Last updated 16:05, Friday, 25 July 2008

MUSIC mogul Simon Cowell now has a whole generation of school pupils dancing to his tune. His record labels, S-Records and Syco Records, look after some of the biggest acts on the planet including Leona Lewis, Westlife, Il Divo as well as all the X Factor contestants.

Richard Milburn: University of Cumbria Course leader

According to UCAS, performing arts have seen a 23 per cent increase nationally since 2003, with the biggest rises being in music theatre.

And despite the cost of studying at university increasing hugely over the last four years, 2,240 new students still chose performing arts over maths, science and engineering based degrees.

The University of Cumbria is one of the most popular and successful providers of performing arts’ courses outside of London.

Courses at the university are in high demand and require some of the institution’s highest grades, just to secure an audition.

Richard Milburn, a lecturer in performance and production at the University of Cumbria said: “TV talent shows are having an impact on applications and of course this is great news for Performing Arts.

“We are seeing a huge increase in applications which reflects the national trend and, unlike some institutions we audition everyone who meets the entry criteria.”

Performing arts courses at the university are so popular that more than 80 per cent of applicants are unsuccessful.

Mr Milburn said: “We have to turn down record numbers of applicants. Some have a questionable attitude and just want to be famous at all costs, while others simply don’t have the talent that we can develop. I sometimes feel I might be turning into an academic Simon Cowell myself.”

The University of Cumbria offers a wide range of courses such as dance performance, music theatre, drama and performing arts. To find out more information go to www.cumbria.ac.uk