Program Overview

BA (Hons) Acting

The BA (Hons) Acting programme is a vocational training course with an outstanding reputation for training actors in the skills of theatre, radio, TV, and film, as well as motion capture and animation. The programme is designed to equip students with the skills to excel across diverse performance mediums and adapt to industry demands.

Course Overview

The course is a three-year programme that combines practical training with theoretical study. The first two years focus on training, while the third year is industry-facing, preparing students for the profession. The programme covers a range of topics, including acting, voice, movement, and theatre-making.

Features and Benefits

• Federation Membership: The programme is a proud member of the Federation of Drama Schools, ensuring that students receive high-quality training that meets industry standards.
• Bursaries and Scholarships: Students have the opportunity to apply for prestigious awards, such as the Carleton Hobbs, Spotlight Prize, and the Buffini Chao Elevate Scholarship.
• Industry Connections: The programme has strong connections with key employers, including the BBC, ITV, and The Royal Exchange Theatre.
• Professional Training: Students receive hands-on training in areas such as motion capture, acting through song, devising, and puppetry.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Students can collaborate with departments such as Digital Arts, Law, and the Manchester Writing School.
• Expert Lecturers: Students learn from professional lecturers and visiting experts who ensure that they receive cutting-edge, relevant training.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The programme is based in purpose-built rehearsal rooms and a dedicated theatre, providing students with a professional environment in which to train and perform.

Year 1

In the first year, students explore their voice, body, and self. They experience the ensemble as a tangible, meaningful presence and begin to learn the rudiments of the actor's craft. Students work with key principles derived from the work of Konstantin Stanislavsky, Uta Hagen, and Michael Chekhov. They learn how to read a play and turn dried ink into character and action.

Core Modules

• Exploring Movement: This module provides the groundwork for integrated movement actor training, developing core competencies in movement and embodiment.
• Exploring Voice: This module establishes the principles of how to use the voice in a way that is easy, clear, and expressive.
• Exploring Acting for Stage and Screen: This module introduces students to the fundamental principles and techniques of acting for stage, screen, and devised theatre.
• Contextualising Practice - Critical Analysis: This module explores the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of acting, theatre, and performance.

Year 2

In the second year, students consolidate and develop what they have learned in the first year. They work with heightened stakes, intense feeling, and poetic speech through their Shakespeare project. Students have further classes in singing, combat, acting for camera, improvisation, poetry, and deeper and more sustained scene studies.

Core Modules

• Advanced Voice: This module introduces complex texts, including sonnets, and requires students to be responsive to the challenges of verse structure.
• Advanced Movement: This module integrates advanced movement practices, applying learning to characters, scenes, and theatrical productions.
• Advanced Acting for Stage and Screen: This module engages students with classical and contemporary text from a range of diverse authors.
• Contextualising Practice - Critical Reflection: This module invites students to deepen their understanding of acting, theatre, and performance by researching history, culture, and theory.

Year 3

The final year is very much about preparing for and engaging with the profession. Students work with professional directors on at least one public performance per term. They have workshops and talks from practitioners and professionals, including successful directors of stage and screen, agents, producers, casting directors, and artistic directors.

Core Modules

• Autumn Production: This module serves as a valuable tool, allowing students to experience what it is like to work alongside an internal or external professional director, creative team, and technical crew.
• Spring Production: This module allows students to experience a different theatrical genre while working alongside an internal or external professional director, creative team, and technical crew.
• Professional Portfolio: This module equips students with the essential knowledge and skills required to navigate the professional landscape.
• Independent Project: This module empowers students to create their own projects individually or collaboratively, stepping into roles beyond the stage.

Entry Requirements

• Typical Offer: 104-112 UCAS tariff points
• IELTS Score: 6.0 overall with no individual element below 5.5
• Audition: Students are required to audition as part of their application
• UK Students: Level 3 qualifications, including GCE A levels, Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma, Access to HE Diploma, and UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• International Students: IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from Higher Level

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized. Information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in Further Study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Explore Your Options and Build Sought-After Skills: The Careers Service supports students in getting ready for further study or working life, including starting their own business.
• Industry Connections: The programme has strong connections with key employers, providing students with opportunities to meet employers and prepare for interviews.

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance: This undergraduate course explores the practices and theories of drama and contemporary performance.