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Leeds conservatoire or Scottish institute (MGA)

Hi
I’ve been offered places at Leeds conservatoire and MGA academy (recently renamed to the Scottish institute of theatre, dance, film and TV) to study the musical theatre BA’s

I’m struggling with which to choose. Does anyone have any advice. Can anyone tell me about their experiences with either place?
Thanks :smile:

Reply 1

welcometotherock

Are you Scottish?

Funding is difficult at MGA Academy. Scottish students get a small amount towards tuition but nowhere near enough), English students get nothing.

Leeds Conservatoire is fully funded via Student Finance plus maintenance loans. The course has only been running for a few years but already it is getting a good reputation and their graduates are getting representation and work.

Reply 2

IkathleenI

I'm going to Leeds in September for songwriting and I really loved it at the open day. There's another one coming up on the 1st of June, if you can make it I would really suggest you go, imo it's the best way to tell if you can envision yourself going there for the next 3 years. It's facilities are great and the atmosphere was so friendly when I went to the open day. I'd consider looking at both uni's websites, their virtual tours, the accommodation you could potentially be staying in and its distance from campus, also enjoying the actual city/town of the uni is quite important, ask yourself if you would enjoy living there. Hope to see you around if you end up at Leeds!

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 3

welcometotherock

Just be aware the open day in June is for music only, not acting or musical theatre.

Reply 4

IkathleenI

Original post by welcometotherock

Just be aware the open day in June is for music only, not acting or musical theatre.

ooh i forgot to mention this, thanks!

Reply 5

Musical_theatre

Original post by welcometotherock

Are you Scottish?
Funding is difficult at MGA Academy. Scottish students get a small amount towards tuition but nowhere near enough), English students get nothing.
Leeds Conservatoire is fully funded via Student Finance plus maintenance loans. The course has only been running for a few years but already it is getting a good reputation and their graduates are getting representation and work.

I am Scottish but the money thing is still a pain. I like MGA but Leeds is a lot harder to get into. Would you say Leeds has a better reputation/ higher standard of training?

Reply 6

welcometotherock

I'd say so yes. MGA isn't particularly well known outside of Scotland. I know them as more of a place where students often go for a Foundation Year then they apply to other places. I believe they offer high standard tuition.

Yes, Leeds is quite difficult to get into. If you look on UCAS their application success rate is 50% but I know that those figures are skewed as the rates include the first few years when the course was new and there were not so many applicants. They have had the first couple of years graduate now and people have seen the success so applications have risen.