Study a Performing Arts Degree
- Performing Arts
- North America1302
- Europe839
- Oceania156
- Asia97
- Africa31
- South America35
- Central America and Caribbean19
Study a Performing Arts Degree
UNIR - Mexico
Master in Theater and Performing Arts
- Online Mexico
Master
Part time
18 months
Distance Learning
Spanish
The Master in Theater and Performing Arts will provide you with the necessary knowledge to carry out scientific research, whether it is performing art, dramatic texts and teaching, as well as sales production and shows.
University of Otago
Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)
- Dunedin, New Zealand
Bachelor
Full time
3 years
On-Campus
English
The Bachelor of Performing Arts degree requires three years of full-time study and offers specialisations in the combined study of music, theatre and dance.
Vytautas Magnus University
Master in Performing Arts
- Kaunas, Lithuania
MA
Full time
2 years
On-Campus
English
The Performing Arts Study programme aims to develop highly qualified creative artists, and music performers (instrumentalists, singers, soloists, musicians of diverse ensembles, and orchestra conductors), who will have an impact upon the musical (cultural) tradition not only through their creative works and other artistic means, professionally performing works solo and in ensembles and orchestras of various compositions, but also by analyzing, commenting on, personally developing individual creative activities, searching for the most influential artistic work interpretations, fostering historical traditions of the music art and influencing the musical development processes.
Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor Music and Performing Arts
- Tilburg, Netherlands
Bachelor
Full time
4 years
On-Campus
English
Music and Performing Arts is an ambitious and innovative Bachelor conservatory programme. Our vision is based on the idea that your individual musical development into a top musician can only flourish through practice. We encourage you, together with our teachers, your fellow students, and the professional field, to develop new visions of musical artistry!
Vytautas Magnus University
Bachelor in Performing Arts
- Kaunas, Lithuania
BA
Full time
4 years
On-Campus
English
The content of the Performing Arts programme adequately corresponds to the most recent advances in science, art, and technology. Students are acquainted with the theory and practice of creative activities, improvisation, artistic project management, art marketing, and research methodology. Students are free to choose composers from various eras (including the latest) and nationalities for their final examinations and the final project. Graduate students are encouraged to pursue the most modern forms of performance, which helps them integrate into and position themselves within the context of the contemporary art scene.
Edinburgh College
UAL Level 3 Diploma Performing and Production Arts (Acting) - Formally NC Acting and Performance
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Diploma
Full time
42 weeks
On-Campus
English
Our Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts (acting) is an internationally recognitions qualification through the University of The Arts London and is included in the UCAS tariff and attracts tariff points for each final grade, which supports University applications. This highly practical course is centred around performance projects aimed at nurturing and enhancing your performance skills. Students in this course will collaborate with other students across Performing Arts Studio Scotland.
University of Kent
BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts
- Canterbury, United Kingdom
BA
Full time
3 years
On-Campus
English
By studying BA (Hons )Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts at Kent, you'll benefit from exceptional teaching and industry links that will help you launch your career. Covering a wide range of subjects and developing your practical skills as well as critical thinking, this dynamic course allows you to explore your style and creativity and follow your passions and ambitions.
Selinus University of Sciences and Literature
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Performing Arts
- Ragusa, Italy
PhD
24 months
Distance Learning
English
A research thesis in this specific field should offer an overview of forms of artistic expression, in particular cinema, theatre, music, dance and visual art. Each student will explore how the performing arts reflect the social, political and religious aspects of many cultures and civilizations. In this programme the candidate, through his thesis, should provide a theoretical exposition of the content and processes inherent in the creative and artistic experience of performance.
Edith Cowan University
Bachelor of Performing Arts
- Mount Lawley, Australia
Bachelor
Full time
6 semesters
On-Campus
English
Explores original, self-devised and collaborative approaches to researching, creating, producing and presenting contemporary arts practice.
Terra Nova University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Research in Performing Arts
- Ragusa, Italy
PhD
Full time, Part time
1 semester
Distance Learning
English, Italian, Spanish
A research thesis in this specific field should offer an overview of forms of artistic expression, in particular cinema, theatre, music, dance, and visual art. Each student will explore how the performing arts reflect the social, political, and religious aspects of many cultures and civilizations. In this program, the candidate, through his thesis, should provide a theoretical exposition of the content and processes inherent in the creative and artistic experience of performance. It also gives students an appreciation of various artistic disciplines, forms of expression and creative visual languages.
Universidad Loyola
Double Degree in Audiovisual Communication and Performing and Cinematographic Arts
- Seville, Spain
Bachelor
Full time
4 years
On-Campus
Spanish
With the Double Degree in Audiovisual Communication and Performing and Cinematographic Arts from Universidad Loyola , you will be able to make your vocation of dedicating yourself to the scenic and audiovisual industry a reality, since you will master all the necessary knowledge to be on both sides of the camera, either as actor or actress or as creator, producer or director of audiovisual content. A unique official double degree in Andalusia that will allow you to acquire a complete and versatile profile.
