over the year.
- REHEARSING A PERFORMANCE
Module details
You will be introduced to the art of making theatre. Through mini lectures you will have the theoretical foundations to practically explore your learning through the development of a directed scenes and perform these.
- CREATING A PERFORMANCE
Module details
You will create and develop a performance in response to a live brief set by the Hay Festival.
YEAR TWO 5 modules
- MAJOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCE
Module details
You will continue to develop your acting, vocal and singing skills and movement skills, as well as other skills needed in the Industry, eg. Puppetry, stage combat, aerial circus, film and radio acting that will accumulate in a showcase of your work.
- EXPLORING YOUR FUTURE
Module details
You will have one-to-one career coaching that will lead to you being crystal clear on the type of artist you aim to be and you will have a clear plan on how to achieve your goal. We also encourage you to engage with potential employers and seek out work experiences.
- COLLABORATIVE ENCOUNTERS
Module details
Your creative ideas can be fully explored in this module. Through various collaborative projects with external partners, or projects set by yourself you can play and experiment to hone in on your identity as a creative and your prefered way of working.
- CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE PRACTICE
Module details
You will engage with contemporary texts and theories and explore these practically through a performance project.
- EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN PERFORMANCE
Module details
You will be introduced to and learn how to use a variety of different emerging technologies that you can creatively explore integrating into performances.
YEAR THREE 4 modules
- SOLO PRACTICE
Module details
You will select and develop a specific skill linked to your career ambition and demonstrate your skill development in performance/ film/ or any other medium that is suitable. You will have the opportunity to receive feedback on your work from industry professionals.
- PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Module details
You will draw together your professional portfolio that is relevant to your career choice. This could include headshots, a website, showreels, auditions, social media presence. You can receive feedback on your work from a casting agent and you have the opportunity to do a week-long work experience with the Birmingham Rep at the end of the year.
- EXTENDED RESEARCH PROJECT
Module details
You will develop a practical, performative or academic research project of your choice with the support of your tutor that reflects your interests.
- PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATIVE PROJECT
Module details
In collaboration with your peers you will create, develop and rehearse a final performance that is of professional standard that puts your strengths on display. There will be multiple shows and the chance for you to invite potential agents.
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 equips you to develop skills and understanding to create compelling performances with intent, embracing all aspects of performing arts. A course like this typically begins with foundational studies in visual and design principles, materials, processes and making, alongside contextual studies in art and design history. In Year 2, you'll usually undertake sustained studio practice, exploring digital and emerging media alongside live briefs and real-world projects. Year 3 moves towards specialist pathways such as graphic design, illustration, fine art, fashion and textiles, or UX and digital work, culminating in professional practice modules and a final major project presented in a degree show.
Who it's for
Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications. This course suits those committed to developing practical and theoretical knowledge in performing arts within a structured degree framework.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is studied full-time over 3 years at Hereford College of Arts, a higher education college located at College Road Campus. Taught in English, the degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, making it nationally recognised. Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
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.
- 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.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| another higher-education qualification | 15% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
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.
- 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Hereford College of Arts →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design 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 | £20,000 | £15,000 – £24,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £17,000 | £12,500 – £21,000 | 95 |
| 5 years after | £19,500 | £15,000 – £23,500 | 95 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 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 Art & Design nationally
National figures for Art & Design 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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. 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 Art & Design courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,698 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.
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Web and Multimedia Design ProfessionalsSOC 2020 214 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £32,574
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Process, plant and machine operativesDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
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: 15; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How 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 Art & Design 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
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Fine Art TechnicianFirst Choice StaffPharmacy Technician – Brand New State-of-the-Art HospitalCompass AssociatesArtificial Intelligence Engineering ManagerMBN SolutionsArtificial Intelligence EngineerExperis UKDelivery Driver (Part Time 24 hours) - AndoverOcado LogisticsCompliance Business PartnerNashrock Insurance RecruitmentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. 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
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £20,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.4 out of 10: NSS 86% · in work or study 100% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around College Road Campus
683 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Hereford College of Arts from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Hereford College of Arts; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Hereford College of Arts’s funding pages.
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 Hereford College of Arts and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Hereford College of Arts
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
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