MA Screen Acting

Program Overview

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MA Screen Acting

Overview

This postgraduate program is designed for actors who want to refine and advance their skills in the area of performance before the camera. Students will develop their screen acting technique across a range of styles, including film, television, and digital platforms.

Course Details

• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: One year, Two years
• Next Enrolment: September 2025

Introduction

This program offers students the opportunity to acquire the technical production skills needed to create a high-quality self-tape, short digital film, and acting showreel. Students will learn how to be a professional and accomplished performer in studio and on location, as well as learning about voicing animation and computer video games.

Course Structure

Trimester One

• Performing for the Camera: Explore the principles and techniques of acting for the screen, including studio recording, location filming, multi and single camera work.
• Production Skills for Media Performance: Introduce the fundamental skills of videography from self-tape to location video drama shooting for screen performers.

Trimester Two

• Art and Industry: Examine the wider skills a screen actor will need in order to work in the current screen acting industry.
• Digital Collaboration Project: Introduce working with chroma key or green screen, animated characters
  on-present performers, and Automated Dialogue Replacement for screen.

Trimester Three

• Final Research Project: Rehearse, record, and edit a high-quality showreel or short video drama.

Assessment

• 70%: Practical projects
• 30%: Written assignments

Teaching

• Masterclasses: Delivered by practising staff and visiting professionals.
• Seminars: Enable students to discuss and develop their understanding of topics covered in classes.
• Practical Sessions: Use industry-standard studios and software, and have access to filming equipment and screen and voice acting studios throughout the degree.

Employment and Stats

• Graduate Careers: Work in a range of environments from the cultural sector to television, film, online content creation, and production houses.
• Potential Employers: Television and film production companies, businesses, charities, and educational providers.

Requirements

• Standard Entry Requirements: A good honours degree (2.1 or above), with experience in acting and performing.
• International Students: IELTS 6.5 with no element below 5.5.
• Alternative Entry Requirements: Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.

Fees

• Full-time Home: £9,100 per year
• Full-time International: £17,000 per year
• Part-time: £1,516 per 30 credit module

Additional Costs

• Books, Stationery, Printing, Binding: General subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships

• International Students: High-achieving international students may be eligible for one of our scholarships.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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MA Screen Acting

is a one-year postgraduate program designed for actors to refine and advance their skills in performance before the camera. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, focusing on developing professional-level screen acting techniques across various styles, including film, television, and digital platforms.

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Objectives:

• Enhance professional and accomplished screen performance skills in studio and on location
• Acquire technical production skills to create high-quality self-tapes, short digital films, and acting showreels

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Program Description:

This program provides unique opportunities to:

• Learn from successful, working actors
• Develop production skills that benefit your performance career
• Showcase your talents in a final performance for potential agent exposure
• Students have access to industry-standard studios, software, and equipment.
• Production Skills for Media Performance: Introduces fundamental videography skills, from self-tape to location video drama shooting.

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Trimester 2:

• Art and Industry: Interactive seminars delve into essential skills for navigating the screen acting industry, covering digital marketing, personal branding, career strategy, and industry-specific choices and assumptions.
• Digital Collaboration Project: Introduces working with green screen, animated characters, and Automated Dialogue Replacement for screen.
Students collaborate on short films based on improvisation, self-written, and commissioned scripts.

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Trimester 3:

• Final Research Project: Culminates in the production of a high-quality showreel or short video drama, accompanied by a critical evaluation reflecting on the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program.

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Assessment:

Assessments are largely practical, including performances, reflective essays, portfolios, media projects, and the final year major project. Formal assessments contribute to the final module mark.

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Teaching:

Teaching methods include masterclasses, seminars, and practical sessions. The program utilizes industry-standard studios and software, providing access to filming equipment and screen and voice acting studios.

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Careers:

Graduates can pursue careers in various environments, including the cultural sector, television, film, online content creation, and production houses.

• Graduates benefit from a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond.
• The program emphasizes independent and collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and understanding stakeholder needs, skills applicable to diverse creative fields.

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| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,820.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00 per year | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,100.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000.00 per year |