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Acting

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
City Campus Manchester

Course summary

FOR THE GRAFTERS, THE CURIOUS, THE BOLD. The BA (Hons) Acting course is an intensive, craft focused degree for performers who want rigorous, high-contact training and the skills to build sustainable careers across stage, screen, audio and emerging digital media. Taught by specialist practitioners and industry professionals, it’s designed for bold, curious, hard-working actors who thrive in the rehearsal room and want to join Manchester’s fast-growing creative landscape. Across three years, you develop a sophisticated acting craft, grounded vocal and physical technique, and the professional behaviours required in today’s evolving industry. Training starts with the essential languages of the actor - voice, movement, text, imagination and presence - before expanding into screen acting, audio drama, digital performance and collaborative projects. Graduates leave as adaptable, technically secure and creatively independent performers, confident across theatre, film, TV and digital media. From week one you work in a professional rehearsal culture: around 30 contact hours per week, regular voice and movement, ensemble practice, filmed scenes, audio work, projects, showings and public performances. Tutorials, coaching and reflective practice strengthen your artistic identity and readiness for industry.
• Year 1- GRAFT: foundations in authentic acting, vocal and physical technique, building character, creative play and early film and media technique.
• Year 2 - DEVELOP: deeper textual understanding, greater technical range, versatility across media and growing creative independence.
• Year 3 - DELIVER: public productions, screen and audio projects, showcase and a complete professional portfolio. This degree is for performers who want rigorous training in an inclusive, supportive environment that values individuality, craft and imagination. If you’re ready to work with commitment and curiosity, and explore the full stretch of your creative potential, your training begins here.

Assessment method

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.

How to apply

This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W410
Institution code:
M10
Campus name:
City Campus Manchester
Campus Code:
M

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Equivalent Level 4 or 5 required to be considered for Year 2/3 entry.

International applicants

UCEN Manchester is unable to consider international applications due to UKVI regulations.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 96 points

Full level 3 qualification in a related subject We strongly recommend that all applicants have GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades A*-C or level 9-4. If English is not the first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent, is required.

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.

Additional entry requirements

Audition
Interview

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 6 other performing arts courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

28% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

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 Headshot in 3rd year: Approx £150 - £300 Spotlight Membership in 3rd Year: approx. £112 (+vat) Independent trips to theatre: £100 (recommended) 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.

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