East London University
Master in Film & Visual Arts
- East London, South Africa
Master
Full time
2 years
On-Campus
English
The East London Visual Arts and Film program is designed for a new generation of storytellers: artists who share a passion for visual and performing arts across a wide array of media and want to learn by making their own projects in a hands-on, intensive program.
Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Master Performing Public Space
- Tilburg, Netherlands
Master
Full time
1 year
Blended
English
Performing Public Space (PPS) is committed to understanding how cultural developments can produce meaningful change within our shared spaces, based on the idea that public space exists only when it is socially performed. In a time in which political and social structures are reconsidered heavily, PPS offers a flexible and innovative environment to artistically question, redefine, and reclaim public space in its broadest sense.
Santa Barbara City College
Associate of Arts in Dance
- Santa Barbara, USA
Associate of Arts
Full time
On-Campus
English
Dance is a vigorous and specialized area in the performing arts, and is unique in its ability to convey emotional and cultural values. Dance is physically demanding and requires a thorough understanding of aesthetic values. This program is primarily designed for the student who intends to transfer to University of California at Santa Barbara, or to other universities that offer baccalaureate preparation in Dance. Additionally, the program provides an excellent foundation in dance for students interested in other performing arts fields or entry level into the workforce, such as study owner/employee.
Auream Phoenix University for Women
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Research in Performing Arts
- Online
PhD
Full time, Part time
1 semester
Distance Learning
English, Italian
PhD by research via Distance Learning is awarded after successfully completing a theoretical research specialization. This research is presented in the form of a doctoral thesis. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the only doctoral degree that can be achieved through distance learning. The main requirement for a PhD online through distance learning is to present and discuss a thesis of at least 100 pages for review and evaluation by an academic committee at Selinus University. A research thesis in this specific field should offer an overview of forms of artistic expression, in particular cinema, theatre, music, dance and visual art. Each student will explore how the performing arts reflect the social, political and religious aspects of many cultures and civilizations. In this programme, the candidate, through his thesis, should provide a theoretical exposition of the content and processes inherent in the creative and artistic experience of performance. It also gives students an appreciation of various artistic disciplines, forms of expression and creative visual languages.
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Degrees in Performing Arts
Study Performing Arts Abroad
Individuals can use performance to share complex emotions, stories, and entertainment with a large audience. It’s a chance to break out of your shell, express yourself, and share your talents with the world. Performing arts is a global art form, so you can take your skills anywhere!
Therefore, studying performing arts abroad is the perfect opportunity for students to travel and immerse in a new culture at the same time. International students enjoy study abroad so much because they can make new friends, study a new language, and explore a new city. A performing arts degree abroad also grants students the ability to perform in venues around the globe in front of international crowds.
So, take your art overseas and study in Germany or Portugal, for example, to get noticed.
The Best Performing Arts Degrees
It’s true you must have a passion for performing if you want to obtain a performing arts degree. However, it’s not enough to just like being on stage. The best performing arts schools will challenge the very concept of performance, teaching you history, theory, and technique, among other subjects.
Not only will you have to show off your creativity but also your critical thinking and logic skills both in the classroom and on the stage. So, a performing arts degree is the best choice for students who are not afraid to let their talents shine, especially considering how competitive acceptance into the best performing arts schools can be.
But, don’t let that hold you back! You increase your chances of getting admitted when you open your options up to schools around the globe. So, let your imagination run wild, and see where you end up performing for the world to see!

Careers in Performing Arts
Plus, a study abroad experience will look amazing on any resume or CV. Employers love candidates who have studied abroad. It shows recruiters that the candidate has received an entire life education outside of the classroom, because studying abroad requires that students solve problems creatively, get used to change, and communicate cross-culturally, all of which are important work place skills.
Or, maybe you prefer to be your own boss and manage your solo performance career! Either way, you can find the perfect fit for you utilizing your performing arts degree.
Consider some of the following careers:
- Actor
- Broadcasting
- Dancer
- Director of Art
- Screenwriter
No matter where your take your performing arts degree, the important thing is that you get to use your passion to earn a living.
Prerequisites for a Degree in Performing Arts
The best performing arts schools will often require that prospective students have demonstrated they have previously performed well in their classes. Both undergraduate and graduate students will have to provide a copy of their academic transcripts, along with any standardized test results.
International students will also have to prove their English proficiency, as many performing arts degrees are conducted entirely in English. An essay will also most likely be required to complete your application, and possibly a recording or video of one of your past performances.