Foundation Course in Acting - Foundation - 2025/26 Entry

Overview

This course allows you to learn the secrets of a successful audition, alongside voice, movement, dance and acting classes.

The Foundation Course in Acting will give you a broad foundation in performance techniques and methods, and will be invaluable to anyone wanting to go to Drama School or take up a place on a performance course at University. It is also available to those who want to expand their experience in acting before applying. Former students have gone on to train at a variety of drama schools in the UK and in the USA.

Professional Workshops at Shakespeare's Globe
Audition Preparation for Acting and Singing in Small Tutorial Groups
Level 3 Qualification: Students are awarded between 24 and 30 points depending on their exam result.

Please note: The Foundation Course in Acting course does not qualify for Student Loans Company funding/finance for fees or living expenses. However payment plans are available.

This course is open to International students.

Why Choose Us?

A course aimed at committed and enthusiastic young people, who have a passion for acting and who want to improve their experience level.
Studying on the foundation year will guarantee an audition for our BA Acting course at no extra cost.
The University is the largest producer of creative professionals outside the South East.
As part of the course, you would usually be entered for a performance exam that is assessed by an external body which can contribute up to 30 UCAS points (depending on the value placed on the course by the institution(s) to which you are applying, and your assessment result).
Former students have gone on to train at a variety of drama schools in the UK and in the USA.

Open Day

Join us on campus where you'll be able to explore our facilities and accommodation in person, and chat to staff and students from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Next Open Day: 6 June 2024

Book your place

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

No previous qualifications are necessary.

Applicants will need to complete an audition for this course; see audition arrangements below.

English language requirements: International and EU students will require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student
International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: Foundation

Starting: Sep 2025

Full Time
20 weeks
£6,760 in 2025/26
Register interest

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: Foundation

Starting: Sep 2025

Full Time
20 weeks
£7,470 in 2025/26
Register interest

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Specialist equipment (mandatory)

This course requires the purchase of specialist equipment.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Please apply by clicking the ‘Apply online’ button above.

Applicants are required to attend an audition workshop. The workshop consists of ‘getting to know you’ improvisation and devising tasks, some text and song work and general workshop practices. We would also like you to have a one-minute contemporary monologue prepared, but please note that you may not be asked to perform this.

Applicants who apply online will be invited to a workshop. See workshop dates and further information.

Guidance for applicants

Enquiries

T: +44 (0)121 331 7563
E: acting.admissions@bcu.ac.uk

We have Frequently Asked Questions sections relating to applying to drama school and to auditioning.

You are not required to submit a portfolio for this course.

Course in Depth

Full time

The 20-week full-time programme includes two terms of 10 weeks. The course is made up of a combination of classes, workshops and projects, in addition to external masterclasses and workshops:

The full-time pathway is delivered over an average of around 30 hours per week, although this can vary from week-to-week.

Employability

While many students will want to move on to train for careers in performance, the course offers a unique experience and transferable skills that will be useful in many walks of life.

Some students have gone on to gain places at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to continue their training, while others have gone on to a host of other UK and American drama schools, including:

Bristol Old Vic
Guildford School of Acting (GSA)
East 15
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Rose Bruford
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
LIPA
Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Theatre School)
ALRA
Oxford School of Drama
American Academy of Dramatic Art
Stella Adler

International

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
Learn where to find financial support for your studies.

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

The School of Acting is based at Ruskin Hall in Bournville, although students can also benefit from a range of performance spaces around the city. As a part of the Arts, Design and Media faculty, we also have access to facilities at the Parkside Building, which boasts state-of-the-art radio and television studios, edit suites, photography studios, and much more.

View video transcription

BA Applied Theatre performance three actors

Our staff

Robert Miles

Course Director for Foundation in Acting, Head of Singing

Rob is a musician and works as a composer, arranger, musical director and vocal coach. He established, and now runs, his own prestigious vocal ensemble in addition to holding a senior residency at Birmingham School of Acting where he is Head of Singing and Course Director for the Foundation in Acting course.He is also an academic...

More about Robert

Danièle Sanderson

Head of Undergraduate Studies (Acting); BA (Hons) Acting Course director

Danièle started life as a Drama student, training at the Drama Centre, London. She followed her interest in the body and actor by training in Physical theatre both in London and in Paris. After working for 10 years as a freelance actor and movement director, her interest turned to directing and she gained a Masters in Theatre Directing from...

More about Danièle