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The BA (Hons) Acting degree at University Centre Leeds provides comprehensive training in both contemporary and classical acting techniques, preparing students for performance across stage and screen. The course focuses on developing core skills in voice, movement, and characterisation, while encouraging creative collaboration through projects with other disciplines within the creative arts.
Students can explore a range of techniques for contexts within acting to include:
Physical Theatre – exploring advanced movement and physical performance skills such as contemporary dance, combat and martial arts, motion capture, and aerial circus techniques.
Contemporary Performance Practice – developing skills in radio and screen presenting, podcasting, and voice-over, with an emphasis on versatility across modern performance media.
By combining intensive practical training with professional development opportunities, Acting at University Centre Leeds equips students with the creative, physical, and technical skills needed to thrive as adaptable and industry-ready performers in today’s diverse performance landscape.
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), one of which would normally be in an Acting-related subject
GCSE English: English Language grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
Interviews / Audition: A successful audition and interview is required.
This course is specifically designed for people who want to become professional actors in contemporary performance practices, such as stage and screen and/or physical theatre. The course is intensive, practical and reflective of exactly what the industry requires of professional actors and performers. Students enjoy predominantly studio-based tuition spread over 4-5 days.
The course has lots of opportunities to engage with professional industry artists and for live and filmed public performances. If you want a career as a professional Actor, then this is the course for you.
This course is validated by Luminate Education Group
If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will need to apply through UCAS.
You will study a variety of acting styles that will help you progress a career in the professional industry.
You will study a variety of acting styles that will help you progress a career in the professional industry.
Year 1 (Level 4)
Stage Acting Fundamentals – 20 credits
Explore the craft of stage acting through voice, movement, and text-based performance. Develop imagination, confidence, and collaboration in ensemble work while discovering how technique and theory shape creative choices, building the skills and professionalism essential for success in training and live performance.
Voice and Movement in Practice – 20 credits
Discover how your voice and body bring performance to life. Through movement, contemporary dance, voice, and stage combat, you’ll build strength, flexibility, and expressive control, while developing discipline, reflection, and professional habits essential for confident, dynamic acting.
The Creative Professional – 20 credits
Discover what it means to be a creative professional. Explore industry roles, study inspiring practitioners, and develop your own career plan. Through reflection, networking, and goal setting, you’ll identify the skills and opportunities needed to shape your future in the creative industries.
Screen Acting Fundamentals – 20 credits
Discover the craft of screen acting through techniques such as Meisner, Adler, Mamet, and improvisation. Build confidence, subtlety, and technical skill for camera performance while developing professional communication and reflective practice, laying the groundwork for advanced study and a successful career in the screen and performance industries.
Voice and Movement in Performance – 40 credits
Explore voice and movement for classical and physical theatre through energetic, hands-on workshops. Build expressive range, confidence, and creativity as you integrate technique with imagination, culminating in performances that showcase your skill, collaboration, and professional artistry.
Year 2 (Level 5)
Collaboration – 20 credits
Experience the power of collaboration! Work with peers from different creative disciplines to develop innovative projects, expand your practice, and build a supportive professional network. Reflect on your learning and discover new ways to experiment and succeed in the creative industries.
Developing Your Creative Practice – 40 credits
Take your acting further in classical or physical theatre. Refine your skills, experiment with new collaborators, and explore stage and digital performance. Supported by mentorship, you’ll develop your artistic voice, professional networks, and confidence to take creative risks and shape your future in the performing arts.
Character Creation: Script, Voice and Motion Capture – 20 credits
Bring digital characters to life! Explore scriptwriting, voice, movement, and performance techniques for digital media, such as MoCap, animation, and games. Combine acting, storytelling, and technology to create expressive performances while building the skills needed to collaborate and succeed in the innovative world of digital performance.
Acting Techniques in Performance: Screen and Stage – 40 credits Take your acting further in screen and stage contexts. Explore techniques such as Meisner, Brecht, Stanislavski, and Shakespeare techniques while honing characterisation, vocal and physical expression, and adaptability. Gain experience in rehearsal and performance, developing professionalism, reflection, and collaboration essential for a career in acting.
Year 3 (Level 6)
The Commercial Actor – 20 credits
Explore the actor’s role in media, advertising, and digital platforms. Learn how performance, voice, and image shape audiences, and develop a professional digital portfolio, self-promotion skills, and critical awareness, preparing you to succeed in the dynamic world of commercial acting and contemporary performance.
Self-Producing Project – 40 credits
Become a self-producing artist! Develop a full project proposal for Arts Council England funding, including budgets, timelines, and supporting materials. Learn to plan, communicate, and present your artistic ideas professionally, gaining the skills to secure funding and make your creative projects a reality.
Developing Your Performance Pathways – 20 credits
Take the lead in classical or physical theatre performance. Direct and showcase your skills in a live stage project, applying advanced voice and movement techniques. Reflect on collaboration, creative choices, and professional practice while building confidence, creativity, and leadership for a career in performance.
Performance Showcase – 40 credits
Showcase your talent! Apply your acting and performance skills in public performances, demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and artistic identity. This module highlights your professional readiness and provides a platform to impress audiences and potential employers in the performing arts industry.
This is a highly practical course. Most of the assessments are practical performances.
The academic assessments focus on and reflect your practical work. All academic assessment methods reflect real life tasks done by Actors in the real world. Some examples of these tasks are reflective interviews, presentations, research reports and skills audits.
The course is predominantly delivered at Prime Studios, which is a thriving film and TV production and office facility located on Kirkstall Road, close to the city centre and other production sector businesses including ITV. The studio offers the film and television industry spaces for short or long-term rental. This makes for a very professional, mature and exciting place to study as Film and TV productions are being filmed in the same location as our course is delivered.
As well as Prime Studios, our students enjoy using our Mabgate Campus for academic studies, which is part of Leeds cultural quarter and the fully sprung dance studio space at our Park Lane campus.
With access to our exciting industry links and industry standard facilities, graduates will be perfectly positioned to break into this vibrant industry.
Job opportunities include:
Professional actor
Director
Producer of Theatre TV and Film
Public speaker and facilitator
Presenter
Freelance artist
Facilitator
This course delivers a wide range of skills required to work as a professional actor in all aspects of the industry.
A particular feature of this course is the focus on the actors' own Identity and how to use this to create authentic and original performances. Well being and fitness is a key element of the course allowing students to find a positive balance between high intensive performances and calm reflective practice. Students enjoy the close relationship between staff and peers that creates a bond for life and a place to belong.
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), one of which would normally be in an Acting-related subject
GCSE English: English Language grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
Interviews / Audition: A successful audition and interview is required.
For the latest version of the University Centre Leeds Regulations please click here.
Applications are open for 2026 entry.
To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.
You can also apply through UCAS.
For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.
Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)
For 2025 Entry: Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.
For 2026 Entry: Scholarship available £4,000 (GBP) all courses.
For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.
Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student
International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.
For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.
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Access your University Centre Leeds Prospectus now.
