BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Cabaret) Bachelor's degree at the University of Chichester
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Cabaret) at University of Chichester covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Cabaret) is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Chichester, based in Bishop Otter Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Performing arts graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £22,000. (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.
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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 100% (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 6 modules
- Musical Theatre DanceCore
Module details
You will be taught by professional dancers and choreographers to develop a foundation for different dance styles and ensemble skills, with a focus on jazz, tap and ballet. With the help of your tutors, you will develop correct alignment and posture and increase core and upper body strength. You will develop versatility in performance to include specific knowledge of dynamics, use of space and the stage, and the relationship with other dancers.
- Musical Theatre ActingCore
Module details
You will develop performance skills in acting and learn a range of styles, strategies and techniques under the direction of specialist acting tutors. In this module, you will be introduced to acting exercises and techniques, for example, Stanislavski, Meisner, improvisation, etc, and through narrative and script work as an individual and ensemble performer.
- Musical Theatre SingingCore
Module details
Individual singing lessons will be supplemented by vocal repertoire and ensemble classes designed to broaden your awareness of the range of vocal styles available to you. You will explore your individual voice with tutors, and your skills will be strengthened and nurtured to support stylistic and dramatic choices for your solo and ensemble performances.
- Cabaret SkillsCore
Module details
This year-long module is focused towards preparation, developing the different disciplines and practices needed for cabaret performance skills, as well as developing a good sense of performance context. You will be challenged creatively, physically and intellectually under the direction of specialist teachers, preparing you towards your professional careers.
- Personal DevelopmentCore
Module details
You will be introduced to a range of strategies designed to offer support to the emerging arts practitioner, including models of successful self-development. This module will help you develop self-awareness in your strengths and weaknesses, and will include workshops on a variety of tools, such as mindfulness, managing stress, nutrition, setting achievable goals, employability and careers, yoga, tai chi and vocal health.
- Musical GrammarCore
Module details
This module will introduce, reintroduce and familiarise you with a range of music theories (traditional, jazz, rock) and aspects of musical structure and notation. Alongside this, you will present and discuss your work, both individually and in groups, enhancing skills in teamwork and presentation and building confidence.
Year Two 6 modules
- Cabaret Skills EnsembleCore
- Musical Theatre Development 2Core
Module details
This module develops your performance and communication skills in the musical theatre disciplines of acting, singing and dance, and introduces a more developed sense of performance context. You will develop your current repertoire, your exploration of new work under the direction of specialist acting, dance and vocal teachers, and your skill in preparing for performance.
- Musicals On ScreenOptional
Module details
This module explores the diverse cultural, social and historical contexts in which the movie musical has developed and currently operates. In addition, you will focus on the exploration of different filmmaking techniques, technologies and creative methodologies, using real world movie musicals as examples.
- Performance DevelopmentCore
Module details
This includes your 1 to 1 tuition in your selected instrumental or vocal study.
- Professional SkillsCore
Module details
Supporting the Cabaret Skills module, this year long programme of study is focused on professional practice, developing the different skills needed for cabaret performance, as well as developing a good sense of technical knowledge. As part of this, you will work under the direction of specialist teachers, preparing them towards professional careers.
- Self-Employment, Employment and Visualising SuccessOptional
Module details
This module explores the local and national marketplace and will introduce you to a number of different models of successful positioning within it. A successful career as a music professional needs to be informed, alongside musical and communication skills, by an understanding of the nature of self-employment in business. This module will seek to develop this, and to encourage a confident approach to the world beyond university, enabling a tailored financial and business planning which encourage
Year Three 5 modules
- Cabaret Performance ShowreelCore
Module details
This large all-year module incorporates a huge array of classes specific to your specialisms, including: instrumentals studies sight-reading vocal rep musical direction spoken voice/entertainment skills video and audio editing plus your chosen option (comedy song, guitar or magic) to create your own Industry Showreel at the conclusion of the course. Working with a wide range of tutors, this module will encourage you to look at how to present your own work on camera, how you market your skillset
- Create Your Own Show (Personal Study)Core
Module details
This module allows you to select an area or areas of study of their choice, in singing, instrumental study, dance (including choreography), acting, comedy, magic, and to develop this over an extended period into a self-devised show. This provides an opportunity to develop an individual repertoire, and to present a longer and more challenging programme of work centred around your individual skill set.
- EnsembleCore
Module details
You will produce a professional standard performance, demonstrating confidence within your chosen repertoire(s) and technical and expressive maturity. You will need an appropriate balance in programming and the ability to lean towards either a supporting or leadership role and develop your skills in hosting events and presenting the work to others.
- Musical Theatre Development 3Core
Module details
This module develops your performance and communication skills in the musical theatre disciplines of acting, singing and dance, and introduces a more developed sense of performance context. As part of this, you will develop your current repertoire, your exploration of new work under the direction of specialist acting, dance and vocal teachers, and your skill in preparing for performance.
- Personal Study (Recital)Core
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 BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre (Cabaret) centres on performance and creative development in cabaret and musical theatre contexts. A course like this typically begins with foundations in performance technique, musicianship and music history, moving through Year 1 ensemble work and aural skills training. Year 2 deepens performance through recitals and larger projects, whilst introducing composition, music technology and teaching practice. In Year 3, you'll pursue specialist pathways such as Performance, Composition, Music production, Musicology, Music education or Ensembles, alongside professional development, exploring the business of music, funding and portfolio career building. You'll culminate in a final recital, major project or portfolio that demonstrates your specialist focus.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent, with typical UCAS tariffs of 160–175 points. You'll need commitment to both practical performance and academic study within Music and Performing Arts.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 90% of Music and Performing Arts graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Graduate earnings across the field vary: starting salaries (15 months post-graduation) typically fall between £20,000 and £28,000; after three years, £15,725–£22,200; and after five years, £19,975–£28,200. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes data, not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
You'll study this 3-year full-time BA (Hons) degree at the University of Chichester, a University located at Bishop Otter Campus. Teaching is in English. The University of Chichester is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and its degrees are nationally recognised. The course holds Gold in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality.
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.
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 | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
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.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
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.
- 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Chichester →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 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 | £22,000 | £20,000 – £25,000 | 60 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £14,500 – £23,000 | 335 |
| 5 years after | £23,500 | £19,500 – £29,500 | 360 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 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
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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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 Music & Performing Arts courses at the same study level.
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 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Secretarial and related occupationsDiscover 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: 45; response rate: 60%. 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.
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 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.
Is 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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £22,000. 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 9.2 out of 10: NSS 91.9% · in work or study 85% · continued 100%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Chichester
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 Bishop Otter Campus
1,336 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 Music & Performing Arts right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Chichester from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £16,800 / 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
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Chichester’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 University of Chichester and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Chichester
Music & Performing Arts at other universities
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated foundation year)Aberystwyth University
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated year in professional practice)Aberystwyth University
BA (Hons) Drama & Theatre StudiesAberystwyth University
BA (Hons) Creative Industries Futures (including Foundation Year)ACMCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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