Belfast
New for September 2025, we will be running our CertHE Musical Theatre course at the MAC. This award-winning venue in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter hosts exhibitions, theatre performances, experimental works and more.
"Belfast is a vibrant, fun and friendly City, steeped in history and culture. Our stunning venue The Metropolitan Arts Center (The MAC) sits at the heart of the creative and cultural Cathedral Quarter, with three art galleries, two theatres, a cafe bar and a never ending stream of artists buzzing in and out. It is the perfect place to garner creative inspiration and discover the kind of artist you want to be. Belfast is a hub for students, being home to two large universities, and our venue is less than five minutes' walk from the most desirable student accommodation in the city. Theatres, music venues, museums, galleries and lively Irish bars aplenty, make Belfast an exciting and enviable location to train."
Rachael McCormick
CertHE Course Leader, Belfast
Birmingham
Based at the iconic MAC (Midlands Arts Centre), our CertHE Musical Theatre students are immersed in the arts at all times at this vibrant venue. MAC’s busy programme includes theatre, visual arts, comedy, music, cinema, along with multiple food and drink options on-site.
"The Birmingham theatre scene is buzzing, with awesome new shows and West End tours at venues including The Rep, Hippodrome and Alexandra Theatre. If live music is more your thing, head over to Digbeth—it's packed with music venues, cool places to eat, and amazing art scenes. We also have iconic performance companies at our fingertips - Birmingham Royal Ballet is here, and the Royal Shakespeare Company is a stones-throw away in Stratford-upon-Avon!"
Jac O'Kody
CertHE Course Leader, Birmingham
Chelmsford
Also new for 2025, we will be running our CertHE Musical Theatre course at Chelmsford Theatre from September. Training will take place in a brand new, bespoke studio space in the heart of Chelmsford, with state-of-the-art features such as professional harlequin dance flooring.
Chelmsford carries real cultural weight - birthplace of radio, and home to a theatre with over 60 years at the heart of the city, now genuinely forward-thinking, led by serious talent while balancing artistic ambition with commercial nous. It's also just a genuinely pleasant place to be. There's plenty to explore beyond the theatre too - record shops to dig through under the railway arches, old churches, pubs, community cafés, decent coworking spaces, all the shops you need, and then there's London on your doorstep, if you even need it.
Adam Welsh
CertHE Course Leader, Chelmsford
Exeter
In Exeter our CertHE Musical Theatre training takes place at Exeter Phoenix, the home of creativity and culture in the city centre. One of Exeter’s most vibrant arts destinations, the programme includes galleries and exhibitions, a solar-powered cinema, performances, gigs, comedy, talks, courses, workshops, filmmaking and more.
“One of my favourite things to do is to run (or you can hire a kayak and paddle!) along the River Exe towpath, and finish with a drink overlooking the river and quayside. Or hop on a local train and be at the seaside eating fish and chips in 20 mins.”
Steve Grihault
CertHE Course Leader, Exeter
Hertford
BEAM is a cultural beacon located in the centre of Hertford, and has been the base for our Hertford CertHE Musical Theatre course since 2024. With great transport connections, including direct trains to London, BEAM boasts 2 theatres, 3 dedicated cinema screens a wide variety of community-use spaces and a buzzing kitchen bar.
Manchester
In Manchester our CertHE Musical Theatre training takes place at Z-arts, the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families. Facilities at the venue include a 230-seat theatre, studio theatre, gallery, cafe bar, recording studio, music space and dance studio.
"Manchester is a city that is buzzing with art - it inspires creativity. There is so much to explore in terms of galleries, theatre, dance, music and art centres. If you are a foodie and love to explore boutique cafes, you will love Manchester. And there is so much nature available to explore just outside the city!"
Vanessa Campbell
CertHE Senior Tutor, Manchester
