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MA Musical Theatre

Apply technical artistry to performance projects and open doors to the industry

Apply technical artistry to performance projects and open doors to the industry

Course starts in January 2026

1 year full-time
Bishop Otter Campus (Chichester)
  • Develop your musical theatre craft through curiosity, collaboration and commitment
  • Choose your pathway to pursue a career as a Performer or Creative
  • Learn from leading industry professionals
  • Study through project-based modules and practical application
  • Graduate with industry contacts and a comprehensive performance portfolio
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Overview

Transform your musical theatre career in nine intensive months

The University of Chichester’s accelerated Musical Theatre Master’s Degree offers an immersive journey into the art of musical theatre, combining rigorous training with industry experience.

Starting on day one, you’ll dive straight into production work alongside your academic training.

Through seven dynamic productions spanning diverse theatrical styles, our unique nine-month programme prepares you for a dynamic career while celebrating diversity and artistic excellence.

Distinguished leadership and expertise

Our programme is helmed by a voice and acting-through-song specialist whose expertise spans traditional and contemporary approaches to musical theatre.

With extensive experience in trans and non-binary vocal training, they bring deep understanding of personalised voice development, gender-affirming voice work, and the delicate integration of acting and vocal technique.

This specialised knowledge ensures every student receives guidance tailored to their unique artistic journey.

Two professional pathways

Choose between two specialised tracks:

Seven dynamic performance projects

Experience rapid artistic growth through seven distinct productions that span various theatrical styles and approaches.

  • Professional-pace production schedules
  • Immediate application of learned techniques
  • Diverse artistic challenges
  • Regular performance opportunities
  • Industry exposure

Holistic training philosophy

Our “Head, Hand, Heart” approach ensures complete artistic development:

  • Deep theoretical understanding of the craft
  • Technical excellence and practical mastery
  • Authentic emotional connection and artistic purpose

The Course

Combine rigorous academic coursework with practical training and performance opportunities

This accelerated nine-month programme maintains exceptional academic standards while preparing you for immediate industry entry.

Through our inclusive, supportive environment and expert guidance, you’ll develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed for a successful career in musical theatre.

The concentrated curriculum delivers:

  • Daily performance workshops
  • Professional masterclasses
  • Continuous production work
  • Regular industry engagement
  • Focused skills development
  • Immersive theatrical experiences

Comprehensive personal development

Your growth is supported through intensive individual attention.

Weekly one-to-one singing lessons form the cornerstone of your vocal development, while regular dance workshops enhance your physical storytelling abilities.

Working with West End professionals, you’ll develop a robust technical foundation while nurturing your unique artistic voice.

Diverse artistic exploration

The programme embraces the full spectrum of musical theatre, from classical to contemporary:

  • Traditional Golden Age musicals and technique
  • Ground-breaking LGBTQ+ works and storytelling
  • Contemporary West End and Broadway repertoire
  • Experimental and devised theatrical pieces
  • New works in development

Indicative modules

Each module is worth a particular number of credits and is delivered differently depending on the needs of the module.

This list is indicative and subject to future change.

Black Box Project

In this project, you will delve into the intimate world of black box theatre, exploring innovative approaches to performance.

Working in collaboration with a highly-experienced director and musical director, you will hone your skills on an established piece from the musical theatre repertoire.

Culminating in performance, you will explore the work through structural analysis, physical experimentation, detailed performance and generous collaboration.

Out of the Box Project

In this project, you will participate in a collaborative process to create a musical theatre piece from scratch.

You will work closely with a team of fellow students to devise a unique and imaginative small-scale production that reflects their collective artistic vision.

Through these tutor-led, small collectives, you will develop current or original theatre producing exciting and relevant material able to be cultivated into professional self-generated work, post-graduation.

Straight Play Project

In this project, you will have the opportunity to explore nonmusical theatrical works and expand your acting range, as you participate in a straight play production, working with faculty or guest directors to delve into the world of dramatic storytelling.

This project allows you to further develop your acting skills and gain a well-rounded understanding of the broader theatrical landscape.

Juke Box Project

In this module you will undertake an immersive learning experience designed to explore the creative process in making and performing a Jukebox Musical.

Diving into the art of storytelling, music selection, adaptation and stage performance you will develop your skills in one of four central roles; performer, director, musical director or choreographer.

Combining theoretical and practical learning you will challenge yourself to become an artist with an ever-deepening knowledge of what is involved in communicating narrative, emotions and ideas to an audience.

