Acting - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry.
Apply your passion and complete your training at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – we offer drama school level training to mould you into a versatile actor and help you launch your career.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location Bournville
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2024
- Fees View course fees
- School Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- Faculty Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
[00:00:00] Speaker 1: Ruskin Hall is beautiful. It's set in Bournville in Birmingham, and it's a Quaker village, and it's so scenic. [00:00:10][9.9]
[00:00:10] Speaker 2: So what's nice about studying Ruskin, is that it sort of ties in with the structure of the course. So the structure of the course is that for year one, the first year is very much about having a laboratory. It's very much about bringing you into a safe space where you can start to feel comfortable and confident to make mistakes. And so you also want a space which is focussed and concentrated, and you can just go from class to class to subject to subject just in between being able to have a common room space, to have some breakout spaces and chat and recharge and go to your next class. [00:00:48][37.6]
[00:00:49] Speaker 3: It's a really nice it's a really nice building. And like the windows, we see a lot of trees. [00:00:54][4.7]
[00:00:55] Speaker 3: And there's it's a real sense of community here as well. [00:00:58][2.8]
[00:00:58] Speaker 1: We're all just a family and it feels great coming in every morning knowing that everyone I'm going to be interacting with is a friend. [00:01:06][7.3]
[00:01:06] Speaker 2: It is quite a quiet, playful, exploratory time. And so for that, all you need is a safe place to explore yourself and the work and get to know your colleagues. [00:01:20][13.4]
[00:01:21] Speaker 3: It's a really nice environment. I look forward to coming in every day. [00:01:21][0.0]
[75.8]
Apply your passion and complete your training at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – we offer drama school level training to mould you into a versatile actor and help you launch your career.
Our BA (Hons) Acting is designed to develop you practically, personally and professionally and prepare you for this challenging industry. We have carefully designed a contemporary course that will train you for a creative career in front of a stage, screen or radio audience. You will receive specialist training in voice, movement and singing, graduating with the skill and aptitude to take on the exciting and dynamic world of the dramatic arts.
According to the Guardian League Table 2024, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's acting and performance provision is the 2nd in the UK (drama and dance category).
This course equips you with the skills you need to become a professional actor; continually stretching and challenging you to reach new levels of personal achievement and self-discovery. As a vocational actor training course, full commitment and attendance would be expected.
Applications still open for September 2024 entry. Apply now!
What's covered in this course?
Complete your training in a supportive environment alongside your dedicated peers. With a proactive attitude you will achieve the high-standard of skill and adaptability that is required of professional actors in the industry today
Your classes will mainly be studio-based sessions, focusing on the practical application of acting, voice, movement and singing. For some modules you will have timetabled rehearsal time, where you will work in groups to produce material.
During the final year of your training you will get the opportunity to make a showreel, perform showcases to industry professionals, and be cast in professional productions staged in external theatres. In the first two years you will apply and develop your skills, getting regular opportunities to perform to your peer group and to invited audiences.
You can find our graduates all over the industry
Graduates of this course have gone on to craft successful and inspiring careers across the entire spectrum of the industry, including actors such as Rob Mallard – best known for his role in Coronation Street for which he won the award for Best Newcomer at the 2017 British Soap Awards, and Helen George, who played Trixie Franklin in Call the Midwife. Airing in early 2017, new Channel 4 comedy from the producers of Father Ted Derry Girls stars 2011 graduate Nicola Coughlan.
Our graduates can also be found on stage in musicals, for example Dominic Hartley Harris has appeared in the West End in Bat out of Hell and Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, and Lewis Howard played the Heart of Joey in War Horse. Our graduates are flexible and entrepreneurial, and in some cases have gone on to start their own companies – Theatre 63, a theatre company founded by our graduates, was nominated for the National Student Drama Festival (NSDF) 2017 Edinburgh Award. We also produce successful writers and directors – playwright Charlene James has won a number of awards, including for her well-received play Cuttin It, and Gemma Colclough directed The Hunting of the Snark at the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End.
Will I be famous?
