Musical Theatre [with Foundation year]

Develop as a triple-threat performer who excels at singing, acting and dancing, with our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre degree in Cambridge.

You’ll gain skills unique to musical theatre training – specifically, acting through song, ensemble singing, Pantomime, Jazz dance, Ballet, Tap and Stage choreography – and learn from established musical directors, artistic directors, and choreographers in professional performing arts facilities including our Mumford Theatre.

You’ll take part in three full-scale musical productions across your training.

Our Musical Theatre course is recognised by Spotlight, meaning you can join them at a discounted membership fee for two years. Spotlight connects performers with roles in theatre, television and film productions around the world. Casting professionals choose Spotlight to cast their projects because performers on Spotlight are recognised as the industry’s best.


• Our Drama and Dance courses ranked 13th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025, with 92% for satisfied with teaching



• Our Drama, Dance and Cinematics provision scored 91% overall in the Complete University Guide 2024



• Perform in multiple shows from year one to boost your experience and CV



• Learn from established musical directors, actors and choreographers like Nikki Trow from Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly, as well as agents and casting directors



• Join Spotlight at a discounted membership fee for two years



• Graduate with a professional CV, headshots and showreel



Careers

You'll learn advanced audition techniques, produce your own showreel, and receive detailed feedback from your industry tutors, as well as having the chance to take part in our musical theatre choir and a professional singing competition judged by industry pros.

Our range of optional modules allow you to follow your particular ambitions and interests.

What can you do with a Musical Theatre degree?

Creative industries
You can work as a musical theatre performer, director, choreographer, or stage manager or you could choose to focus on technical theatre. You could also create your own company, produce new work and tour it globally.

You can access jobs within arts organisations and management, acting as a theatre producer or event organiser, or join theatre and companies' marketing teams. You may develop as an arts journalist or critic or you could work in arts fundraising.

Education
As a graduate you’ll have access to numerous job opportunities in education, pursuing a career as primary or secondary school teacher, or as a workshop facilitator for a variety of communities. You can work as a musical theatre assistant, supporting school and students' productions; you might also have a role touring schools to use musical theatre to educate student groups.

Health
A growing number of roles in the health sector look at the role of drama in wellbeing. If this area interests you, you might want to train as a dramatherapist with our MA Dramatherapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Where have other Musical Theatre graduates worked?

2024 graduate Sophie Harris was scouted on Spotlight by agency You Management UK after they saw her showreel, vocal reel and ARU portfolio. She is now auditioning for West End and touring contracts.

Many of our students have gone on to accept top contracts in regional theatre, performed on cruises, holiday parks, advert campaigns, new musical theatre workshops and even started their own theatre companies. Many of our graduates have obtained postgraduate study places at LSMT, Mountview, Trinity Laban, Italia Conti and Performers.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.