Acting

Michael Peavoy
Michael trained at RADA (2010), beginning his career at the National Theatre (Hamlet) before leading roles in the West End and major regional theatres including the Royal Exchange and Octagon Bolton. Screen work includes The Five, Lewis, The Musketeers and multiple BBC dramas. His teaching combines conservatoire rigour with inclusive, student-centred practice.
Rachel Austin
Rachel is an actor, voice artist, and audio producer. Her theatre includes work at the Royal Exchange, 59E59 New York, Liverpool Everyman, Oldham Coliseum and the New Vic. Screen credits include Sightseers and Coronation Street; radio includes extensive BBC Radio 4 drama, including Black Roses, Brief Lives, and Queens of the Coal Age.
Marie Mair
Marie specialises in acting methodologies and screen work. Her professional credits include BAFTA-winning dramas In the Flesh, Don’t Take My Baby, and See No Evil, as well as major theatre productions at the Young Vic, West End, Bristol Old Vic, Derby Playhouse, and Oldham Coliseum.
Simon Jones
Simon’s movement work draws on Laban, Chekhov, Grotowski, and contemporary dance practices, made accessible through applied physical storytelling. Professionally, he has worked with the RSC, National Theatre, Frantic Assembly, and toured internationally. He co-runs Jennifer Jackson Productions, creating physically driven, community-led theatre.
Paul Broughton
Paul began acting in his 30s, training in Liverpool before roles at the National Theatre, Royal Court, Abbey Theatre, and West End. TV credits include Dr Who, Brookside, Spooks, and Casualty. Paul teaches screen acting informed by Meisner and Strasberg, championing instinct, spontaneity, and craft development.
James Mair
Jim trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, his stage work includes productions at the Young Vic, Lyric Hammersmith, Almeida, and regional repertory theatres. Screen work spans Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Heartbeat and more.

• 96 UCAS tariff points

• If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.

• We strongly recommend that all applicants have GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades A*-C or level 9-4.

• Full level 3 qualification in a relevant subject

Applicants from outside the specific subject area may be asked to submit a portfolio or attend an interview demonstrating their suitability for the programme.
Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) who may not hold a qualification, that can demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge, will be considered and may be invited to interview.
All applicants must undertake a successful audition, comprising a group workshop, presentation of a prepared speech, and interview.

Year 1: Acting Fundamentals (40 credits)
This module builds the foundations of your acting craft. Through practical scene work, text exploration and structured exercises, you learn how objectives, actions, given circumstances and imagination come together to shape believable, grounded characters. You begin to develop a repeatable acting process that you can rely on in any rehearsal room, supported by work on connection, listening, emotional truth and responding to dramatic situation. The module also introduces core rehearsal discipline: preparation, focus, curiosity, and the ability to collaborate openly with others. By the end of the year you’ll have a confident grasp of the essential tools actors use worldwide and the beginnings of your own artistic voice and process.

Year 1: Expanded Acting Practice (20 credits)
An introduction to acting for screen, audio and digital formats. You learn the fundamentals of working with cameras and microphones: eyelines, framing, continuity, technical vocabulary and on-set etiquette. Short filmed scenes, self-tapes and audio tasks help you understand how your craft translates into recorded environments, where small adjustments in intention, breath and focus make a significant difference. Playback sessions help you analyse your work with clarity. This module ensures you feel confident stepping into both live and recorded media from the start of your training.

Year 1: Skills for the Actor (40 credits)
Training focuses on the body and voice as the actor’s primary tools. You develop grounding, alignment, breath support, articulation, resonance, clarity and the ability to use your body expressively and safely. Voice and movement specialists help you build habits that support stamina, freedom and long-term wellbeing. You explore how physicality and vocal choices deepen character work, learning to integrate breath, body and voice to support truthful performance and dynamic storytelling. This module gives you the technical foundations required for more complex text and media work in later years.

Year 1: The Creative Impulse (20 credits)
This module expands your sense of play, spontaneity and creativity. Through improvisation, devising, clowning, storytelling and ensemble work, you learn to trust your instincts and respond with freedom and imagination. It encourages curiosity, risk-taking and the joy of discovery, all vital for a sustainable acting practice. You explore how creative ideas emerge, how to collaborate generously within an ensemble and how to tap into your unique artistic impulses, becoming braver, more flexible and more inventive.

