Program Overview

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Acting degree, delivered in collaboration with the world-famous Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) in Scarborough, aims to produce proactive professional actors.

Why You Should Study This Course

• The course is dedicated to making acting an accessible and rewarding occupation for all, regardless of background.
• Over the three years, you will look to acquire a secure grounding in the skills needed to replicate human behaviour at a realistic level, insight into performance versatility, and familiarity with recorded media and emerging contexts of new work for actors.
• Upon graduation, you should have a comprehensive portfolio of experience and knowledge, enabling you to be ‘industry-ready’ at a high level.
• Delivered in collaboration with the Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) and taught by industry professionals.
• You can be part of a vibrant local arts community, network with employers and make personal industry connections.

Collaborations

• This course is delivered in collaboration with the following bodies:
  • Stephen Joseph Theatre

What You'll Study

Year One

• Moving - 30 credits
  • Use movement as an actor to effectively connect body and breath to emotional connection.
• Voice, Speech and Silence - 30 credits
  • Learn how to use and connect your breath and vocal qualities using a variety of different methodologies.
• Preparing to Act - 30 credits
  • Working with the methodology of Stanislavski, Meisner and Uta Hagen amongst other practitioners, you will learn how to put different choices together for performance.
• Live Learned Performance - 30 credits
  • This module requires you to perform live in a fully staged, studio-level production of a naturalistic dramatic play.

Year Two

• Shapeshifting Acting - 30 credits
  • You will explore the range and versatility of yourself as an actor.
• Acting for Recorded Media - 30 credits
  • This module challenges you to learn and apply the acting approaches required for recorded work.
• The Actor as Facilitator - 30 credits
  • You will explore the role of the Actor as a Facilitator within a variety of different settings.
• The Actor at Work - 30 credits
  • You will work on a professionally directed production.

Final Year

• The Actor-Producer - 30 credits
  • This module enables you to explore the possibilities of creating your own work for performance.
• Acting in Emerging Contexts - 30 credits
  • You will explore, create and perform acting work within a portfolio of emerging contexts.
• The Professional Stage - 30 credits
  • You will seek to learn and develop your understanding of the role of the actor as a professional.
• The Freelance Professional - 30 credits
  • On successful completion of the course, you will be able to develop the role of the freelance actor.

How You'll Learn

• This is a course that is practically driven and you will be assessed in a variety of ways.
• Learning is delivered in a workshop style so that you get the best out of your training.
• You train with people who are also industry professionals so the knowledge you get is up to the minute.
• Industry-applied learning is integral to every aspect of the programme.

Teaching Contact Hours

• As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year.
• A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study.
• Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection.
• During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week.

Assessment

• Assessment methods vary and may include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.
• Course Breakdown:
  • coursework
  • performances
  • recordings
  • vivas.

Entry Requirements

Acting Higher National Certificate (HNC)

• 64 UCAS tariff points, BTEC MPP or MM, or 24 points IB.
• GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
• Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

Acting Higher National Diploma (HND)

• 80 UCAS tariff points, BTEC MMP or DM, or 24 points IB.
• GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
• Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

Acting BA (Hons) Degree

• 104 UCAS tariff points.
• GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
• Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

The Audition Process

• This will be a physical audition at one of the CU campuses in Scarborough, London or Coventry.
• You will not be charged to audition, but you will be required to cover your own travel costs.

Fees and Funding

Student

• UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man: 2026/27 fees TBC, 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year
• EU: 2026/27 fees TBC, 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary, 2026/27 fees TBC, 2025/26 fees: £14,800 per year without EU Support Bursary
• International: 2026/27 fees TBC, 2025/26 fees: £14,800 per year

Additional Costs

• Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
• Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Facilities

• We work out of a working theatre which is equipped with:
  • 3 rehearsal rooms
  • film studio with green screen and voice booth
  • café area and an additional classroom.
• Our purpose-built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium and includes a dedicated drama studio to accommodate you - our acting students (opened September 2019).
• Facilities include:
  • indoor social spaces, including a café
  • a library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
  • open-access computers
  • a prayer room
  • student support and careers advise teams
  • free on-site student parking
  • public bus stops close to the campus
  • free WiFi.

Careers and Opportunities

• On successful completion, you should be able to:
  • Understand your personal methods and styles of communication and apply them to the process of acting.
  • Effectively market yourself as a professional in a versatile range of contexts including commercial live theatre, recorded media, and educational and community settings.
  • Understand research-informed performance versatility, and a familiarity with recorded media.
  • Apply a comprehensive portfolio of experiences and knowledge, enabling you to be industry ready.

Where Our Graduates Work

• Stephen Joseph Theatre
• Rusticus Theatre Company
• ARCADE Arts
• KIT Theatre Company
• YMCA Theatre Yorkshire Coast
• Freelance Actor: Various companies, television adverts, programmes etc
• Magical Quests North
• Next Door But One Theatre