About us

Creative industries face challenges from the fast changing media environment, but at the School of Media and Performing Arts we view this as a series of opportunities made possible through innovation.

We encourage collaborative work across all the arts and this combined with our rich offer of graduate support provides our students with the best chance of success in their chosen profession.

We’re predominately based in the Ellen Terry Building, a converted 1930s art deco cinema offering a range of purpose designed spaces to offer students a taste of professional lifestyle.

Our undergraduate courses include Dance, Theatre and Professional Practice, Music Technology, Media and Communications, Digital Media, Journalism, Media Production and Photography. We also offer Masters by research, as well as Masters of Philosophy and PhD provision.

Our learning environment is distinguished by the strong practical focus and complementary emphasis on the study and analysis of professional context. We aim to develop creative and independent artists and practitioners who thrive in demanding and competitive fields.

We have excellent links and close relationships with artistic employers and organisations locally, nationally and internationally, which is why we pride ourselves on being an important part of the cultural life of the city and the region.  

Our media offering has a long-sustained reputation for innovation and enjoys a rapidly rising profile. It has established a highly distinctive ‘Open Media’ approach and in one year alone, our students travelled across the globe covering a total of over 130,000 miles on professional experiences, projects and placements.