Program Overview

Introduction to the MA/PgDip Acting Course

The PG Dip/MA Acting course is designed for graduates who wish to undertake advanced studies to further their knowledge and widen their experience of acting in order to take up a professional acting career upon graduation. The course seeks to create independently minded performers and practitioners who are able to apply a variety of methodologies to their creative work.

Course Overview

The MA Acting course is a full-time programme delivered intensively over one year (4 terms September to September) that provides a fast track to entering the industry in the UK. Whilst there is a specific focus on entering the UK industry, the focus of work within the repertoire is, initially, European, and later widens to include repertoire from World theatre.

What's Covered in the Course

Studies focus on the ensemble, the tools of Psychological Realism, and the demands of classical texts, professional preparation, and personal research. Delivered through a series of exercise, workshop and performance opportunities the programme also includes acting for the camera and voice over work, and for MA students culminates in a showcase, a final production and a practice-based research project.

Student Support

Students are supported through this highly intensive course by a robust pastoral system led by personal tutors who will support students throughout the course. Students can seek tutorials with specific tutors or their course director at any time. Each student receives an individual tutorial on their progress and development every term.

Why Choose This Course

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire staff have vast experience, both within the UK and internationally. Staff have worked with well-known individuals, projects and companies such as the BBC, the RSC, the NHS, British repertory and festival theatres, and much more. To ensure high quality tuition, we normally have a maximum of 16 students enrolled onto the course each year.

Course Structure

• The MA option is designed for those with suitable academic abilities.
• The course is also suitable for professional actors seeking a refresher course.
• Admission to this course is by audition.
• The PG Dip/MA Acting course is designed for graduates who wish to undertake advanced studies to further their knowledge and widen their experience of acting.

Modules

PG Dip Modules

• Acting Exercises (40 credits)
• Acting Skills (20 credits)
• Workshops 1 and 2 (20 credits)
• Professional Studies (20 credits)
• Production (20 credits)

MA Modules

• Acting Exercises (40 credits)
• Acting Skills 1 (20 credits)
• Workshop 1 and 2 (20 credits)
• Professional Studies (20 credits)
• Production (20 credits)
• Major Project (60 credits)

Employability

This MA Acting course is designed to not only develop your practical performance skills but to help you expand your intellectual knowledge of the creative industries. You will finish this course with the skills expected of the contemporary actor, by studying the theory and practice of key acting processes.

Facilities and Staff

The School of Acting students are primarily based in the idyllic location of Bournville, south Birmingham, near to Cadbury World, Stirchley, and the student community in Selly Oak. Facilities include rehearsal and teaching spaces, a resource room with a range of plays, and a student common room.

Staff

• Daničle Sanderson: Head of Post Graduate Studies, and Course Director of MA/MFA Acting
• Alex Taylor: Associate Professor (Acting)
• Stephen Simms: Vice Principal - Acting, Professor of Actor Education

Entry Requirements

• Applicants will normally be expected to have a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in Acting or a related subject.
• The MA option is designed for those with suitable academic abilities.
• The course is also suitable for professional actors seeking a refresher course.
• Admission to this course is by audition.

Fees

• UK students: Ł15,110 in 2026/27 for the MA, and Ł10,075 in 2026/27 for the PgDip
• International students: Ł20,960 in 2026/27 for the MA

What's Included in the Course Fees

• Access to computer equipment
• Printing
• Field trips
• Access to Microsoft Office 365
• Key software
• Key subscriptions
• Essential copies of playscripts

What's Not Included in the Course Fees

• Project materials (mandatory)
• Clothing (mandatory)
• Final year costs (mandatory)
• Excess printing (optional)
• Personal stationery and study materials (optional)
• Books (optional)
• Memberships (optional)
• Accommodation and living costs (optional)