Our courses

MGA offers options for up to four years of training, allowing students to develop core skills in acting, singing and dance, ultimately opening the door to becoming a professional performer, ready for a long-lasting successful career within the industry.

Our courses have been designed after thorough consultation with leading Performing Arts practitioners who have helped MGA and our academic partners in Bath Spa University and the Scottish Qualifications Authority create this comprehensive and effective set of courses.

We offer courses at a variety of levels meaning no matter where you are on your performing arts journey, we have a course to match your needs.

Our graduates have a proven track record of going on to have successful careers in the performing arts and with hard work and the right attitude coupled with the outstanding training on offer at MGA you could join them!

All course information is listed below. If you are unsure what course is most suitable for you, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we can help.

Current full-time courses

One-year Foundation (HNC) courses

Three-year undergraduate BA (Hons) Degrees

BA (Hons) Top-up Year

For advanced students with appropriate qualifications and/or suitable professional experience to join the final year of our Musical Theatre, Acting or Dance degree programmes.

Postgraduate Degrees

Complete in 1 year full time, 2 years part time.

* New for September 2023! (Subject to approval)

Course accreditation

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.

Full-Time Auditions

Applications are taken all year round, until course places are full – so the earlier in the year you apply, the more places will be available.

Auditions are in person at MGA campus in Livingston. A member of our team will be in touch within two weeks of submission to take you through the process. Apply now »

In-person audition dates:

  • 2024-25 dates coming soon

If you are unsure which course to apply for, please get in touch admissions@themgaacademy.com and the MGA Team will be happy to discuss it with you.

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

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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