Undergraduate Course
Acting BA (Hons)
Create unique stories and perform in your own plays, as you become a knowledgeable and diverse actor.
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Study the techniques and history of acting on this performance focused degree. Develop your practical skills as you explore the use of voice, movement and acting and build your unique identity as a performer. Connect with industry partners as you use performance to understand the world we live in.
95% Music and Theatre students responded with a 95% positivity score for how good teaching staff are at explaining things. (National Student Survey 2025)
64% of our Performance research has been rated as “world leading” or “internationally excellent”. (Research Excellence Framework, 2021)
York campus
- UCAS code – W410
- Duration – 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- Start date – September 2026, September 2027
- School – School of the Arts
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2026 entry £9,790 per year full time
International 2026 entry £12,100 per year full time
Discover Acting
Professor Claire Hind, Lecturer in Acting, introduces us to Acting BA at York St John University.
Course overview
On this degree you will explore a range of approaches to acting and develop a professional acting portfolio. You will learn how acting can be a transformative experience by performing in plays and ensemble works. You will also work on solo pieces where your individual talent is at the heart of your performance. Use your imagination to develop personas and characters to tell your unique stories. We place high importance on practice where visual and textual interpretation through playing and experimenting with contemporary forms are encouraged.
You will learn in our dedicated studio facilities on campus, including the state of the art theatre in our Creative Centre. Throughout the course you will be supported by lecturers and technical staff who are all experienced theatre practitioners, writers and researchers.
When you study Acting with us you will join our thriving arts culture on campus and in the community. Through our partnerships and relationships with professional bodies we encourage a culture of outward facing opportunities for you. You will have the opportunity to become involved in projects and partnerships including:
- Working with York Theatre Royal, who are key partners in our Acting degree
- Working with visiting artists and performers who share their work with us
- Engaging with the contemporary work of an international theatre programme hosted on campus
- Writing and editing for our Theatre Pages magazine
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. How many modules you study each semester will depend on whether you are a full time or part time student.
In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules and 1 optional module in semester 2
If you are a part time student the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the form and content of the human voice. You will be invited to question the cultural assumptions about a 'proper' acting voice in terms of the quality of sound and speech, and focus on the role of your voice as a vehicle for imagination, creativity, action and empowerment. You will develop an embodied understanding of your voice as a body part and enhance your vocal skills and sonic presence by focusing on clarity, variety, quality and playfulness.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Your body tells the story. On this module you will learn how body, breath, impulse, movement, imagination and story are interconnected. You will explore movement principles and practices to enhance your strength, flexibility, coordination and stamina. You will discover techniques for physical storytelling, character embodiment, and ensemble responsiveness.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will be introduced to key movements, ideas and practices that have shaped performance during the 20th and 21st centuries. You will follow case studies of artists, including theatre-makers, playwrights and film-makers, past and present. You will consider what messages performances might convey to you personally and how interpretations are dependent upon history and culture.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will begin to explore screen work and creative production to produce a web-based portfolio of edited, experimental short films. You will take part in weekly workshops and hands-on practical tasks to explore how to translate, interpret and perform different styles and modes of performance for the screen. You will learn the technical requirements to produce a portfolio of your own screen content, including camera work, editing and sound production, for different devices from smart phones to digital cameras.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Learn the valuable skill of planning, leading and evaluating workshops. On this module you will have the opportunity to participate, observe and lead movement and drama workshops on campus with other students on your course. Topics you cover will include:
- Principles of effective facilitation
- Structuring a workshop
- Ethical and political issues related to facilitation
This work will prepare you for years 2 and 3, and for a career as a professional dance or theatre practitioner.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn how to search for, create and perform a character. You will explore different approaches to developing a character and performing them in various styles of contemporary theatre and performance. Some of the approaches and styles of character development you will explore include:
- Autobiographical and autoethnographic performance
- Psychophysical acting
- Clowning
- Storytelling and folk tales
Year 2
In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 4 compulsory modules across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 optional modules across semesters 1 and 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore how to translate and interpret a variety of texts for performance through weekly workshops. With a focus on live action and delivery, you will develop performance techniques and learn methods for staging plays, vignettes and a variety of modern theatre texts. As part of this module you will prepare a collaborative performance of text-based works, staged for a live audience.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
