Why study Performing Arts?

The Bachelor of Performing Arts degree (BPA) is tailored for students who have interests and abilities in more than one performing art form.

The degree offers students university-level academic tuition alongside some academy-style vocational training and includes options for a variety of possible study pathways including dance, directing, acting, devising, music performance (singing or instrumental) and composition.

The BPA is a three-year full-time course of study. It is made up of a minimum of 20 papers. Most of these papers are music (MUSI), theatre (THEA), dance (DANC) and performing arts (PERF), but there is sufficient room in the degree to choose five papers in other subjects.

The flexible nature of the degree allows different study pathways and multiple specialisations.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the BPA pursue careers in a wide range of performance forms and styles, as well as in performing arts-related education, media and other related fields. Our programme enables the development of a range of skills.

While the skills and knowledge gained will prove invaluable for those desiring a career in musical/theatrical forms and performing arts education, they are equally useful for many career paths.

Cultural knowledge and skills gained through creative practice and historical and theoretical study are valued, for example, in journalism, advertising, marketing, law, medicine, and many other occupations. You will develop many generic skills employers seek including:

• teamwork and leadership
• effective oral and written communication
• gathering and processing of information
• analysis, critical evaluation and problem solving
• organisational skills and time-management
• lateral and critical thinking
• creativity
• self-confidence and self-motivation
• independent judgement