New Musical Project

In this project, you will have the opportunity to participate in the development of a new musical, as you work closely with composers, lyricists and playwrights, to explore the creative process of shaping and refining a new work.

Through workshops, readings, rehearsals and performance, you contribute your talents to the growth of a fresh and original musical.

Main Show Production

The main show production serves as a centrepiece project of the programme, allowing you to take part in a large-scale musical production that showcases your skills and talents.

You will audition for roles, working alongside faculty and professional directors, choreographers and designers to mount a fully realised public musical theatre production.

Industry: Forum and Showcase

The Industry Projects provide you with platforms to present your talents to industry professionals including casting directors, agents and producers.

You will prepare a curated selection of musical theatre material to showcase your versatility, range and unique abilities.

This project serves as a bridge between academic training and professional opportunities, potentially leading to future career prospects.

Teaching and Assessment

Feel the support of our expert and experienced staff and current industry professionals

Our students collaborate with distinguished theatre professionals, including directors from award-winning West End productions like Loserville and The Hired Man, composers behind emerging works at the National Theatre, and musical directors currently working in shows in London’s West End.

Throughout your studies, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside:

  • Award-winning West End directors and choreographers crafting cutting-edge productions
  • Established and traditional performers bringing fresh perspectives to the craft
  • Leading musical directors from current West End shows
  • Rising performers bringing fresh perspectives to the craft
  • Industry pioneers pushing theatrical boundaries

Typical study weeks include:

  • Project rehearsals
  • Guest workshops
  • Masterclasses
  • Vocal lessons
  • Audition preparation
  • Industry and employment lectures
  • Tutorials

Outside of scheduled classes, you will complete independent study including developing repertoire, researching texts, individual solo practise, completing individual or group tasks and working on your assignments.

Meet programme leader Ian Massa-Harris-McFeely

Ian Massa-Harris-McFeely

Programme Leader (MA Musical Theatre), Associate Lecturer in Music & Musical Theatre; Vocal Tutor; Associate Lecturer in Acting For Film, Show Producer

Ian is known in both Operatic and Musical Theatre arenas. He is a specialist in acting through song and trans/non binary voices.

Recent roles include: Gavin (Charmed the Musical), Piangi (Phantom), Pirelli (Sweeney), Chef Louis (Little Mermaid), Clopin (Hunchback of Notre Dame), Torquemada (L’heure Espagnol).

Experience

Discover industry-standard spaces and equipment to support you learning

University of Chichester Conservatoire

You will study in the University of Chichester Conservatoire, which has one of the largest and liveliest performance departments in the UK, with a community of over 1,000 student performers.

Facilities including well-equipped practice rooms with more than 60 pianos supplied by Steinway and sons and an acoustically superb performance venue.

Careers

Prepare for a rewarding career within the performance industry

When you join our Company, our leading creators – directors, choreographers, musical directors, writers and performers active in the industry will help you develop the understanding, expertise and connections you need to develop to create and be a part of socially engaged, current and world-class Musical Theatre.

We will elevate your performance craft and prepare you for a rewarding and stimulating professional career.

Graduate prepared for professional success with:

  • A comprehensive performance portfolio
  • Versatile skills for multiple career paths
  • Strong industry connections
  • Professional mentorship
  • Direct exposure to casting directors
  • Experience with West End creative teams

As performers, our musical theatre alumni have gone into:

  • West End productions
  • Major touring productions throughout Europe
  • Major cruise ships including Disney
  • UK and International small-scale touring theatre
  • ​Film and TV in both the UK and US
  • Edinburgh Festival
  • Cabaret
  • Stage managers, arts managers and producers picking up contracts in the UK and around the world

Course Costs

Course Fees 2025/26

UK fee
£11,160
International fee
£16,560

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fee page.

To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.

University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.

Entry Requirements

A good undergraduate degree or significant, and/or documented professional experience in Musical Theatre performance.

Applicants will also need to meet the minimum English language requirement of an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no component below 5.5, or an equivalent recognised test. Visit our English Language Requirements page for more information.

Auditions

You will need to demonstrate your ability in dance, acting and singing in a performance audition. Applicants with high levels of performance skills may be considered for a lower academic offer.

International students who don't meet the entry requirements

If you are an international student and do not yet meet the entry criteria for this course, you may be eligible for our International Premaster’s Programme. This is a one-semester programme that allows you to progress onto a master’s course at the University of Chichester.

Apply

January 2026 entry

To apply for the January 2026 entry for this course, please click the button below.

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