Certificate of Higher Education Musical Theatre and Dance
UCAS Code: W501
Institution Code: B39
The CertHE in Musical Theatre and Dance is designed to equip you for entry into professional-level undergraduate vocational training.
With a minimum of 25 contact hours per week, you’ll train intensively within a small cohort, working closely with expert practitioners to refine your technical foundation, broaden your performance vocabulary, and start shaping your professional identity.
The course follows a clear progression across two semesters, embedding key techniques in the core subject areas of singing, acting and dance. In addition, you will explore best audition practices, develop research skills, and understand sustainable healthy practices, with the course culminating in a fully staged showcase production. This carefully designed pathway allows you to gain the fundamental skills and resilience needed to navigate the next steps of vocational training in the field.
The course is enriched by industry mentors, artists, and tutors who bring current insights from across the creative industries, ensuring you’re audition-ready and fully prepared to embark on the next stage of your training, while graduating with a Level 4 qualification.
Course Specification
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
Length of course: 1 year
Awarding institution: BIMM University
Campus delivery: Essex
Language of study: English
Final award: CertHE Musical Theatre and Dance
Minimum Requirements
64 UCAS points (2 A-Levels or equivalent) plus 3 GCSEs at C/4 or above, including English Language.
RPP available for mature applicants (19+ home applicants, or 18+ overseas) without formal qualifications.
Applicants who have previously studied in Higher Education may be eligible to apply to join the course directly at Level 5 via RPL.
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 to be achieved in each band.
All applicants will be required to attend an audition and demonstrate their ability in dance, drama and singing. We’re not expecting you to be proficient in all three – just a bit of star quality!
If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for a contextual offer with reduced entry requirements.
Progression
Graduates can progress on to an undergraduate degree within that subject area. Completing a CertHE can provide career advancement opportunities in theatre and related creative industries.
Please note: Successful completion of the CertHE Musical Theatre and Dance course does not permit entry onto the second year of our undergraduate courses.
Course Fees
- Student loan finance is available for CertHE Musical Theatre and Dance.
- Please visit our Fees page for information on access to Student Loans.
- Please note that UK students eligible for Student Loans can borrow the full course fee for Performers College degrees for a maximum of four years.
Year 1
All students take the following core modules.
This module focuses on developing technical proficiency, stylistic versatility, and physical conditioning across a range of dance genres, including Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, and Commercial. Students will engage in practical training designed to enhance strength, alignment, coordination, and performance quality. Through this process, students build the discipline, adaptability, and expressiveness essential for vocational dance training.
Semester 1: 30 credits
This module focuses on developing vocal technique, ensemble singing, and acting skills through practical exploration of musical theatre repertoire. Students will engage in training that emphasises character development, vocal expression, and monologue performance, with a particular focus on preparation for auditions and performance readiness. This work supports students’ growth as versatile and confident musical theatre performers.
Semester 1: 15 credits
This module explores approaches to maintaining physical and mental wellbeing as a performer, with a focus on injury prevention, safe dance practice, vocal health, and long-term career sustainability. Students will develop strategies to support a balanced, healthy, and enduring performance career, building awareness of the professional demands of vocational training.
Semester 1: 15 credits
This module encourages critical engagement with the history, theory, and practice of musical theatre, exploring key works, practitioners, and developments in the genre. Students will develop skills in academic research, writing, and performance analysis, deepening their understanding of musical theatre as both an artistic and cultural form.
Semester 2: 15 credits
This module equips students with the practical skills and professional mindset needed for successful auditions in vocational and higher education settings. Through focused preparation in dance, vocal repertoire selection, and monologue development, students refine their audition material while developing the confidence and authenticity required to present themselves effectively in audition contexts.
Semester 2: 15 credits
This module provides students with the opportunity to apply and integrate their training in a fully staged production, encompassing a diverse range of dance styles and musical theatre repertoire. Working collaboratively under professional direction, students engage in a comprehensive rehearsal and performance process, with emphasis on ensemble work, character development, and professional rehearsal etiquette.
Semester 2: 30 credits
Any questions?
Our enquiries team is always available to answer your questions. Just call 01273 840 346 or email [email protected].
