Acting BA (Hons)

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Several actors on stage moving around dynamically

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

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

Course code

W410
W412
W141

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Our aim is to turn you into a professional, pro-active actor. Our unique collaboration with the world-famous Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) means you will work with SJT professionals at points throughout the programme – including mentoring, observation of professional rehearsals, and performance on stage in a professionally directed piece for theatre.

You will have the opportunity to work in our professionally equipped spaces and studios and the chance to collaborate with industry professionals in a variety of contexts, with the aim of making you fully industry-ready upon graduation².

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. This could include head-shots, show-reel material, showcase and CV work as well as industry contacts and experiences².
Delivered in collaboration with the Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) and taught by industry professionals. Rehearse and perform in professional venues, including SJT and YMCA.
You can be part of a vibrant local arts community, network with employers and make personal industry connections. You might also have the opportunity to find paid acting opportunities whilst studying, learn to market yourself as a professional actor and how to operate as a business.

Collaborations

This course is delivered in collaboration¹ with the following bodies:

Stephen Joseph Theatre

The Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) is an independent professional producing theatre and cinema in Scarborough on the North Yorkshire coast with an international reputation for producing brilliant theatre. The theatre has an illustrious history, with a longstanding commitment to producing new plays including premiering over 80 plays by acclaimed playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn.

In this unique and exciting collaboration, CU Scarborough students are given the opportunity to work with SJT professionals, gaining invaluable industry support with mentoring and performance opportunities in both The Round (the first theatre in-the-round in the UK) and The McCarthy (end-on theatre and cinema).

In your third year, acting students form the cast of a professionally directed Christmas show for families with a two-week run at SJT. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to perform in an acting showcase in front of invited industry professionals, subject to availability.

Throughout your studies, you will also have the opportunity to see SJT productions for dree or at discounted rates, subject to availability².

Acting at CU Scarborough

"The course prepares student actors for what the industry will be like in 10 years’ time." Liam Farricker, Graduate, quoted June 2023

What you'll study

Within the first year, you'll seek to learn the key foundations of being an actor. Voice, movement and core acting skills will be explored with influential practitioners. You should gain a personal understanding of your methods and styles as an actor. Students who successfully complete year one are awarded a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Acting.

Modules

Moving - 30 credits

Voice, Speech and Silence - 30 credits

Learn how to use and connect your breath and vocal qualities using a variety of different methodologies. You will explore different vocal practitioners but will connect with the work of Kristen Linklater and Chuck Jones using breath to free up your voice and connect to the characters that you play.

Compulsory

Preparing to Act - 30 credits

Live Learned Performance - 30 credits

This module requires you to perform live in a fully staged, studio-level production of a naturalistic dramatic play. No scripts or prompts are allowed, requiring you to draw on character, story and contextual knowledge to ‘troubleshoot’ where necessary during a live performance before an invited audience.

Compulsory

In the second year, the course broadens to include training as an actor facilitator working in a range of settings and also expands to include acting for exploring voice recording, filmmaking, acting for camera and audio narration as well as other recorded media options. Students who successfully complete year two are awarded a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Acting

Performance project work covers different venues and you will encounter a variety of audiences. At this stage, you should have developed more sophisticated story-telling skills and be able to draw on your deepening awareness of communication skills to become more versatile as a performer. This could include film performances, theatre performances or other performance types. The second year will culminate in a performance within a theatre⁴.

Modules

Shapeshifting Acting - 30 credits

You will explore the range and versatility of yourself as an actor. This module will challenge you to learn and cumulatively apply greater physical, vocal and professional versatility. Here, you will plan and develop your imaginative and risk-taking application of acting techniques. You will develop and demonstrate physical, vocal and versatility across character ‘types’.

Compulsory

Acting for Recorded Media - 30 credits

This module challenges you to learn and apply the acting approaches required for recorded work. You will experience how to create work for recording including initial setup and operation of recording equipment such as cameras and microphones. Performance project work includes acting for film and TV and acting for audio (for example plays and presenting for radio). This culminates in a showing of your filmed work to an invited audience in a cinema setting.

Compulsory

The Actor as Facilitator - 30 credits

You will explore the role of the Actor as a Facilitator within a variety of different settings. This work is increasingly required of professional actors.

You will experience practically various trends in drama facilitation which continue to influence contemporary practice. A range of groups covering different ages and remits will be experienced. You will build a repertoire for your own practice. You will also acquire an understanding of the principles of planning practical workshop sessions.

Compulsory

The Actor at Work - 30 credits

You will work on a professionally directed production. You will experience the process of working as an actor on a production, including mock auditioning and exploration of the text both independently and under the guidance of a director; rehearsal including technical/dress rehearsal and performance.

Compulsory

In the final year, you will explore contemporary contexts of performance, creating work for public presentation and working on a project as a producing theatre company, creating a public tour⁴ of this performance to test your ability to manage your professional skill set. You'll create online professional profiles and explore issues related to self-employment. The course will culminate in a graduation showcase for invited industry professionals. You will be a part of the SJT company for the Christmas show for young audiences with a full run of this show to get you ready for industry. You will be able to synthesise theoretical aspects of acting with practical work, ensuring you can graduate with a command of skills at a professional level while recognising the need to continue developing as an actor throughout your career.