Who knows! We aim to transform you into a confident performer and practitioner with a diverse skills base who recognises your own talent and creative ability. This course encourages you to create a well-informed working process that is supported by practice, theory and reflection. You will learn to create opportunities for yourself through a forward-thinking attitude, and engage with the course both intellectually and creatively.
You will engage immediately with full-time training and a high level of contact hours. The course is demanding and energetic, allowing you to explore your full potential in an inspiring yet challenging environment; applying your passion to become the best that you can be.
You never know where the training will take you, but every pathway is unique and wonderful. I loved my time at RBC; it’s not only a cracking training, it’s a unique family of likeminded individuals that supports and uplifts each student to achieve their best in an industry we all love!
Seb Yates Cridland
Matthew Underhill
Despite an ongoing battle with Crohn’s disease, Matthew secured his spot at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire after just two auditions. He now feels ready to face the future as a trained actor.
Read in fullWhy Choose Us?
- We’re ranked 2nd in the UK for Drama and Dance (Guardian League Table 2024).
- Our tutors have vast, and notable experience, both in the UK and internationally. Staff have worked with well-known individuals, projects and companies such as the BBC, the RSC, West End stars, British repertory and festival theatres.
- We are proud to be a part of Birmingham City University, where, as a student you are not only part of a Conservatoire but also a member of the Federation of Drama Schools.
- You’ll have the opportunity to enhance your industry awareness by getting involved with our Curzon Street Studios team in a wide range of production and film projects, including working on gigs and commercials for professional football clubs and high-profile industry giants such as Sony, Disney and Microsoft.
- Graduates of the BA (Hons) Acting course have successful careers as actors, writer and directors.
- On TV you will see our graduates appearing in programmes such as Peaky Blinders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders, WPC53, Call the Midwife, Holby City, The Royal, and Shameless, among many more.
- Study at our new home at the idyllic Ruskin Hall in Bourneville, a stone’s throw away from the famous Cadbury World.
- You can find our versatile graduates performing at prestigious venues such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the National Theatre, and we are always well represented at festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe.
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
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2024/25.
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.
64 UCAS tariff points
Applicants will also need to complete an audition for this course; see audition arrangements below.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
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: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2024/25
- Apply via UCAS
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: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £19,020 in 2024/25
- Apply via UCAS
UCAS main deadline date 25 January 2023, 18:00 (UK time) – please note that applications submitted after the main deadline date will still be considered for the 2023 intake
How to apply
Please read our information on the audition process before making your application. We charge an audition/recording fee of £46, which must be paid prior to audition and covers the entire audition process.
Guidance on how to complete your application form for BA (Hons) Acting
You will need to apply through UCAS Conservatoire which can be accessed through our website under the ‘How to Apply’ tab within your selected course page. You will need to provide information on your previous and current education, employment and English language ability, as well as a personal statement and a referee.
You can find guidance on how to prepare for an Initial Audition by visiting the page below. You can also find Recall Audition guidance if you are successful in your Initial Audition.
If you are applying from outside the UK/EU and are not able to attend an audition in the UK, you may wish to submit an online audition.
Audition Guidance (International Applicants)
Should you experience any problems please send an email to our Acting Admissions team, stating your name and date of application.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year one
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The student actor needs a firm understanding of the basic core principles, which support a successful performance. This module allows for an initial understanding and practice of the theoretical elements of creating and communicating a character, as used by contemporary practitioners. The student actor needs to harness and develop his or her imaginative powers, narrative skills, improvisational skills and develop the ability to engage with detailed text analysis in order to satisfy the artistic and professional requirements of their roles in performance.
The module therefore aims to introduce you to a range of strategies, both practical and theoretical to achieve this objective.
This module will offer students the opportunity to study the areas necessary to underpin their acting in voice, singing and movement techniques.
Students will be encouraged to let go of their habitual patterns of vocal and movement work, and will receive specialised teaching from experts in the field to support this. This letting go of habitual choices can help the actor connect truthfully to the emotional and physical content of future acting roles.
