Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London

Swiss Cottage

Location: City

About us

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is a small specialist institution of performing arts within the University of London. Central has a long history of educating and training leading performance practitioners, with extensive connections across the creative industries.

Central’s courses are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and cover the entire breadth of creative and performing arts, from performance to production, from applied theatre to drama therapy, and from sound design to writing for film and television.

Our mission is to inspire, educate and train the performers, practitioners and change-makers of tomorrow. We encourage collaboration, experimentation and innovation to ensure graduates are forward-thinking and prepared to enter the industry as a specialist in their discipline. Our students are passionate, daring and committed. As a community, we aim to shape the future of theatre and performing arts

What makes us different

Our courses are unique in offering individualised training in specialist disciplines across the spectrum of performing arts. Central graduates are not generalists, but experts in their chosen field, whether that be sound design, acting, prop making or drama facilitation.

Our courses allow students to gain practical, hands-on experience from their first day. With small class sizes, first class facilities and teaching from some of the industry’s leading practitioners, students can benefit from bespoke training in a safe and nurturing environment, so they graduate prepared to enter the industry.

Based in Swiss Cottage, north London, our campus is situated amongst a hub of creativity; with the Hampstead Theatre located directly opposite, and only moments away from London’s West End, our students have access to the latest opportunities, culture and nightlife the capital has to offer.

Throughout my degree, I had amazing placement opportunities ranging from month-long school tours in New Zealand to a three-month placement at Theatre Royal Stratford East, which in turn propelled my career in theatre. Whilst at Central, I was introduced to industry professionals who have since become mentors and colleagues.

Shereen Jasmin Phillips

Graduated 2010, playwright and community arts producer who has worked in the creative learning departments of the Lyric Hammersmith and Hackney Empire.

Open days

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London - Postgraduate Open Evening

22 May 2024, 17:00 • Postgraduate

London