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Music and Performing Arts Foundation Pathway Degree

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

1 year full-time (Year 0 of a 4/5 years degree including placement year)

UCAS Tariff

64


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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Develop academic, creative, and performance skills in preparation for degree-level study
  • Access industry-standard facilities and rehearsal spaces to practise and experiment beyond teaching hours
  • Explore a range of performing arts disciplines, including Acting, Musical Theatre, Music, and Music Technology, to find your focus

This programme is not available to international students. Instead, international students should apply for our international foundation programmes delivered by our International Study Centre on campus. For more information, please visit International Study Centre.

The Music and Performing Arts Foundation Year offers a dynamic introduction to higher education within the performing arts. Designed for students ready to develop their academic, creative, and performance skills, this ‘zero’ year helps you build confidence, explore your interests, and prepare for a degree in music or performing arts. You’ll experience a broad range of performing arts disciplines, from acting and musical theatre to music and music technology, developing essential study skills, critical thinking, and practical expertise.

You’ll have access to the School of Arts and Humanities’ specialist facilities, including rehearsal spaces, performance venues, and music and production studios, with opportunities to practise and develop your craft outside of timetabled teaching. This course supports your transition into higher education, helping you explore your potential, understand creative processes, and refine the skills you need to succeed in your chosen degree.

On successful completion of this course, you'll be able to continue onto the first year of your degree in the following music and performing arts subject areas:

  • Acting and Performance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Music
  • Music Technology
Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

DDE at A Level.
64 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
Pass at T Level with D or E grade on core.
MPP in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Pass in UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Merit in RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits, 15 at Merit, 30 at Pass or above.
64 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.


If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent will be considered acceptable. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop the academic skills required to progress in higher education and successfully complete your academic studies. You will learn about essay writing, referencing, and how to use the library and LibrarySearch for finding scholarly material. You will also learn how to evaluate sources of information and be introduced to personal development planning (PDP).

This module provides you with an opportunity to apply the skills required in higher education study. This will include finding suitable sources, using the University's LibrarySearch, and presenting your studies in an academic format. You will learn how to plan and undertake a project whilst developing skills in the effective engagement with academic literature.

You will undertake foundational workshops in performing arts, which is likely to include exploring workshop practice, aspects of performance training, as well as a range of techniques and starting points for creating work. Where appropriate the nature of group and individual creativity will be addressed. You will keep logbooks and undertake contextual research and analysis.

In this module you will begin to develop your skills in at least one area leading towards moving onto the relevant degree programme. A series of workshops and discussions will equip you with the practical skills and analytical understandings required to develop a practical portfolio in your chosen area. You will develop the ability to analyse your work and to reflect critically on your own development.

Dependent on your chosen specialism students work individually or in small groups, devising, managing, delivering and evaluating a final project. You will be assigned a tutor, who will support you through to the realisation of your project.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

Explore More

Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Media, Humanities and the Arts may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

Take a look at your options

Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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