The student actor needs to practice the essential core technical skills of acting, voice and movement within a ‘rehearsal’ environment. This modules aims to provide the student with the opportunity to exercise themselves within a rehearsal environment, encouraging the individual to take responsibility for his or her learning and begin the development of a personal working system that will extend beyond graduation. The student will be encouraged to develop an attitude to work that fosters professionalism based on a personal code of practice.
Students will rehearse with a director in part-year groups. Directors and group members will change each term. There is one project per term which is selected from a variety of historical and/or cultural sources and/or performance genre.
Year two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module will consolidate and advance work completed in year one, giving opportunities to explore texts and rehearsal techniques in detail, employing a variety of approaches and with a range of media as used by contemporary practitioners resulting in the deepening, extending and integration of the students acting technique.
Working in groups within a studio environment, students will engage in tutor led study of a variety of current acting methodologies appropriate for the different media of acting for stage, screen and microphone. The student’s development of a personal working system will be advanced by researching, rehearsing and presenting a range of suitably challenging material appropriate to the given medium. This will include solo work or work with another student or students as appropriate. Students will gain experience of working in front of a camera and/or microphone. The viewing of and listening to their own recorded material, feedback and discussion will assist in the study and consideration of performance choices. Students will undertake a variety of seminars, workshops and tutorials as applicable around the different areas of work and/or experience in the recorded media industries, i.e., green screen, motion capture, voice over, etc.
This module will offer students the opportunity to further develop the disciplines necessary to underpin their acting in voice, singing and movement techniques. Attention to these areas of support for the actor is an open-ended activity.
Having gained an awareness of their physicality and of the individual potential in their voice, singing and movement, the actor is required to develop further skills in order to be able to respond to a wide range of textual, physical and emotional demands. In addition the acoustic demands of a variety of performance spaces and the requirements of characterisation, physical and vocal transformation are considered.
To further develop the work of year one, the student actor needs to continue to practice, within a rehearsal and performance experience, to integrate the skills of acting, voice, movement and singing (as/when appropriate) into a holistic characterisation. This module provides an opportunity to rehearse on a selection of material that continues the development of a personal working system that will extend beyond graduation, through the development of a professional attitude to work and a personal working System. The student actor also needs the opportunity to perform live in front of an audience and to learn and develop his/her characterisation, relationship to other actors/characters and the audience through successive performances. This module aims to provide the student with at least 3 performance opportunities for each performance Exercise.
Year three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The student actor needs opportunities to bring together, through rehearsal, the skills of acting, voice, movement and singing (where appropriate), into a fully integrated performance for a public audience. Students need to develop the ability to sustain a performance, and to adjust to the demands of different audience and performance venues and to work to industry standards/expectations.
Within this module you will normally rehearse and perform up to three productions (two in Autumn term, one in Spring). A designated number of rehearsal weeks will be assigned to each production to give a broad experience of differing rehearsal demands. Additionally the number of performances may vary in order to develop your awareness of the demands of sustaining a performance. You will be exposed to a variety of material, directors, rehearsal styles, and production concepts and be expected to meet the demands of differing audiences across a selection of professional performance venues. This module aims to provide the student with a simulation of professional working practices within the theatre industry.
Much of an actor’s work is in the fields of Film, TV, Audio and Audio-Visual production. An actor has to be equipped to work at the highest level at auditions and on set, on location and the studio. In part year groupings you will gain practical experience in preparation, rehearsal and recording of both screen and radio pieces, working with the ensemble, a director and/or relevant technical personnel leading to the undertaking of two separate assessments, one for screen, and one for radio, which are equally weighted.
To enter the acting profession, student actors need access to the relevant employment “gatekeepers”, such as agents, casting directors, artistic directors etc. This module facilitates preparation to meet said gatekeepers through audition/ to a professional audience (showcase), normally both in Birmingham and London. It also facilitates preparation of a portfolio of audition material (spoken and sung) for future auditions.
Students also need the knowledge and skills to launch themselves as a self-employed business called ‘actor’. This module aims to develop these basic freelance personal management skills. In group lectures, workshops, seminars students will gain professional advice and guidance from tutors and relevant industry professionals and specialists. As well as traditional lectures, students may engage in problem-based tasks, question and answer sessions, private research, and work using supplied templates to production a Business Portfolio that will support their initial transition into work.
