MA Directing (Musical Direction)
MA
Leaflet Code: CR60225FT
Overview
Musical Direction at The Arden School of Theatre is a course designed for aspiring musical directors
who wish to shape and develop leadership in musical performance. This program combines theoretical
study with hands-on practical experience, providing students with the tools, knowledge, and creative
insight necessary to take their first steps in the professional world.
The course aims to build on your previous experience within the arts and provide you with a toolkit of
skills and experiences in order to develop your own individual voice as a practitioner including
knowledge of repertoire, theory, and rehearsal techniques under the supervision of staff and mentors
with decades of professional experience.
You will study vital aspects of the contemporary practice including working with singers and
musicians, working with other members of the production team, developing new projects from scratch,
alongside more traditional study into the theory and context of the discipline.
As part of the Final Project, learners will source, cast, and produce their own piece in conjunction with
existing industry professionals and will have the opportunity to have their work seen in a professional
setting in front of professionals from the wider industry.
Throughout the course you will be offered opportunities to gain knowledge and insight along with links
to the industry within the vibrant and expanding Manchester Theatre scene.
The course is designed to be diverse, practical and industry relevant to reflect careers within the
industryn. We actively encourage applications from people with experience in the industry but also
from the amateur stage. Alumni of the course have come from various previous levels of knowledge
and experience and have ranged in age from 21 to 60+
- City Campus Manchester
- Full Time
- 1 year
- October 2025
Awarding Partner:
Staff profile
Will Nelson: Programme Leader
-Established DIY West End Theatre Co. in conjunction with The International Theatre Institute (UNESCO)
-Fifteen years of experience within the industry as an actor, lecturer and director
-Published work and research on the history of British Theatre and its possible future.
Due to the nature of the discipline, the majority of sessions are delivered by a variety of visiting professionals from across the industry.
Link in Profiles for
Robert Purvis
Tom Platt
Academic Entry Requirements
• Level 6 qualification at a 2:2 or above in a relevant subject
Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Professional experience will be considered in the application process. Students should also present strong musicianship skills such as keyboard, conducting, and/or vocal technique.
UCEN Manchester is unable to consider international applications due to UKVI regulations.
What will I be studying
Assistant Director (30 credits)
Developing New Work (30 credits)
Final Major Project (Directing Musicals) (60 credits)
Production Skills (20 credits)
Rehearsal Techniques (20 credits)
Research for Creatives (20 credits)
How will I be assessed?
The teaching and assessment methods will vary throughout the course.
They include the following:
• Supervisor Observation of rehearsals and feedback sessions.
• In-house placements and mentorship with senior practitioners within the team.
• Traditional lectures where the lecturer provides students with a framework for reading and independent study.
• Small group tutorials and seminars where key issues and artistic concepts can be explored and discussed in more depth. Students are expected to play a full part, and occasionally, to lead these discussions.
• Professional workshops where students will diversify their craft in their chosen field.
• Production meetings, where students will observe professional communication skills and gain an understanding of working theatre relationships.
• Independent study based on directed reading from textbooks and academic journals.
Course Associated Costs
All the books required for the course are available from the library. However, you may choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop which is highly recommended. Estimated costs for a laptop/desktop are £300.
Materials are provided online and assignments are submitted electronically. However, you might also wish to print other documents.
Campus printing costs start from 5p per page
All students are subject to UCEN Manchester’s Terms and Conditions from the date they accept an offer to study here. The UCEN Manchester Admissions Policy and Procedure can be found here.