Prepare for conservatoire musical theatre training through focused development in acting, singing and dance.
The CertHE Musical Theatre is a one-year, full-time programme for students aged 18+ designed to strengthen technical skill, performance consistency and audition readiness across all three disciplines ahead of degree-level study.
Training is fully integrated across acting, singing and dance. Core classes include Singing Technique, Ensemble Singing, Repertoire Studies, Acting Through Song, Acting Skills, Voice, Ballet, Jazz, Commercial, Contemporary and Musical Theatre Workshop. You will develop classical and contemporary speeches alongside legit and contemporary song repertoire.
Across the year, you will apply your training through rehearsal and performance projects, alongside structured mock auditions that reflect conservatoire expectations.
Alongside studio training, you will develop audition technique, self-taping skills and professional awareness. You complete the programme prepared to audition for degree-level musical theatre training.
In a competitive training landscape, early access to a degree is not always the strongest route. A Foundation year allows you to build the technical and performance standard required to succeed at conservatoire level.
Students who enter training with secure foundations are able to sustain progress and reach a higher professional standard. A strong foundation leads to stronger outcomes.
You will be introduced to the core disciplines of triple threat musical theatre training,. Core disciplines include Dance (Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Commercial), Singing (Singing Tech, Singing Rep, Ensemble Singing and Acting Through Song), and Acting (Improvisation and Voice and Text). You will attend three musical theatre workshops that focus on ensemble performance: song and dance, ensemble character development and scene into song. You will also recieve a weekly 1:1 singing lesson to work on vocal technique development focusing on the fundamentals of voice production.
Audition practice sessions begin to support students in selecting and preparing appropriate material for future drama school applications. You will also have weekly audition based skills classes in dance (jazz), singing (solo performance) and acting (monologue preparation.)
At the end of the term students will perform in the Italia Conti Christmas Carol Concert alongside the musical theatre students from year 1-3.
During the second term, you will build on the foundations from term 1, whilst refining and developing your audition repertoire and participating in mock auditions to consolidate interview and audition preparation skills. Contextual Studies classes and workshops broaden students’ understanding of the musical theatre performer’s craft and the drama school audition and application process.
Rehearsal and Performance work introduces students to the process of a professional rehearsal period, culminating in an in-studio sharing at the end of term.
All students on the CertHE programme will also have the opportunity to audition for the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre and BA (Hons) Acting (Musical Theatre) for the following year. It should be noted that attendance on the CertHE programme does not guarantee a place on the BA (Hons). However, you will be trained to be ready for, and given the opportunity to explore the requirements of Italia Conti auditions through your time on the foundation programme. Through the year you will be introduced to a range of drama schools through an outreach workshop series. You will also have access to many in-house auditions to provide access to a broad range of progression opportunities whilst reducing the costs and time required to attend auditions across the UK
Tuition Fees | £9,790 per academic year, paid in advance in termly instalments.
Student Finance | Student finance is available, including access to a Tuition Fee Loan and a Student Maintenance Loan.
Audition Fee | £45 (non-refundable).
Deposit | A deposit of £275 is required to hold and accept a place on the programme.
Fee Waivers | Audition Fee and Deposit Waivers are available for eligible applicants.
An outline of associated programme costs and more Info on Fees Waivers are available on the Fees and Funding page
Scholarships are awarded upon outcome of audition. You may apply for a bursary after receiving an offer of study by contacting admissions@italiaconti.co.uk
For further information on international student fees, please see our International Applications page.
Applications are made directly to Italia Conti and do not require a UCAS application. You must complete the application form and pay a non-refundable £45 audition fee to be considered. These fees act as both an administration fee for processing your application as well as a non-refundable deposit for a place on an audition day.
You are only required to apply for one programme, and encouraged to express on the form if you have interest in any other programmes, in addition to the programme directly being applied for.
Places on our programmes are limited; it is usual for drama schools to make more offers than there are places. Acceptances are dealt with on a first come first serve basis and so early acceptance is advised. Once a programme offer has expired, an offerholder will be moved to the waiting list.
The application deadline for this programme is 28 February 2026. Late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Self Tape Recorded Audition
After completing the application process, you will be invited to prepare, record and submit an audition self-tape where auditionees will be required to demonstrate a variety of skills. First round applicants will receive the result from their audition submission within 4 weeks of receipt. This is to ensure that every submission deserves our full time and attention.
In Person Audition Day
This stage enables us to explore your work in greater depth, assess your responsiveness to direction, and understand how you engage within a training environment.
The recall day is also an opportunity for you to experience the ethos of the school, meet the faculty and students on our programmes, and gain insight into the training you would undertake. Recalled applicants will receive the result from their recall audition within 2 weeks.
Full information on what to prepare for your auditions can be found here:
Check back soon for recall dates for September 2027 entry.
Entry to CertHE Musical Theatre requires the following:
Admission through recognition of non-standard entry qualifications/experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis for candidates who demonstrate exceptional talent or who can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme. Non-standard entry is assessed at audition and interview. Students without a Level 2 English qualification may be asked to complete a non-standard entry written task.
Applicants must have the legal right to reside/study in the UK for the full period of the programme.
27th April 2026 – 24th July 2026
Full term dates can be found here:
1st September – 11th December 2026
4th January – 2nd April 2027
26th April – 23rd July 2027
Check back soon for term dates for September 2027 entry.
Join us at an Open Day to learn more about the CertHE Musical Theatre programme
Italia Conti offer a range of Audition Ready short courses to prepare for auditions. These programmes allow students to work with full time faculty, gain feedback, and experience a mock recall audition for the programme.
Italia Conti offers fee waivers to eligible applicants who meet set criteria, helping to ensure that financial circumstances do not act as a barrier to applying.
My time at Conti has been great and I feel like I’ve been given so much feedback and so much opportunity to really try different styles, to do different things that would usually be out of my comfort zone.
I do think Conti does a really good job of pushing you in directions that you may not gravitate towards, but they know that you can become a better performer.
I think a drama school is really helpful to work through different styles and things so that you know that you’re coming out the best performer that you can.
I’ve learned skills that I think I wouldn’t have learned in other places if I wasn’t here at Conti.
A highlight of my three years at Italia Conti was definitely being able to perform at the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End, for our Industry showcase! Having this amazing opportunity to perform in front of friends and family as well as 190 industry professionals will be something that I will never forget.
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