Applying to BIRD

Applications for September 2027 are Opening Soon!

Applications will open in mid-October 2026 for our three undergraduate performing arts programmes:

BA (Hons) Musical Theatre: Triple Threat
Three disciplines. One complete performer.
EXPLORE THE COURSE

BA (Hons) Musical Theatre: Singer-Actor
Your voice. Your character. Your story.
EXPLORE THE COURSE

BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Performance
Move with purpose. Perform with impact. Build your artistry.
EXPLORE THE COURSE

You can apply to be considered for up to two programmes within the same application, for one application fee of £45.

Be the first to know when applications open

How to Apply

  1. Choose your programme(s)
    Apply for one programme, or ask to be considered for up to two of BIRD’s three performing arts degree programmes.
  2. Prepare your video audition
    Your first-round audition is a short self-tape designed to give us a sense of you, your performance potential and your personality. You can start preparing your material before applications open.
  3. Apply to BIRD
    Complete the online BIRD application, submit your video audition and pay the £45 application fee. The £45 fee covers consideration for up to two programmes, so you will not pay an additional application fee for your second programme.
  4. Receive your first-round result
    Within four weeks of receiving your completed application and self-tape, we’ll let you know whether you have been invited to a live audition.
  5. Audition at BIRD
    Successful first-round applicants will be invited to our Sidcup campus for a live audition. You’ll receive full information about your audition day and preparation requirements in advance.

Please note: Applicants to our BA (Hons) programmes will also be required to make a separate application through UCAS.

Start Preparing for Your Audition

You don’t need to wait until applications open to begin preparing.

For September 2027 entry, BIRD is introducing a new two-stage audition process. Your first stage is a self-tape video audition, giving us the opportunity to learn a little about you and see you perform.

We know auditioning can feel daunting, so don’t worry about creating a highly produced video. We’re interested in seeing you, your potential and your personality. Simply follow the guidelines for your chosen programme and make sure we can see and hear you clearly.

BA (Hons) Musical Theatre: Triple Threat

Your video will include:

  • Introduction – maximum 90 seconds
  • Acting – monologue, maximum 60 seconds
  • Singing – one song, maximum 60 seconds
  • Dance – one solo in any style, maximum 60 seconds

DOWNLOAD TRIPLE THREAT VIDEO AUDITION GUIDELINES

BA (Hons) Musical Theatre: Singer-Actor

  • Introduction – maximum 90 seconds
  • Acting – monologue, maximum 60 seconds
  • Singing – two contrasting songs, maximum 60 seconds each

DOWNLOAD SINGER-ACTOR VIDEO AUDITION GUIDELINES

BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Performance

  • Introduction – maximum 90 seconds
  • Two contrasting dance solos – maximum 60 seconds each
  • Choose two styles from ballet, jazz, contemporary, commercial or hip hop

DOWNLOAD PROFESSIONAL DANCE & PERFORMANCE VIDEO AUDITION GUIDELINES

Roundel 11

Applying for two programmes?

You only need to submit one video link. Include all of the sections required for the two programmes you’d like to be considered for, but you do not need to duplicate sections that are the same.

BA (Hons) Entry Requirements

BIRD welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender. The Conservatoire is committed to meeting the requirements of students with special educational needs. The following requirements must be met for entry to BIRD:

  • A minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points, or an accepted equivalent UK or international qualification
  • GCSE Mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent
  • GCSE English Language or English Literature at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent
  • Applicants must be aged 18 by the end of the first term of study

Applicants who do not meet the standard academic requirements may still be considered where they can demonstrate relevant experience and/or alternative qualifications. Academic entry requirements may be waived at BIRD’s discretion following individual assessment.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language are normally required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency. An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above is required for entry to the programme.

All applicants must also successfully complete BIRD’s two-stage audition process: 1) first submitting a video audition and; 2) should the candidate be successful, they will be invited to a live audition on our campus in South-East London. Please note: a separate UCAS application will be required.

Overseas Students

BIRD Conservatoire is an approved UKVI Sponsor, with a Private Provider Status, and is able to sponsor international students via the Student Visa Route. Applicants for whom English is not a first language must sit an IELTS (International English Language) test to assess their ability in reading, writing and spoken English at an academic level. An overall result of 6.5 or more is requires for entry to the programme. Applicants should contact their local British Council office for further details.