Modules

The Actor-Producer - 30 credits

This module enables you to explore the possibilities of creating your own work for performance. Students work to form their own small company and create their own piece of performance work. You will also learn how to create your own marketing material and also how to source funding for your creative projects so that you can create your own work.

Compulsory

Acting in Emerging Contexts - 30 credits

You will explore, create and perform acting work within a portfolio of emerging contexts. Areas to be explored include presenting (including television, radio, online professional vlogging, and YouTube video production) and recorded motion capture (for example for video games). You will investigate the particular skills, technical abilities and safety factors required for successful participation in different areas and will work to create a portfolio investigating your work within each field.

Compulsory

The Professional Stage - 30 credits

You will seek to learn and develop your understanding of the role of the actor as a professional, how to work in the professional rehearsal room and complete a run of a show to an audience. You will understand how to create theatre for different audiences and how to communicate and be a part of a professional team.

Compulsory

The Freelance Professional - 30 credits

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to develop the role of the freelance actor. You will understand how to market yourself as a professional actor, looking at CV, spotlight and showreel content. You will take part in a showcase for invited industry professionals, agents and casting directors.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

The course is brilliant at offering connections and networks to prepare you as an actor going into industry.
Ellen Ramos, Year 3, quoted June 2023

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.
You train in a professional environment where you are free to also explore your own artistry.
Industry-applied learning is integral to every aspect of the programme.
You will learn about building the ensemble and the importance of working together as part of your everyday practise.

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. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

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. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

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.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Acting Higher National Certificate (HNC)

64 UCAS tariff points, BTEC MPP or MM, or 24 points IB. All courses require 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including Maths and English (or level 2 equivalents).

Acting Higher National Diploma (HND)

80 UCAS tariff points, BTEC MMP or DM, or 24 points IB. All courses require 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including Maths and English (or level 2 equivalents).

Acting BA (Hons) degree

104 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English (or level 2 equivalents). All courses require at least two A2 level or a 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.

Typical entry requirements

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Acting Higher National Certificate (HNC)

64 UCAS tariff points, BTEC MPP or MM, or 24 points IB. All courses require 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including Maths and English (or level 2 equivalents). IELTS 6.0 overall and 5.5 in each component.

Acting Higher National Diploma (HND)

80 UCAS tariff points, BTEC MMP or DM, or 24 points IB. All courses require 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including Maths and English (or level 2 equivalents). IELTS 6.0 overall and 5.5 in each component.

Acting BA (Hons) degree

104 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English (or level 2 equivalents). All courses require at least two A2 level or a 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.

CU Scarborough welcomes international students from all around the globe. If you are an international student and are interested in applying for a HNC, HND or Degree course you can do so by completing our online application form. International students are normally auditioned online.

Once your application form has been processed you will receive the outcome of your application via your given email address.
Please be aware you will need the following information in order to make your application:

all academic transcripts
copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference if employed
one academic reference
applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)
your personal statement
copy of your current passport.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees-£7,950 per year	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - as UK per year with EU Support Bursary** 2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees -£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees -£18,300 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

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).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

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.

This space has a fully equipped theatre with 240 seats and a full working rig and dressing room facilities.

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.

The campus itself is located next to Scarborough’s Sports Village, a complex that includes an Olympic Legacy swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all-weather pitches, and the Scarborough Athletic Football Club ground.

It is a 10-minute walk from the East Yorkshire seafront. North Bay is Scarborough’s Blue Flag beach, meaning it is one of the best in Europe for cleanliness; on the sand and in the water, for facilities, and safety.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

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.

The collaboration with the SJT has been designed so that employability is embedded from the outset, with the aim that exposure to creatives and industry professionals will facilitate high-level networking, enhancing professional opportunities and prospects following completion of the degree.

The course provides skills training in the art of acting and the business of acting, in a versatile range of contexts including commercial live theatre, recorded media, and educational and community settings. From a business perspective, you will be introduced to business concepts including marketing, budgeting and entrepreneurship, in order to ensure that upon graduation, you are able to market yourself professionally.

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

Graduates have a real opportunity to develop work outside in the professional world and development across a variety of theatre spaces and environments. They extend the range of their skills across various professional performing spaces. They are industry ready and work from the beginning in a professional environment as a strong ensemble. Very high-quality and experienced industry leaders who still work in professional practice who are very industry connected.
Marcus Romer, Theatre and Film Director, quoted June 2023

Lots of students seen whirling about on stage during a production of Antigone

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU Scarborough directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

ukadmissions.cu@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUSCU060

International students should apply to CU Scarborough directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

cus@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Acting BA (Hons)

Course overview

Why you should study this course

Collaborations

Stephen Joseph Theatre

Acting at CU Scarborough

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Entry requirements

Acting Higher National Certificate (HNC)

Acting Higher National Diploma (HND)

Acting BA (Hons) degree

The audition process

Typical entry requirements

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

Acting Higher National Certificate (HNC)

Acting Higher National Diploma (HND)

Acting BA (Hons) degree

The audition process

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

How to apply

Your next steps

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