Download course specification
Download nowCourse Structure
Throughout the course you will be taught through a series of modules. These modules will each cover a different aspect of the acting field, teaching you a diverse, yet specialised combination of knowledge and skill. Take a look at these monologues by our third year actors to get a sense of how far they have come in three years of training.
Mara Huf
Mara is a dual American and German citizen living in London. She graduated from the BRIT School of performing arts before completing her training at RBC. After graduating Mara signed to Jewell Wright Ltd and appeared in the FDS showcase in New York City, which showcased the variety and depths of talent of recent graduates of the top UK Drama Schools.
Shobat Kadara
Birmingham born Shobat appeared in 'Trojan Horse' at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe which was named as the third best show overall. The play also won the Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award and a Scotsman Fringe First award. Based on real-life events that saw several Birmingham schools being investigated following claims of ‘hardline' Muslim teachers and governors plotting to control them, Trojan Horse depicts a community torn apart by racial division, British values and the culture of the counterterrorism strategy known as Prevent.
Nicole Miners
Originally from Hong Kong, Nicole's favourite project since graduating has been the research and development for Yellow Earth's 'Forgotten' at the Arcola Theatre: "It was such an amazing experience working with so many amazingly talented East Asian actors and creatives, and I can't wait to see the finished product soon!" Nicole is signed with Simon & How Associates.
Student stories
Brennan Reece
Brennan Reece has put his experience of performing to good use, enjoying a successful career as an award-winning stand-up comedian. Since winning the English Comedian of the Year Award in 2015 Brennan has appeared on TV in comedy shows such as 'Live at the Apollo', and was the narrator of the series 'Survival of the Fittest.' In 2018 he took his third solo show 'Evermore' on tour and received 5 star reviews.
Gillian MacGregor
Originally from the West of Scotland, award winning actress Gillian MacGregor's credits include adventure western 'The Stolen', critically acclaimed Sci-Fi drama 'Beyond', 'A Lonely Place to Die', 'Street Fighter: Resurrection' and 'Nikola Tesla and the End of the World' for which she won the Best Actress award at the 31st International Valencia Film festival.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
Through studying the theory and practice of key acting processes you will be equipped with the skills expected of a contemporary actor. You’ll be able to engage critically and creatively, mapping out the performance possibilities of a production text.
The course will teach you the necessary skill to perform as an actor to a professional standard, fully preparing you to pursue a professional career in acting.
Throughout the programme you will develop a firm, theoretical knowledge and practical skills base to build your ability to perform professionally. You’ll learn how to be proactive in creating employment opportunities and you will be able to successfully operate in a professional theatrical environment.
You will develop the ability to apply background research skills and enquiry methods to support and enrich performance. You will be able to blend the theory and practice of acting processes, integrating this into your performance and relating it to media industries. Therefore you will be thoroughly prepared, with the confidence and competency to take on live, radio and screen roles.
In addition to this you will be encouraged to respond creatively and imaginatively to source material. This will help you think proactively, responding to the demands of industry, as well as specifically being able to relate this to acting forms such as improvisation. Through the development of an open-minded attitude to all kinds of drama and performance you will be well equipped to tackle and succeed in various roles.
Throughout the course there are opportunities to compete in various industry competitions, including the Carleton Hobbs Competition for Radio, organised by the BBC, the Sam Wanamaker Festival at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London, and the Sondheim Performer of the Year Competition, organised by the Society for West End Theatres.
Recent graduates are currently employed with The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, The BBC and Independent Television, and in film (see Alumni Section).
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.
Performances
Students regularly perform at professional theatres across the West Midlands, including The Birmingham Central Library Theatre; Crescent Theatre; Hippodrome Studio (Patrick Centre); The Old Rep Theatre and The Drum.
Our staff
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 DanièleStephen Simms
Vice Principal - Acting, Professor of Actor Education
Stephen is the Vice Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire - Acting, one of the UK's leading conservatoires of acting, where he is also the Head of Acting. He is also Professor of Actor Education, the only person to hold this position in the country. He directs and teaches on the acting courses at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Recent...
More about Stephen