Performing arts

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Performing arts

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Meet Mia

Mia, a graduate of BA Drama, Applied Theatre and Performance at the University of East London, always wanted to merge her passion for politics with performance. As an activist with a passion for politics, Mia had always been searching for a platform to turn her ideas into powerful theatre. At UEL, she found exactly that—creating theatre and poetry that inspires change in her community.

Ready to use your voice through performance? Discover our Performing Arts courses at UEL and turn your passion into impact.

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Why choose Performing Arts at UEL

Dance students performing at Collide

Collaborate with acclaimed artists and companies

At UEL, you'll work with top performing arts professionals, from choreographers Kenrick Sandy (Boy Blue) and Hofesh Shechter to organisations like Half Moon Theatre, Hackney Empire, and the National Youth Theatre, plus masterclasses and live briefs.

Student singing on stage at The Source

Access to exceptional creative networks

With strong industry links, you'll access London's arts scene – from Theatre Royal Stratford East and Soho Theatre to the V&A, Hackney Empire and Brick Lane. Graduates go on to roles in theatre, music, TV, dance, launch companies, or sign with labels.

Student working on a music mixing board

World-class facilities for music, dance and performance

Train in professional-standard spaces, from hi-tech dance studios with sprung floors to a Black Box theatre, music production suites, and performance venues like The Source. Enjoy rehearsal rooms, specialist kit, extra practice time, and graduate project support.

  • 1st in London Our Acting for Stage and Screen courses ranked 1st in London in the Daily Mail University Rankings
  • 3rd in the UK Our Dance courses have been ranked 3rd in the UK in the Daily Mail University Rankings

Careers-focused teaching

Our performing arts courses prepare you to thrive in the creative industries, with a strong focus on innovation, professionalism, and real-world experience. Graduates have gone on to careers in acting, arts administration, education, journalism, advertising, design, music production, and more. Success stories include an Applied Theatre graduate now running a theatre company and an Urban Dance graduate featured on TV's Got to Dance. You'll benefit from masterclasses with industry professionals, work on live briefs, and gain practical experience at events like COLL!DE, our renowned student-led dance festival. Taught by experienced professionals in high-tech studios and performance spaces, you’ll also enjoy access to The Source - a vibrant new performance venue and social hub next to our University Square Stratford Campus.

The Source

You will have access to The Source in its capacity as a brand-new performance venue, social hangout and learning space - right next door to our University Square Stratford Campus. The Source is a partnership between UEL and Newham’s Youth Empowerment Service and features a fully equipped 310 seat Auditorium, dance studio, black box studio, café and so much more!

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Take a virtual tour of our facilities

  • Dance studio

    Perfectly situated in University Square Stratford, with its advanced performance studios and more than £750,000 of new specialist equipment

  • Recording studio

    The spacious Live Rooms contain a Boston GP-218 concert grand piano, Yamaha Motif 8 synthesiser workstation, Yamaha Stage Custom drum kit and various percussion instruments and more.

  • Career Zone

    Discover your dream job and gain valuable career advice at UEL's Career Zone.

Why choose UEL?

  • Run by students from BA Dance course, COLLIDE is a five-day of creativity, collaboration, and career preparation, culminating in a sell-out ticketed final performance.
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  • BA Music Performance and Production student, William Halling gives the lowdown on what its like to study Music at UEL.
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  • Dance at UEL with Jo Read, Hear from Senior Lecturer in BA Dance, Jo Read, as she breaks down the Dance course at UEL.
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  • Breaking into Acting & Career Secrets | Makers & Mavericks | EP 1 | Majid Medhizadeh-Valoujerdy
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