A performer's silhouette on a grand theatre stage with dramatic cyan and purple stage lighting, representing the aspirational goal of a career in acting

DEGREE GUIDE

Acting

What do Acting degrees involve?

Acting degrees teach you how to develop performance skills, interpret scripts, and bring characters to life on stage and screen. You will explore key areas such as voice and movement, improvisation, acting techniques, stagecraft, and screen performance. These courses help you build confidence, creativity, and adaptability while learning about different styles of performance, from classical theatre to contemporary drama. You will also gain hands-on experience through live productions, filmed performances, and workshops with industry professionals. With practical training, industry connections, and opportunities to refine your craft, you’ll graduate prepared for careers in theatre, film, television, and voice acting.

Example
Modules

Acting Techniques: Explore various acting methodologies, including Stanislavski's system and contemporary practices, to develop a versatile performance skill set.

Voice and Speech: Develop vocal strength, clarity, and versatility through exercises focused on breath control, articulation, and phonetics.

Movement for Actors: Enhance physical awareness and expressiveness by studying movement disciplines such as dance, stage combat, and physical theatre.

Common Degree Names

BA (Hons) Acting
BA (Hons) Acting & Performance
BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen
BA (Hons) Acting and Musical Theatre
BA (Hons) Acting and Screenwriting

💼 Some courses include an industry showcase or short professional placements.
🌍 Study abroad is not commonly offered for Acting degrees.

A theatre script with highlighted lines and handwritten performance notes, with makeup brushes and costume fabric in the background, showing the preparation and craft behind acting

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Acting degrees focus more on your talent and enthusiasm than on specific subjects. You don't need to have studied Drama to apply – but it can definitely help.

Subjects that can help:

Drama or Theatre Studies – gives you performance experience and grounding in techniques
English Literature – useful for analysing scripts and understanding texts
Other creative or essay-based subjects – Music, Dance, History, or Media Studies show communication skills

✨ Your commitment to acting and performance potential matter most. Don't worry if you've taken a different route – show your passion through experience.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts or Acting
T-Level in not typically accepted for this course
Cambridge Pre-U with relevant subjects accepted
IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) with a performing arts pathway

Always check specific entry requirements on each university's website.

Level 2 (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most acting courses ask for:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)

English is particularly important as you’ll be reading scripts, writing reflections, and expressing ideas clearly.

🎬 If your school offers Drama or Theatre, taking it can be a great introduction—but it’s not a requirement. Involvement in school plays, drama clubs, or local theatre also shows valuable experience.

🎭 Auditions
Almost all acting courses require an audition. This is usually the most important part of your application. You might be asked to perform one or two monologues and possibly take part in a group workshop. Some schools will also ask you to talk about your passion for acting.

💬 Interviews
Many drama schools and universities include a short interview alongside your audition. This is a chance to discuss your training goals and what inspires you—not a formal academic test.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no written exams or admissions tests for acting degrees.

🔍 DBS Checks
These aren’t usually needed just for entry. However, if your course includes working with young people (e.g. in schools or community theatre), your university may organise one later on.

If you’re passionate about acting but don’t meet the usual entry criteria, there are still lots of routes into a degree:

🌱 Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts
Many students start with a one-year foundation course in Acting or Theatre. These courses build your skills and confidence, especially if you need time to develop a stronger portfolio or audition pieces.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Performing Arts)
This is a great option if you’re returning to education or didn’t follow the A-level route. It’s widely accepted for acting-related degrees.

💼 Level 3 Creative Apprenticeships
While rare for performers, apprenticeships in backstage roles (like theatre production or technical theatre) can help you enter the industry and may support applications for future study. Some universities accept relevant apprenticeships combined with performance experience and a strong audition.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in an Acting degree

Performing Arts: Build confidence and express yourself creatively through acting and performance.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Clearly express ideas and emotions, both on stage and off.
Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: Understand different characters and connect deeply with diverse emotions and experiences.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Learn to work closely and effectively with cast and crew in rehearsals and performances.
Adaptability & Resilience: Become skilled at adapting quickly to feedback, changing scripts, and new performance challenges.
Creative Thinking & Innovation: Explore new ideas, improvisation techniques, and unique ways to engage your audience.
Self-Reflection & Personal Development: Continuously improve your skills through feedback, reflection, and practice.
Organisation & Time Management: Effectively manage rehearsals, auditions, performances, and study commitments.
Problem-Solving: Learn to quickly address unexpected challenges during live performances or rehearsals.
Attention to Detail: Develop precision in character portrayal, stage presence, and script interpretation.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make an Acting degree a good match for you

Careers an Acting degree could lead you to