What does it mean to act as part of an ensemble? On this module you will learn the skills for collaborative contemporary theatre making. You will examine your individual relationship to creativity and learn the meaning and effects of creative collaboration. As part of this module you will create a series of fragments to then compose into small group work and or large-scale collaborative ensemble performance.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will deepen your understanding of the relationship between politics and performance. You will explore a diverse range of politically engaged performance practices, movements and methodologies from the later 20th and 21st centuries, including:
- The role of theatre in participatory democracy
- The role of theatre to promote social change and liberation
- The history of political performance, including Black theatre, intercultural theatre and feminist performance traditions
- The future of political performance, including audio/digital theatre, dialogic practice, ecological performance and sustainable practices
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore how the arts has the potential to interrogate, challenge, educate and empower individuals and communities. You will work on a community performance project engaging with people with learning disabilities, people who use mental health services, older people or people in recovery. Topics you will explore include:
- Facilitation skills
- Participation, accessibility, inclusion and empowerment
- Theatre in health and social care settings
- Theatre and learning and physical disabilities
- Evaluation and reflection
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will become both the performer and the visionary. You will examine the complex process of interpreting text, situation and narrative as an actor within the dramatic confines and technical skill of camera work, performing to camera and screen production. You will balance the complexities between technical precision and the immediacy of industry expectations. You will work on making a creative showreel, direct and co-direct shots that includes production and editing skills, and produce a short film of showreel equivalence for an industry standard event, open to an audience with invited industry specialists.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module builds on the foundations established in The Actor's Body module from year 1. You will extend your physical training into more specialised and demanding performance practices to take creative ownership of your body as a physical instrument. Some of the practices you will explore include:
- Contact improvisation
- Stage combat
- Clowning
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will develop your technical and interpretative Musical Theatre vocal and acting abilities. This will build on the Voice as Action module from year 1. In workshops throughout the module you will prepare and present repertoire in a variety of categories. Across the module, you will explore topics such as:
- Vocal health and safe, effective independent singing practice
- Acting techniques and how they can be applied to a song
- How to prepare repertoire, understand and interpret text and music and build a unique interpretation of a character
- How to analyse others’ acting through song and develop critical and reflective language
Credits: 20
Optional module
Performance activism plays a vital part in countless social movements, and in a vibrant democracy. On this module you will develop skills and networks to contribute to social and ecological justice causes through performance. You will learn from a wide range of performance forms, including:
- Satire
- 'Quiet' arts activism
- Mockumentaries and viral videos
- Community arts projects
- Flash mobs, public happening and street performances
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore how to write material for theatre as an actor and performer. You will work through the creative processes of text production to identify and hone your practice as an actor-writer. You will develop the dramaturgical skills for writing, performing and producing touring work.
Year 3
In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 2 compulsory modules across semester 1 and 2
- 1 compulsory module in semester 1
- 1 compulsory module in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This is your opportunity to rehearse and perform under the direction of an external industry professional, such as a director, dramaturg or theatre-maker. The acting showcase will allow you to gain real-world experience of performing, including:
- Orientation and preparation
- Rehearsal process
- Technical and production integration
- Public showcase/performance
- Reflection and professional development
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore themes and conduct research in preparation to devise your own theatre production. You will explore working as a group effectively, acquire skills needed to run a professional performance company and utilise all the skills needed to write and create a new work for stage. This module focusses on research and development, so that you are well prepared for semester 2, when you will work towards performing your show on a professional stage.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will compose, devise and premiere your own substantial new theatre work. This module leads on from your Company: Research module in semester 1. You will take part in workshops and practical sessions engaged with writing the material, rehearsing the show, and mounting the final production. Your final show will be performed to a public audience in a theatre in York.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module we will support your transition from higher education into the professional sphere. We will demystify industry essentials, such as navigating casting agencies, engaging with funding applications and understanding approaches to marketing, branding, and self-promotion. You will create a professional portfolio of work, including a personal website, digital materials and CV, to represent your skills, experiences and artistic identity.
