The BA (Hons) Acting course is undergoing re-validation to ensure we are delivering the very best training, in line with industry standards. The re-validation process will take place in autumn 2022 and will influence the course which will be taught from September 2023.
The information on this page reflects the course being offered to students starting the BA (Hons) Acting in September 2022.
Course Overview
Through intensive practical and performance-based training, this course enables you to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to sustain a career in professional theatre and its related industries. The training develops students’ physical resources – voice and movement – enabling them to respond to the wide range of demands made upon the modern actor. Rather than adhering to any single philosophy of actor training, the course seeks to bring many influences to bear on your work, encouraging you to be able to make informed choices about various approaches.
First year modules introduce professional rehearsal practice and explore fundamental approaches to acting through daily classes and rehearsals. You will receive a thorough introduction to voice and text work, movement skills and singing. You will also begin to investigate the specific practices and demands of the film and television industry.
Through second year modules, you will explore accent and dialect work, develop your individual song repertoire, explore physical theatre and learn a series of dance sequences. Performance-based projects introduce the world and language of Shakespeare, approaches to comedy, musical theatre and radio acting. Further training in acting for screen culminates in the realisation of short films.
End of Year Assessments take place early in the summer term of the first and second years, requiring you to devise and perform an original piece of work in front of an audience of staff and peers.
In the third year, you will be given the opportunity to assimilate, develop and integrate the skills acquired in the first two years, through rehearsal and performance of a series of full-length plays under professional working conditions, as part of the Richard Burton Company. Each student will undertake five consecutive performance modules, encountering a variety of roles, styles and venues.
Throughout the course, you will take part in a series of practical classes and seminars designed to orientate you towards the world of professional acting and offer strategies for finding employment, with particular emphasis on audition technique.
During the third year, you will perform in Actors Showcases in Cardiff and London to an invited audience of industry professionals, including agents and casting directors.
Entry Requirements
Normal entrance requirements include A levels, BTEC or equivalent qualifications, although candidates with an exceptional level of practical ability may be accepted without formal qualifications. Equivalent qualifications include WBQ, Scottish Highers, BTEC National Diploma/Certificate, International Baccalaureate, Advanced GNVQ, AVCE or Advanced Diploma (Level 3) and recognised international qualifications.
Selection is made on the basis of an audition process.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
International applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate a level of fluency appropriate to professional actor training. This will be assessed at audition.
Tuition Fees for 2023-2024
* Undergraduate tuition fees for UK students are set by the Welsh Government. They are reviewed annually and may be subject to an increase in future years.
** Undergraduate tuition fees for overseas students are subject to an annual increase.
Further information on the funding available towards the cost of tuition fees.