Year 2: Classical Text (20 credits)
You work with heightened text and classical traditions, exploring verse, rhetoric and the physical demands of stylised language. You learn how breath, thought and vocal structure shape character and storytelling, moving from analysis into embodied performance. This module builds your confidence with elevated language and prepares you for the demands of classical theatre and heightened text while ensuring the work stays human and connected.

Year 2: Contemporary Text (20 credits)
This module focuses on modern plays and contemporary writers and a contemporary form. You explore social, political and psychological complexity, learning to inhabit characters with depth and nuance. Rehearsals mirror professional processes with growing expectations around preparation, research and autonomy. You learn to work with ensemble dynamics, directorial vision and the specific demands of contemporary dramaturgy, strengthening your confidence with complex, current material.

Year 2: Digital and Recorded Media (40 credits)
A substantial, technically rich module focusing on advanced screen and audio work. You explore working on camera in greater detail, continuity, shot sizes, close-up detail, self-taping, audio drama, computer games, voiceover technique and ensemble microphone work. Simulated professional filming and recording environments allow you to experience fast-paced direction, short turnaround takes and crew collaboration. You learn to scale performance for varied media and maintain emotional truth under technical pressure, significantly strengthening your employability in today’s industry.

Year 2: Embedded Skills for the Actor (40 credits)
This module deepens your vocal and physical training while strengthening your ability to apply those skills in rehearsal and performance. You refine dexterity, stamina, expressivity and integration, using your technical foundation to support more demanding text and character work. You learn to adapt your technique across classical, contemporary and recorded tasks and sustain embodied choices with clarity and consistency, becoming a resilient, adaptable, technically secure performer.

Year 3: Ensemble and Showcase Performance (40 credits)
Combining a company project with the creation of your professional showcase, this module develops high-level collaboration and self-presentation. The ensemble work strengthens your ability to respond to complex rehearsal processes and contribute to a shared creative vision. Alongside this, you curate showcase material that reflects your casting potential and artistic identity, preparing to present your work to agents, casting directors and industry guests.

Year 3: Industry Preparation (20 credits)
This module supports your transition into the profession. You create an industry-standard portfolio including Spotlight and marketing materials, CV, headshots, self-tapes and an audio reel. Workshops with agents, casting directors and industry specialists give you insight into freelance life, networking, audition practice, financial organisation, safety and wellbeing. By graduation, you’ll have a clear sense of your next steps and a practical toolkit ready for real-world use.

Year 3: Public Performances (40 credits)
You rehearse and perform in two fully realised public productions, working with professional directors and creative teams. These productions demand autonomy, stamina, adaptability and full ownership of your rehearsal process. You learn to sustain nuanced performance across a run and meet the expectations of directors, designers and public audiences. This is your first true experience of performing at professional scale and pace.

Year 3: Screen (20 credits)
A focused, advanced screen module preparing you for professional film and television work. You explore subtle emotional detail, internal storytelling, genre shifts and the technical expectations of a modern set. Scenes are filmed under production-style conditions with opportunities for multiple takes and crew collaboration. You learn to articulate your process, take direction efficiently and deliver truthful work under technical constraints, producing high-quality showreel material.

Assessment on the BA (Hons) Acting degree reflects real industry practice. Most of your assessment happens through practical work including rehearsal processes, showings, performances, and filmed or recorded tasks, so we can see your technique, imagination and professionalism in action. At earlier levels, assessment focuses on how you apply core skills, collaborate, respond to direction and develop consistency. In your final year, assessment mirrors professional expectations through public productions, screen projects, showcase work and the creation of your industry portfolio. Feedback is regular, clear and practical, helping you understand your progress and supporting continuous artistic and professional growth.

All the books required for the course are available from the library. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 each year for books and printing.
Clothing approx. £60
Travel/Accommodation contribution for 3rd Year London Showcase: Approx £75

Students will be expected to fund and organise headshots in their third year and be responsible for payment of Spotlight and equity memberships. It is recommended students take advantage of the local theatre scene and prioritise funds to watch local productions.