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BA (Hons) Performing Arts Full-time

Learn to be a versatile performing artist. Personalise your studies between dance, drama, and musical theatre to suit your evolving interests and aspirations. Become a confident, experienced, industry-ready professional.

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Performing Arts students on stage during a production of Little Shop of Horrors

Start date/study mode:

UCAS codeW430

Duration3 years

Fee (UK)£9,790

Fee (Int)£17,500

LocationOn campus

Course summary

This course is all about creativity, performance, and discovering your unique strengths. With a mix of dance, drama, singing, and musical theatre, you can shape your studies around your interests. You'll develop the skills, techniques, and confidence needed to thrive in the performing arts industry.

Throughout the course, you’ll get hands-on experience through:

Exciting workshops
Masterclasses
Guest artist sessions
Trips to live performances.

You’ll also connect with industry professionals through our extensive network. Highlights include an intensive backstage experience at the Sunderland Empire. You'll also experience a packed programme of theatre-focused workshops. These include heels dance, stage combat, prop making, stage makeup, and showcase marketing.

You can boost your CV through:

Work placements
University-led projects
Business development boot camps.

Opportunities are available across education, community, and professional settings. You'll gain valuable real-world experience throughout your degree.

Specialist modules unlock a world of exciting opportunities, taking your skills far beyond the studio. These include:

Performing voice-over work for live television
Exploring motion capture technology
Touring primary schools with engaging interactive productions.

You'll gain hands-on experience in a variety of professional settings. Step onto unique stages such as the historic Beamish Museum and take part in large-scale musical productions. You'll also collaborate on creative projects that reach real audiences. Many modules are delivered in partnership with local schools and community organisations. This gives you the chance to inspire others and make a meaningful impact through the arts. You'll also build valuable industry connections along the way.

At the end of the year, you’ll perform in productions at professional arts venues. You'll gain experience on stage and in marketing, design, and event promotion. You'll work alongside industry experts.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready for a wide range of careers in the creative industries. These include performer, teacher, choreographer, producer, director, arts manager, and many more.

Why Sunderland for Performance

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible for Spotlight adult performer membership.

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available, choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

Teaching is largely studio-based with supporting lectures, seminars, workshop discussions, and independent learning. All modules integrate theory and practice; tasks and problem-solving which engage you in interactive learning.

Assessments are often practical or performance-based and also include presentations, workshops, essays, and e-portfolios. We provide regular feedback to develop your work.

The first year provides you with a solid base with a range of diverse learning experiences. As you move through the course, you have a choice of modules and opportunity to undertake a placement.

Whatever your route, you'll perform at a range of venues and in professional theatres including The Fire Station(opens in new tab).

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is 96-112 UCAS Tariff points, from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

We accept a maximum of 6 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above. This must include maths and English language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you've studied for a GCSE that has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

See how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator(opens in new tab).

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you're eligible for a tariff point reduction.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

If you're studying an HND or Foundation Degree, you may be able to enter the final year of our degree course. For more information, please contact admissions@sunderland.ac.uk.

Audition and interview requirements

You'll be asked to prepare an audition piece lasting one minute. This should show your ability to not only perform with confidence but communicate with an audience. You're expected to audition with a monologue. Please note, we're not looking for perfection, and we appreciate you’re still developing as a performer.

You’ll also be invited to an informal interview. We’d like to hear about you, why you’re interested in studying with us, and tell you a bit more about our course and what makes us special.

Learn more about our requirements on our Applicant interviews page.

Fees and finance support

UK£9,790

International£17,500

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. If you're a Home fee-paying student, the fee for your first year of study for 2026/27 will be £9,790. You'll pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Check your fee status(opens in new tab).

See all course tuition fees.

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Start date/study mode:

UK Clearing applicants

Full-time September 2026
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Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.

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