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
This module invites you to identify and position yourself as a thinker, doer and maker. You will produce a piece of practice research that has direct research or impact value. You will be given the autonomy to build your final project in a way that best suits your own interests, career plans and development. You will develop your individual style and approach to making new work, thinking about how ideas and practices intervene in one another and the societal responsibility of a theatre/film maker, actor. You will build self-confidence in reflecting upon your work, showing work in progress to peers, and pitching and presenting work.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
Throughout your course you will have individual direction of your learning. You will learn through:
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Field trips
Assessment
We are committed to authentic and relevant assessment methods, meaning your assessments reflects the kinds of work you may carry out in your future professional career. You will be assessed through:
- Group and solo live performances
- Workshops
- Reflective documents
- Reports, articles and essays
- Performance lectures
- Placements
Throughout this course there are plenty of opportunities to gain professional experience through work placements. There are optional modules in which you will be able to attend work placements with guest artists and our community partners.
Professional Skills
Building your CV and gaining valuable experience and technique is central to the course. There will be frequent opportunities for you to assist with your tutor's professional practice or research. You will also have the opportunity to publish your own written work in our publication, Theatre Pages, which is distributed across the UK. We encourage festival and competition entries, and have professional technicians who can support you with this. You will showcase all of your skills in your final projects, which will be presented in the professional standard theatre in our new Creative Centre.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Acting
This degree will give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in your career. When you graduate you will have developed new performance skills, an understanding of acting technique and processes, and the ability to critically analyse your work. You will also have had the opportunity to develop your own professional acting portfolio.
This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Actor
- Theatre director
- Theatre stage manager
- Broadcast presenter
- Touring actor
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
PGCE at York St John University
Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.
Alumni stories
Visit our YSJ Snapshots blog to see what our past students from across the University have done with their York St John degrees.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers support service, Future You, can provide career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Personalised career advice
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Employer events
- Advice about internships, global opportunities and finding part time work while you study
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
T Levels
All of our undergraduate offers are made using the UCAS tariff system. We accept T Level qualifications, and you can work out how many points they are worth using the UCAS calculator above.
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Audition
If your application is successful you will be invited to provide a digital audition.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK).
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be increased in line with inflation, prior to the start of each academic year, and subject to the fee cap set by the UK government. Such increases to fees will be at the Retail Price Index (RPI) forecast rate, as advised by the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Office for Students. The only exception to this would be where government legislation deems otherwise.
If a rise in the tuition fee becomes necessary, we will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible and we will explain the reason(s) for the increase. Any tuition fee increase will only be applied from the start of the next academic year and will not be applied 'in year'.
UK 2026 entry
Subject to government approval, tuition fees for 2026 will be:
- £9,790 per year for full time study
- £4,895 per year for part time study
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2026 entry £9,790 per year full time
International 2026 entry £12,100 per year full time
International 2026 entry
The tuition fee for 2026 entry to this course is £12,100 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa pages.
Find out more about funding your degree:
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad page.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Bring plays to life
Work with your course mates to bring a dramatic text to life, such as Hamlet by William Shakespeare or The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter.
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Outdoor performance
Participate in our end of year festival, where you will have the opportunity to join a large outdoor production on campus or in York.
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Acting and Theatre projects
Co-Create Festival
Co-Create festival is a project between our staff, students and local school children culminating in a 1 day festival.
Takeover Festival
Hear from those involved in our annual Takeover project with York Theatre Royal, where our students get to run a festival at this prestigious venue.
More to explore
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Join us in 2026
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Open Days
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