If you’re passionate about musical theatre but not quite ready to jump straight into a full degree, our flexible and immersive CertHE Performance (Musical Theatre) course gives you the space to explore your potential before progressing into full vocational study.
This one-year developmental and transformative course is designed to help you strengthen your skills in acting, singing and dance and build the technical, physical and vocal stamina needed for conservatoire-level training.
You’ll identify your strengths through practical, hands-on studio-based learning in a supportive and inclusive environment and focus on the disciplines where you need the most development, while gaining a broader understanding of what it takes to train and work as a Musical Theatre performer.
You’ll develop movement skills to enhance physical awareness, vocal technique and stage presence. You’ll also take part in ensembles, working closely with others to create engaging performances together as well as benefiting from one-to-one coaching.
Your training is enriched by exploring theatre in its wider context - its histories, styles and contemporary practices - while working alongside students across acting and actor musicianship.
You’ll also engage with students from music courses across the conservatoire’s wider community, including choirs, vocal projects and other performance opportunities. This collaborative approach helps you become a more adaptable and versatile performer while building strong creative connections that reflect the realities of today’s performance industry.
Guest workshops, masterclasses and coaching sessions with experienced industry professionals will give you insight into professional practice and the expectations of conservatoire-level training. You’ll also have opportunities to take part in performances, festivals and showcases as part of the calendar of School of Drama activities.
Alongside your performance training, you’ll develop essential transferable skills, including communication and storytelling, teamwork and collaboration, and creative problem-solving. You’ll also build self-discipline, resilience, confidence and self-management. These skills will support not only your work as a performer, but in a wide range of creative careers and portfolio pathways.
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 performance dance technique, developing stamina, coordination, musicality and technical precision. Through jazz, ballet, conditioning and ensemble work, you’ll build safe and sustainable training habits, rehearsal discipline, and stylistic awareness while preparing your body for the demands of conservatoire-level musical theatre training.
This module is delivered and assessed through a combination of studio-based practical classes, ensemble tasks and guided reflection.
Learning and teaching time: 30%
Independent study time (including online): 70%
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 musical theatre performance skills through repertoire study, ensemble practice and vocal training. Through acting through song, ensemble singing, audition preparation and performance work, you’ll build confidence in storytelling, vocal and physical stamina and stylistic awareness while connecting your acting, dance and vocal training across musical theatre performance contexts.
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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