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    Study performing arts abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying performing arts as an international student.

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    Performing arts degrees abroad

    Performing arts is a creative subject that spans several disciplines, including drama, dance, and music. Programs are designed to equip students with the training, experience, and connections they’ll need to stand out in an increasingly competitive global industry.

    As a performing arts student, you’ll develop a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the field. As well as honing your acting techniques, fine-tuning your singing voice, and perfecting your dance skills, you’ll work behind the scenes in areas like choreography, set design, and stage management.

    By earning your degree abroad, you’ll see how different countries and cultures use the performing arts to express and reflect their identities. You’ll practice new methods and techniques that will transform you into a more versatile and experienced performer. As well as gaining an invaluable global perspective on the subject, you’ll travel the world, make new friends, and have the adventure of a lifetime.

    Performing arts program structure

    There are plenty of options when it comes to studying performing arts. Undergraduate degrees are usually studied as a BA or a bachelor of performing arts (BPA). There is very little difference between the two programs and they’re both studied over three or four years.

    If you decide to study your bachelor’s in the US, you’ll choose between a BA and a bachelor of fine arts (BFA). Whereas BFA programs have an intensive performing arts focus, a BA will involve studying more liberal arts modules. All US undergraduate programs last a minimum of four years.

    If you’re still eager to learn more after completing your bachelor’s, you can enroll in an MA or master of fine arts (MFA) program. Whilst MA programs are research-based, MFA courses focus on professional artistic practice and teaching.

    It’s possible to study a PhD in performing arts, but it’s important to remember that there will be no practical element involved. This qualification can take anywhere between four and seven years to complete.

    Most undergraduate performing arts programs blend theory and practice, so you’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, practical classes, seminars, and workshops. Although assessment methods will vary from module to module, you can expect to encounter written exams, practical assessments, essays, presentations, and portfolios.

    The exact content of performing arts programs will differ slightly according to the interests and expertise of university faculty around the world. However, most programs will cover these fundamentals:

    • Theater, history, and culture
    • Stage design
    • Modes of acting
    • Music theory
    • Musical performance
    • Dance techniques
    • Choreography
    • Introduction to directing
    Performing arts program structure

    There are plenty of options when it comes to studying performing arts. Undergraduate degrees are usually studied as a BA or a bachelor of performing arts (BPA). There is very little difference between the two programs and they’re both studied over three or four years.

    If you decide to study your bachelor’s in the US, you’ll choose between a BA and a bachelor of fine arts (BFA). Whereas BFA programs have an intensive performing arts focus, a BA will involve studying more liberal arts modules. All US undergraduate programs last a minimum of four years.

    If you’re still eager to learn more after completing your bachelor’s, you can enroll in an MA or master of fine arts (MFA) program. Whilst MA programs are research-based, MFA courses focus on professional artistic practice and teaching.

    It’s possible to study a PhD in performing arts, but it’s important to remember that there will be no practical element involved. This qualification can take anywhere between four and seven years to complete.

    Most undergraduate performing arts programs blend theory and practice, so you’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, practical classes, seminars, and workshops. Although assessment methods will vary from module to module, you can expect to encounter written exams, practical assessments, essays, presentations, and portfolios.

    The exact content of performing arts programs will differ slightly according to the interests and expertise of university faculty around the world. However, most programs will cover these fundamentals:

    • Theater, history, and culture
    • Stage design
    • Modes of acting
    • Music theory
    • Musical performance
    • Dance techniques
    • Choreography
    • Introduction to directing

    Types of performing arts degrees

    Best countries to study performing arts

    Best universities to study performing arts

    See all universities offering performing arts programs

    How to study performing arts abroad

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    Performing arts study abroad programs

    Performing arts undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in performing arts

    • false

      Comedy - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      20,529 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,925 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Comedy
    • false

      Comedy Arts - BFA DePaul University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      40,551 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 40,551 USD

      Start date
      -
      Show program overview about Comedy Arts
    • false

      Communication - Theatre & Comedy - BA William Paterson University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,768 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,768 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Communication - Theatre & Comedy
    • false

      Creative & Performing Arts - BA (Hons) Liverpool Hope University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,681 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 11,400 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Creative & Performing Arts
    • false

      Interdisciplinary Studies - Writing and Performing Arts - BIS Louisiana State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,700 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,700 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Interdisciplinary Studies - Writing and Performing Arts
    See all bachelor's degrees in performing arts

    Diploma in performing arts

    • false

      Comedy: Writing and Performance - UGDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      12,285 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,412 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Comedy: Writing and Performance
    • false

      Technical Production for the Performing Arts Industry - AdvDip Sheridan College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,533 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,487 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Technical Production for the Performing Arts Industry
    See all undergraduate diplomas in performing arts

    Certificate in performing arts

    • false

      Performing Arts Fundamentals - Cert Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      13,177 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,531 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Performing Arts Fundamentals
    • false

      Performing Arts Preparation - Cert Sheridan College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      8 months
      Annual tuition fee
      15,589 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,557 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Performing Arts Preparation
    See all undergraduate certificates in performing arts

    Pathway in performing arts

    • false

      Integrated Foundation of Music and Performing Arts - FD Bath Spa University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,670 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Integrated Foundation of Music and Performing Arts
    • false

      Performing Arts (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,993 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Performing Arts (Foundation)
    See all undergraduate pathways in performing arts

    Performing arts graduate programs

    Doctorate in performing arts

    • false

      Performing Arts - PhD University of Gloucestershire, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,156 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,200 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Performing Arts
    See all doctorates in performing arts

    Future performing arts careers

    Thanks to your degree in performing arts, you’ll be equipped with the confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills needed to excel in a fiercely competitive industry.

    Here are some of the most popular career options pursued by performing arts graduates:

    • Actor
    • Musician
    • Professional dancer
    • Dramatherapist
    • Community arts worker
    • Stage manager
    • Director
    • Talent agent

    Apart from charisma and talent, employers are always looking for evidence of experience and passion. So, getting involved in your university’s performing arts societies, joining the local theater group, and undertaking work experience with industry professionals will help kickstart your career.