Acting BA (Hons)

Study level: 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


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:

The Stephen Joseph Theatre

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

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

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

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
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.

My course tutor helped me secure a job with ARCADE and through that, I have now made my own personal industry connections.

Liam Farricker, Year 3, quoted June 2023
Liam Farricker

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.

Chat with us

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.

Chat with us


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.


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


Discover Uni stats