Accreditations and partners

Since its formation in 2005, The MGA Academy of Performing Arts has developed into one of the UK’s leading lights in the fields of innovative student training and professional-level networking.

Bath Spa University

MGA is thrilled to partner with Bath Spa University from 2018 to offer degree programmes through our Full-time School.

Bath Spa University validates the BA (Hons) degree courses passed by students at MGA and this arrangement is reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure academic standards are maintained.

Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre

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The MGA Academy of Performing Arts is accredited by the CDMT.

MGA is extremely proud to be Scotland’s first and only CDMT-accredited Performing Arts school. CDMT ensures the provision of high quality professional training through Accreditation of full-time dance, drama and musical theatre schools and colleges, and has provided the industry benchmark of quality assurance for professional training in the UK since 1979.

Full accreditation is only awarded to those schools and colleges that have successfully undertaken a thorough and comprehensive, institutional level review of provision by a panel of CDMT-nominated industry experts. The assessment of provision is made through documentary review, discussions with management, staff and students, observations of teaching and learning, scrutiny of graduate destination data and the review of facilities and resources. Throughout the duration of the accreditation, CDMT undertakes at least one monitoring visit annually and maintains close contact through its Conference of Professional Schools forum which meets three times a year.

Scottish Qualifications Authority

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The MGA Academy of Performing Arts is proud to be an SQA Approved Centre, as this recognises the Academy’s commitment to excellence in the training of young performing artists. MGA’s SQA-accredited HNC and HND courses not only guarantee students a practical performance-based training, but also a recognised academic qualification in their chosen field.

SQA is the national body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment and certification of qualifications other than degrees. Their overall aim is to manage the qualifications system below degree level to allow students to fulfil their potential to participate in the economy, society and communities of Scotland.

ISTD

MGA is a Registered Member as a centre for teacher training by ISTD – Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing – meaning our students have the opportunity of gaining ISTD Teaching qualifications during their training.

Equity

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Equity deems courses run by The MGA Academy of Performing Arts worthy of recognition and is therefore willing to accept applications for membership from its students.

Equity is the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners. As a leading industry organisation, Equity is known and respected nationally and internationally for work with, and on behalf of, Equity members working across all areas of the entertainment industry.

Spotlight

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Spotlight is the UK’s leading casting resource with ‘unrivalled knowledge and contacts at the heart of the industry.’ Over 60,000 performers appear in Spotlight and thousands of production companies, broadcasters, ad agencies and independent casting directors use Spotlight as their number one casting resource.

All MGA third-year students are required to become Spotlight members in preparation for their showcase at the end of the year. This gives them an insight into current casting, allows them to begin submitting themselves for appropriate jobs and sets them aside from other new graduates.

Student Awards Agency for Scotland

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Full‑time Scottish nationals and some international students can apply for SAAS funding for MGA full-time three-year courses. Eligible students can receive approximately £1,205 funding from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland each year. Visit www.saas.gov.uk to apply or to find out if you are eligible. If you are successful, support is paid directly to MGA by SAAS and the amount will be subtracted from your course fee account.

Student Loans Company Scotland

Students who are eligible can apply for a student loan for maintenance and/or tuition fees for the MGA full-time three-year diploma courses.

Student Loans Company is a non-profit making, government-owned organisation set up in 1989 to provide loans and grants to students in universities and colleges in the UK. www.slc.co.uk

Armed Forces Covenant

Serving members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) and their children receive a 5% discount on all our tuition fees.

Published 9/2/24   9:15AM

Contemporary Elite Intensive - The MGA Academy x WHITE AND GIVAN

In celebration of the launch of our BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance Course in September 2024, our Artists in Residence and Programme Leaders ‘WHITE AND GIVAN’ are hosting a Contemporary Elite Intensive on Saturday 2nd March 2024 for the UK’s most promising young talent in Contemporary Dance (age 16+). Attendance is… » Read more

Published 13/1/24   9:10AM

MGA Academy to Host Open Day

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts to welcome prospective students on campus for open day event this February. Following on from the success of our open day in November, We will be opening our doors on Thursday 29th February once again. These events are a fantastic opportunity to engage with… » Read more

Published 11/12/23   9:57AM

Christmas Wish aims to raise vital funds for charity

ONE of Scotland’s leading performing arts schools has announced it will be hosting its annual magical Christmas show to raise vital funds for a prominent mental health charity. Taking place for one night only on December 13th at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, MGA Academy has promised that the extravaganza will have… » Read more

Coming soon

Get in touch

Phone: 0330 058 0656

General enquiries/student information: info@themgaacademy.com

Office address:  Silver Rock Studios,  Almondvale Business Park,   Almondvale Way,   Livingston,   West Lothian,   United Kingdom,  EH54 6GA
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