Stage-struck students will be able to study Musical Theatre in Huddersfield for the first time from autumn 2024. 

The University of Huddersfield has announced the launch of a new BA Hons degree course to meet growing demand for expert tuition in this most exciting and enchanting of subjects. 

Would-be performers from all over the north of England and beyond are expected to apply for a place to develop their craft in acting, singing and movement. 

The university is already ranked 27th for performing arts in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023. This new showcase course, an addition to established programmes in acting and performance, is set to boost ratings even further.  

Course leader Dr Eric Hetzler, a US character actor turned leading academic, said: “Musical Theatre will be a very practical course for people who are dreaming of a career on the stage. Enrolling with us could be the first step on this journey! 

“We’ll provide expert vocal training as well as coaching students in how to act, sing, move and bring the energy and professionalism to any production. You will investigate how musicals are put together – and be supported to develop characters that audiences will find exciting to watch and listen to.” 

All drama students at Huddersfield get the chance to put on shows – from intimate plays to full-blown West End and Broadway-style musicals – and gain confidence by performing for public audiences.  

Lecturers also provide guidance on building careers after graduation, offering a leg up for entry to entertainment industries. Assessments are via performance, presentations and portfolios rather than exams.

Sir Patrick Stewart engaged a sell-out audience at the University of Huddersfield with his journey from Yorkshire to the stars

Huddersfield is rated top 10 for music and drama in the UK Research Excellence Framework and its teaching was awarded Gold status in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework, meaning that student experience and outcomes are typically outstanding. 

Drama alumni of the university include the actor Natalie Gavin, best known for Channel 4’s Shameless, BBC’s Line of Duty and ITV’s The Long Shadow, and the ‘wicked witch of Walford’, EastEnders soap star Balvinder Sopal. Professor Sir Patrick Stewart remains Emeritus Chancellor, in an association that stretches back almost 20 years. 

Andrew Corcoran graduated with a first class degree in music with theatre studies from Huddersfield, and went on to become a West End musical director, working on shows such as Mary Poppins, Jersey Boys, Evita, Matilda, Chicago and the Addams Family. 

He said: “I owe a great deal to my time at Huddersfield. It gave me experiences and skillsets that still feed into my day-to-day professional life. The enthusiasm of my fellow students at that time to create music and performance pieces became addictive, so this dedicated Musical Theatre course is thrilling news!” 

Find out about studying Musical Theatre at Huddersfield here.