Theatre Industry Practice BA (Hons)
Course code W303
What is special about this course?
Are you a born performer who loves treading the boards? Maybe you prefer making things happen behind the scenes, as part of the production team that pulls everything together? Broaden your knowledge of the current theatre industry and develop the skills you need to work in a variety of theatre and performing arts areas, on this comprehensive skills-led BA (Hons) Theatre Industry Practice*.
Created by industry professionals in response to local student demand, join this tailor-made course and build your experience with hands-on training, culminating in live theatre productions and performance opportunities such as traditional theatre production, community theatre, educational workshops, technical installation, and design.
Immerse yourself in a range of theatre-based disciplines, including performing, directing, producing, arts tutoring, stage management, and technical areas such as lighting and set design. Learn from expert practitioners, gain hands-on experience via a placement module of your choice, and engage with extra-curricular workshops and master classes delivered by industry professionals.
Let us support you as you grow in knowledge and confidence, before taking your experience out into the world to enjoy a sustainable and rewarding career in the vibrant and creative world of theatre.
*subject to validation
Special features
- Guest lecturers/workshops from industry professionals
- Work placement with related organisations and freelance professionals
- Various performance and production opportunities
- Opportunities to work in a variety of industry venues
- Collaborative work
- Creation of a production company
- Theoretical, practical, and entrepreneurial approaches to the theatre industry
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
Entry to this course is via HNC Musical Theatre or HNC Technical Theatre:
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, Or
- 1 A level at grade D or above Or
- Successful completion of a related SCQF level 6 or equivalent qualification such as NC Music or NC Acting and Theatre Performance
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or industry experience will be considered on an individual basis
- Musical theatre students will be asked to attend an audition and interview to assess musical ability
- This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/units, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional modules/units, but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
Advanced entry to year two:
Advanced entry to year three:
- HND Musical Theatre or HND Technical Theatre and Production Arts at Grade B or above, or equivalent
- Internal candidates will also require a successful exit interview
- For external applicants, or those who have had a break from education, an interview and/or audition/portfolio will be required
Year 1 - HNC
Please apply to one of the following HNCs if you wish to study the first year of this course:
Year 2 - HND
Please apply to one of the following HNDs if you wish to study the second year of this course:
Year 3 - BA
You will study the following core modules:
- Drama and production: experiential learning (S2)
- Research and performance (S1)
- Theatre industry: applied practice (SC)
- Theatre industry: fundamentals and practices (S1)
- Theatre industry: self promotion and planning (S2)
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
You will study the following core modules:
- Creative industries research project (SC)
- Theatre industry: enterprise (S1)
- Theatre industry: production company (SC)
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- This course is mainly delivered in-person, via intensive face to face workshops on campus at UHI Perth
- You will also study online, utilising our virtual learning environment, with scheduled seminars and lectures delivered by staff at UHI Inverness, giving you the opportunity to work with students based at other UHI partners
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 30 hours per week (approximately)
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research. This may vary during rehearsal and production weeks.
Where can I study my course?
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Degrees | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:
| Full-time | Level | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time |
With scholarship |
| Year 1 | CertHE | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £14,988 | Free | £15,870 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £14,988 | £15,870 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,494 | £7,935 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,498 | £2,645 |
Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
Students may be able to apply to the UHI Scholarship Fund. For all the information and how to apply please use the following link Funding - Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards and Discretionary Funds - UHI Scholarship Fund.
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Additional costs
You will be responsible for any additional costs for:
- equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips, costumes etc that aren't already provided as standard
- optional activities that are highly recommended but not formally part of your course or required to complete the course, for example, optional field trips, industry conferences, or masterclasses. These are in addition to your tuition fee and course fees; you will be notified when the activity is being arranged
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:
- Theatre management - director, producer, arts manager
- Technical theatre - set designer, lighting designer, stage manager, sound designer
- Performance - actor, performer
- Community theatre
Can I progress into further study?
You may be able to progress from BA (Hons) Theatre Industry Practice to the following courses:
- PGDE Teaching (Secondary)
- MEd Creative Education
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I chose UHI after hearing positive feedback from former students and conducting my own research. I was eager for the opportunities that Perth UHI could offer. I truly appreciate the teaching style of the lecturers at UHI; they are highly attentive and understanding towards each student. The lecturers provide support not only for academic challenges but also for personal matters, celebrating every achievement, big or small. I couldn't have asked for a better support system.
My studies have provided me with valuable knowledge not only in theatre design but also in important skills like leadership and management. This experience has been instrumental in clarifying my future goals and will undoubtedly help advance my career. I assist with in-house productions for the younger students in the theatre department at Perth UHI. I feel fortunate to apply my design and management skills in these productions while also mentoring and enhancing the skills of younger students.
One of my favourite aspects of UHI is its inclusivity. I have always felt welcomed and included here. The support provided by the university is incredible, and they are proactive in assisting their students. I genuinely believe that the journey from my first year to now, along with the connections I've made with lecturers and friends, has positively transformed my life. If given the chance, I would relive the experience without changing a thing.
Morven is studying the BA (Hons) Theatre Industry Practice at UHI Perth.
I didn’t consider any other universities, UHI offered a brilliant course at commuter distance which meant I could stay in work while studying. It offered a good blend of independent and supported learning. I developed my directing skills, to work on my personal relationship with a cast and how to lead a group to the best of their abilities.
Our course leader was incredible, the conversations in her class were an amazing and safe space to learn and challenge each other in and she was great at caring for us all individually as well. My favourite thing about studying at UHI was the friends I made that have turned into colleagues.
Rachel studied Drama and production at UHI Inverness.
Apply for Theatre Industry Practice BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.