NEW! Audition Intensives

Get audition-ready at BIRD

Audition Intensive | Thursday 29 October 2026

Preparing to audition for professional performing arts training? Join us at BIRD for our first Audition Intensive, a full day designed to help you approach your auditions with greater confidence and get a taste of training at the Conservatoire.

Complementing the launch of our new Musical Theatre: Triple Threat, Musical Theatre: Singer-Actor and Professional Dance and Performance degree programmes, the day will combine practical workshops with top tips, feedback and guidance on both video and live auditions.

You’ll experience workshops reflecting the styles and formats you can expect during an audition, work with members of BIRD’s artistic and academic team and have the opportunity to ask questions about auditions, training and life at BIRD.

What to expect:

  • Specialist workshops tailored to Musical Theatre: Triple Threat, Musical Theatre: Singer-Actor and Professional Dance & Performance applicants
  • Practical advice for creating a strong video audition
  • Top tips for approaching a live audition
  • Feedback and guidance from BIRD’s artistic and academic team
  • Live audition Q&A
  • An opportunity to experience training at BIRD and get a feel for life at the Conservatoire

Thursday 29 October 2026
9:30am–5:00pm
BIRD Conservatoire, Sidcup
Ages 15+
£75

Plus, your BIRD audition fee is included

Everyone attending the Audition Intensive will receive an audition fee waiver for September 2027 entry.

Applications for the Intensive close at midnight on Thursday 22 October – sign up here!

Application Fee

The application fee for September 2027 entry is £45.

Your £45 fee allows you to apply to one programme or be considered for up to two of BIRD’s three performing arts degree programmes. You will not pay an additional application fee for your second programme.

Audition Intensive attendees: your September 2027 BIRD application fee will be waived.

Visit BIRD During Our Open Days

Come and experience BIRD before you apply:

  • Thursday 22nd October 2026 – FULLY BOOKED
  • Saturday 24th October 2026 – FULLY BOOKED
  • Friday 18th December 2026

Each open day will include a morning and afternoon session:

Morning Session: 10:30am – 1:15pm
Afternoon Session: 2:45pm – 5:30pm

To request a booking for one of our open days, please complete the form here.

We will be in touch to confirm your booking once your form has been received.

All open days are held at our campus (BIRD Conservatoire, Alma Road, Sidcup, DA14 4ED). Onsite parking is extremely limited and we recommend alternate modes of travel. If you have questions regarding our upcoming Open Days, please email marketing@birdcollege.co.uk.

If you have questions regarding our admissions process, please email admissions@Birdcollege.co.uk.

Frequently asked questions

Mid-October 2026. Register your interest now and we’ll let you know when applications go live.

£45, covering consideration for up to two programmes.

Yes, up to two of the three.

No. Submit one video link containing the required material for both, without duplicating shared sections.

Within four weeks, we’ll tell you whether you’re being invited to a live audition.

Yes.

Potentially; relevant experience and/or alternative qualifications can be considered individually. Contact admissions@birdcollege.co.uk to discuss.

Applicants may only audition once in each admissions year.

If you are ill on the day of your live audition, please let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to offer you an alternative audition date.

Hotels in the local area include:
• Travelodge (Sidcup)
• Premier Inn (Sidcup)
• Holiday Inn (Bexley/Crayford)
• Marriott Hotel (Bexleyheath)
• Premier Inn (Swanley)
• Campanile Hotel (Dartford)
• The Bulls Head (Chislehurst)

By Bus: A comprehensive service exists for the local area and for central London.

By Train: Sidcup station is a 5 minute walk from BIRD, with trains going in and out of London every 20 minutes. The journey will take about 30 minutes and the stations include: Charing Cross, London Bridge, Waterloo, Cannon Street and Lewisham (for DLR).

Trains travelling away from London will go to Dartford, Gravesend and Greenhithe (short shuttle bus to Bluewater).

For further travel information please visit: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

By Road: Exit 3 off the M25, then follow the A20 to Sidcup. From London, follow signs to A20 New Cross/Lewisham and A222 Sidcup.

Students can arrange their own accommodation in flats and houses via local estate agents. There are a limited number of rooms available at the University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus, as well as 5 BIRD Conservatoire affiliated blocks of apartments in Sidcup. Students who have gained entry onto a Programme will receive detailed information about the above in their enrolment pack.

Students are exempt from paying Council Tax but they are not eligible to receive Housing Benefit.

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