If you’re passionate about storytelling through music and acting but not quite ready to jump straight into a full degree, our flexible and immersive CertHE Performance (Actor Musician) course gives you the space to develop your skills, confidence and professional readiness before progressing into conservatoire-level vocational training.
Whether you identify as an actor who plays instruments, a musician interested in performance, or you want to explore both equally, this one-year developmental and transformative course provides specialist training for performers who sit between disciplines.
You’ll develop your musicianship, acting technique, ensemble collaboration and professional performance skills while discovering how these disciplines can work together.
You’ll gain practical conservatoire training through hands-on studio-based learning, alongside one-to-one instrumental tuition and access to rehearsal rooms and recording studios. You’ll also have opportunities to explore new creative approaches, supported by access to instruments and specialist music facilities and resources.
Your training will be enriched by exploring the growing field of actor-musicianship and the possibilities it offers across theatre, touring productions, devised work and contemporary performance-making. You’ll also have opportunities to work alongside students from Acting and Musical Theatre, while engaging with the wider conservatoire community through performance projects, masterclasses and other music-making opportunities.
Collaboration is central to Actor Musician training. You’ll work across disciplines to develop ensemble awareness, adaptability and resilience, helping you become a more versatile performer.
As you explore music, acting and collaborative performance, you’ll have the opportunity to refine your own artistic identity and discover where your strengths lie and experiment with different creative approaches.
Guest workshops, masterclasses and coaching sessions with experienced industry professionals will give you insight into professional practice and the artistic and career possibilities of actor musicianship, helping you prepare you for progression into conservatoire study and the wider creative industries.
Alongside your performance training, you’ll develop essential transferable skills, including communication and storytelling, ensemble collaboration, and creative problem-solving. You’ll also build adaptability, resilience, self-discipline and strong time management - skills that will support you as a performer and across a wide range of creative careers.
You’ll do all this in the cultural heart of Leeds – an exciting city with a thriving arts and music scene. From theatres and festivals to live music venues and creative spaces, you’ll get to experience the creative industries that make Leeds such an exciting place to study and develop as an actor-musician.
Students who complete this course may audition to progress to our BA (Hons) Acting, BA (Hons) Actor Musician or BA (Hons) Musical Theatre degrees as well as a range of music degrees, depending on your developing skills and interests.
Applicants should have achieve a minimum of three GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, to include English.
All applicants will be required to either attend an audition or submit a portfolio of work. Please see our audition page for up to date details of our audition process.
English Language requirements
All applicants must meet the minimum English Language Requirements, as set by the conservatoire. For UK applicants this is GCSE English at grade C/4. Equivalent qualifications, such as Functional Skills English Level 2 or National 5 English grade C, will also be accepted.
For applicants that require a Student Visa to study in the UK, the standard requirement is a UKVI recognised SELT, such as IELTS for UKVI at an overall score of 6.0 with no sub-test less than 5.5.
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
Applicants to CertHE Performance (Acting) at Leeds Conservatoire will need to audition.
Find more audition information for UK applicants and International applicants.
Leeds Conservatoire does not charge audition fees for any Undergraduate or Postgraduate course.
For detailed information regarding tuition fees, payment options, and financial support:
View our Acting kit list for clothing and equipment requirements.
If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:
This CertHE Performance course is made up of six modules: five shared 20-credit modules and one 40-credit specialist module. One credit is equal to approximately one hour of tutor-led or independent learning.
You’ll have 13–20 hours of face-to-face studio classes each week, across three evenings and a Saturday, plus occasional online lectures or masterclasses. You’ll spend the rest of your time on independent reading, research, practice and preparation.
Credit value: 20
You’ll learn the foundational principles of movement for performance, developing coordination, spatial awareness, breath control and ensemble responsiveness. Through improvisation and physical storytelling, you’ll build stamina, control and rehearsal discipline. You’ll also explore diverse movement practices, theatrical traditions and the performing body in cultural and social contexts.
This module is delivered and assessed through a combination of studio-based practical workshops, ensemble tasks and guided improvisation.
Learning and teaching time: 60%
Independent study time (including online): 40%
Credit value: 20
You’ll learn the foundational connections between voice, text and acting practice, developing breath support, vocal clarity, projection and expressive communication. Through improvisation, scene work and text analysis, you’ll build listening skills, stage presence and rehearsal discipline while exploring diverse playwrights, performance traditions and inclusive perspectives in performance.
This module is delivered and assessed through a combination of studio-based practical classes, ensemble tasks and guided reflection.
Learning and teaching time: 40%
Independent study time (including online): 60%
Credit value: 20
You’ll develop the resilience, self-awareness and professional habits needed for conservatoire training and the performing arts industry. Through reflective practice, goal setting, wellbeing strategies and professional communication, you’ll build rehearsal discipline, digital literacy and an understanding of inclusive and ethical practice within contemporary theatre and musical theatre.
This module is delivered and assessed through a combination of seminars, workshops and guided reflection.
Learning and teaching time: 50%
Independent study time (including online): 50%
Credit value: 40
You’ll develop integrated acting, musicianship and vocal skills, learning to perform confidently as an actor and instrumentalist within ensemble settings. Through one-to-one instrumental training, musical storytelling, ensemble performance and vocal work, you’ll strengthen rhythmic awareness, collaborative skills and characterisation.
This module is delivered and assessed through a combination of studio-based practical classes and repertoire analysis.
Learning and teaching time: 30%
Independent study time (including online): 70%
Credit value: 20
You’ll apply your acting, voice, movement and professional practice within a collaborative ensemble performance project. Through rehearsals and performance development, you’ll build confidence in character work, staging and creative collaboration. The project culminates in a rehearsed performance presented to an invited audience.
This module is delivered and assessed through a combination of studio-based practical rehearsals and ensemble performance.
Learning and teaching time: 35%
Independent study time (including online): 65%
Our Drama students benefit from bespoke facilities in our Playhouse Square building.
Teaching will take place at our St Peters Square, Mabgate and Playhouse Square buildings as well as external teaching spaces where necessary.
We're confirming teaching spaces for 2027/28, but in previous years they included Slung Low Theatre Company in Holbeck, Dance Studio Leeds and Yorkshire Dance.
More Drama FacilitiesOur Open Days give you a real taste of student life at Leeds Conservatoire.
Meet with tutors and students, enjoy live performances, and explore our vibrant campus right in the heart of Leeds city centre.
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