Foundation Musical Theatre

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

The CertHE Foundation Musical Theatre, delivered by Shockout in Manchester, is designed for those who are passionate about a career in musical theatre but want to develop and strengthen their foundation skills before undertaking full-time professional training at the degree level.

This one-year intensive and industry-driven programme aims to prepare aspiring performers for further training within the musical theatre sector. Driven by industry trends and innovation, the CertHE Foundation Musical Theatre course, delivered by Shockout, will provide you with a foundational understanding of core acting, voice, and dance techniques and styles, preparing you to undertake an undergraduate degree course. The partnership between Shockout Arts and the University of Greater Manchester offers you access to a number of undergraduate opportunities through our audition process.

You'll be based at Shockout Arts, studying and training in their world-class, purpose-built, high-specification studios that are equal to professional industry standards. This demanding and intense CertHE offers students the opportunity to acquire and develop essential foundation technical, artistic and theoretical skills to enable them to progress to a degree programme. Delivered by a range of highly qualified expert industry specialists and faculty, it will ensure you receive the highest possible standard of foundation training that reflects the current needs and requirements of the sector to enable you to progress onto a degree course. Progression onto a Shockout degree is not guaranteed.

Shockout's teaching staff are professional and world-renowned practitioners and choreographers. They are keen to make your time with them as stimulating and rewarding as possible and enjoy a well-deserved reputation for being approachable and interested in your progress. As teaching often takes place in small groups, you'll have access to individual support and guidance at every stage.

For full details about Shockout, their open days and accommodation, please visit http://www.weareshockout.com/.

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

The University of Greater Manchester puts your needs first, offering a supportive and positive environment so you can achieve your chosen goals. They're all about small class sizes that allow them to know their students by name, courses designed in consultation with industry experts and continued multi-million-pound investment in facilities.

Highlights include:

Bolton One – their £31 million health and sports centre with a modern gym, 15m climbing wall, 25m swimming pool and a competition-level trampoline

National Centre for Motorsports Engineering (NCME) - the only centre in the UK of its kind, staffed by an incredibly experienced team dedicated to preparing students for employment.

School of the Arts – including photography studios, darkrooms, 2D and 3D art workshops and a fully operating theatre.

With their student-focused university approach, the University of Greater Manchester will support your ambitions and ensure you get to enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe.