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COURSE OVERVIEW

FDA COURSE

COHORT SIZE

STUDY LEVEL

LEVELS 4 & 5

AGE

16+ STUDNET LOAN

FOUNDATION DEGREE

IN ARTS

COURSE DURATION

2 YEARS FULL TIME

CONTACT HOURS

30/ WEEK (average)

20/ YEAR GROUP*

Subject to Validation

The fda

what is a foundation degree in arts?

Our FdA (Foundation Degree) in Musical Theatre is a higher education programme designed to prepare you for a professional career in musical theatre. Combining intensive training in acting, singing and dance with industry-focused development, the FdA gives aspiring performers the opportunity to begin their professional training from age 16+.

What is an FdA?

An FdA, or Foundation Degree, is a higher education qualification that combines academic study with practical, career-focused training. An FdA in Musical Theatre is specifically designed for performers who want to develop the skills, confidence and professional experience needed to progress into the performing arts industry.

You will train across the three core disciplines of musical theatre:

Acting
Singing
Dance

Alongside your practical training, you will develop your understanding of the professional industry, performance practice and the skills needed to build a sustainable career as a performer.

Starting at 16?

Yes. The FdA is open to applicants aged 16+.

We recognise that talented performers do not all follow the same educational route. While standard entry requirements apply, we will also consider non-standard entry applications from 16–17-year-olds on a case-by-case basis.

If you have not yet completed Level 3 study but demonstrate exceptional talent, potential and the ability to successfully complete the FdA programme, you may still be considered for a place.

Non-standard entry is assessed through the audition and interview process. This gives our panel the opportunity to assess your performance ability, potential and readiness for higher-level study.

Applicants without a Level 2 English qualification may also be asked to complete a non-standard entry written task as part of the admissions process.

Start your professional training sooner

If you are ready to pursue musical theatre and have the talent, commitment and drive to succeed, you do not necessarily have to wait until you are 18.

Our FdA Musical Theatre gives talented performers aged 16+ the opportunity to take their first step into higher education and professional musical theatre training.

Admissions to the FdA, including non-standard entry, are subject to the relevant entry assessment and audition process.

Modules Likely to include:

Dance Technique – Jazz (the only summatively assessed genre), supported by Ballet & Tap to develop placement, rhythm, and versatility
Singing & Acting – Exploring vocal health, diction, improvisation, text, and character development
Musical Theatre Practice – Develop ensemble performance skills through singing, text, and movement
Creative Workshops such as Theatre in Education – Devise and perform an original TIE piece for local schools
Book Musical – Take part in fully staged musical theatre productions
Academic Learning Projects – Reflect on your progress, evaluate strengths, and set goals for future development as well as deep dive on the context and background of Musical Theatre

Fees

Tuition Fees

FDA: £10,050 per year

ROM operates a curriculum guarantee, meaning all timetabled classes - totalling around 30+ contact hours per week, are fully covered by student loan funding.

There are no extra charges for any modular training, ensuring your core development as a performer is fully supported within your standard course costs.

Scholarships & Support

ROM is committed to making training accessible.

Scholarships are available for students demonstrating exceptional talent, and we provide guidance on bursaries and a range of external financial support options beyond ROM Theatre Arts.

We can also offer payment plans and provide guidance on funding pots and grant applications to help support your training.

Related Costs

While tuition fees covers all timetabled classes, students should be aware of extra costs that may arise throughout training. These vary per individual and may include:

University partnership fee
Apparel and course-specific clothing
Conditioning equipment
Transport and travel
Production-related costs
Photocopying / reprographics
Professional headshots
Access to organised student social events and excursions
Digital devices (e.g. tablet or laptop)
Stationery and organisational materials
Personal injury and mental health insurance or cash-back plan
Spotlight subscription
Open classes / networking opportunities
Show tickets
Library fees
Research costs

Students from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales should select the appropriate link for finance:

Northern Ireland: studentfinanceni.co.uk

Scotland: saas.gov.uk

Wales: studentfinancewales.co.uk

Students from England can check their loan and maintenance estimations on this link: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator (Opens new window)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements

GCSEs: English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) – required
Level 3 training in Performing Arts, Dance or Drama – preferred, but not essential
UCAS points: Not required (applications are made directly to ROM)

Applicants with significant prior training or professional experience may be considered through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway.

Audition

All applicants are required to attend an audition, demonstrating ability across dance, singing, and acting.

Dance/ Movement Workshop: Jazz-based technique and routine (75–90 mins)
Solo Song: Musical Theatre style, max 90 seconds
One monologue: Any Style, max 90 seconds
Optional: One solo dance routine, 90 seconds

Applicants showing high levels of performance skill may be considered for entry even if they do not fully meet academic requirements.

Our Professional Diploma in Musical Theatre embodies over a decade of ROM’s commitment to delivering exceptional conservatoire training for students who want an alternative to a traditional academic degree.

As the landscape of higher education and the professional theatre industry evolves, our Diploma prioritises adaptability, inclusivity, and innovation. Students benefit from 30+ contact hours each week, intensive triple-threat training, and small group learning that ensures personal attention and individual growth.

What Makes the Diploma Distinct?

A fully vocational programme — no academic assessment
Train alongside BA (Hons) students in the same studios, with the same faculty and performance opportunities
Triple-threat focus – Acting, Singing, and Dance in equal balance, with Jazz as the core assessed dance discipline supported by Ballet, Tap, Commercial, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip Hop
Weekly 1-to-1 singing lessons plus ensemble and repertoire coaching
Small cohorts that create a close, supportive community

Industry Integration

ROM’s Associate Workshops connect Diploma students with leading UK creatives, choreographers, and directors. These industry-led sessions enrich training with real-world insights and help students build professional networks before graduation.

Performance Opportunities

Performance is central to the Diploma. Students take part in:

Book Musical productions
Agent showcases in London
Original writing collaborations with professional writers
Choreographic sharings, open mic nights, and variety showcases
Annual pantomime and Actor’s Church performances

Your Future

The Diploma is ideal for performers who want the intensity of conservatoire training without the academic framework of a degree. Our graduates leave with the skills, versatility, and confidence to succeed in the performing arts industry, supported by three years of world-class training and a portfolio of performance experience.

At ROM Theatre Arts, we don’t just provide training — we create a launchpad for sustainable careers in Musical Theatre.