Acting

Acting at Falmouth University is a comprehensive and immersive program designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and practical experience required to excel in the dynamic world of contemporary theatre and performance. The course combines rigorous training in acting techniques, voice, movement, and improvisation with opportunities for students to explore the creative processes behind character development and storytelling. Emphasizing both individual expression and collaborative practice, the program fosters a vibrant learning environment where students can experiment, innovate, and refine their craft. Throughout their studies, students engage in a variety of practical projects, performances, and industry placements, enabling them to build confidence and professional networks. The curriculum is delivered by experienced practitioners and industry experts who bring real-world insights into the classroom, ensuring students are well-prepared for diverse career paths in acting, film, television, and theatre production. State-of-the-art facilities, including fully equipped rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and performance spaces, support hands-on learning. The program also encourages critical thinking about contemporary issues in performance, fostering a nuanced understanding of the social and cultural contexts of acting. Graduates of the Acting program at Falmouth are equipped to pursue various roles within the arts sector and possess the versatility to adapt to the evolving demands of the industry. The course stands out for its supportive community, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to nurturing creative talent, making it an ideal choice for aspiring actors seeking a thorough and inspiring education in performance arts.

Our course explores tensions between voice and language, the body as material or sign, and the physical and vocal production of performance space. It also explores affective, collaborative and ensemble approaches to the work of the creative actor and performer.

Core vocal and physical training, along with intensive production projects, will prepare you to explore, extend and engage with acting and performance in theatre, studio and situated environments. This ranges from small-scale solo performances to full studio performances, work for screen or radio, new media contexts or participatory and socially engaged settings.

Year 1

In the first year you'll be introduced to three strands of learning. These are the development of physical, vocal and textual skills and techniques that provide a foundation for acting, performing and the production and making of performance. Lectures and seminars shared with the full Theatre programme are based on the theories and practices of contemporary theatre and complement the learning strands.

Developing performance skills and techniques provide the foundation for studio-based acting productions and technical instruction. By the end of the year you'll engage effectively in individual and group performances, identify and articulate the focus of your specialism in relation to other practices, and understand acting and performance within critical, theoretical and historical contexts.

Year 2

The second year provides you with opportunities to deepen your physical and vocal engagement with acting training and hone conceptual and critical skills in dramaturgy and theories of performance. You'll develop a collaborative group production and undertake an acting research project.

By the end of the second year you'll be able to articulate your individual identity as a performer, both independently and in groups, and locate your work within broader issues and aspects of contemporary performance practices.

Year 3

The final year offers modules that enable you to undertake a direction of practical and conceptual exploration and research, motivated by your own specialist interests in acting and performance. Building on the experience gained at the beginning of the year, you'll work on an acting and performance project in a professional, cultural or social context. You'll also prepare for a final dissertation, a major final professional practice project and a complementary practices module, which will springboard your career in acting, performance and the cultural industries.

Requirements

• The UCAS Tariff is changing. A typical offer will be between 104 and 120 UCAS points for entry to undergraduate courses, primarily from Level 3 equivalent qualifications such as A levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. You can check how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff Calculator
• Due to the creative nature of our courses, you will be considered on your own individual merit and potential to succeed. We encourage you to get in touch if you are predicted points below this range, thinking about transferring from another institution, or if you have other qualifications or professional experience as we may be able to consider you.
• You must have a minimum of Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE English Language, or equivalent, for entry to our undergraduate courses.
• If English is not your first language, we accept a range of recognised language qualifications that are equivalent to the IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you must take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) to fulfil government visa requirements. 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Scholarships for International Students

Through the award of scholarships we aim to support academic enrichment by encouraging diversity and excellence at Falmouth. In 2016 Falmouth University awarded £70,000 worth of international scholarships.

International Scholarships for 2017 will be announced on this page in November 2016. 

Parental Contribution

For students whose household income is over £25,000 and are therefore receiving less than the maximum support from Student Finance, it is expected that they will also receive some support from parents or partners with whom they usually permanently reside. It is a good idea to chat this through when planning your finances before coming to University.

Part-time work

Some students work part time in jobs at local bars, hotels and restaurants, usually paid at the minimum wage. We recommend that you do no more than 15 hours part-time work each week during term time to ensure that you are able to concentrate on your studies. Some students find work with chain stores at home before coming to University and then ask for a transfer to branches in Falmouth at the start of term. There is also work available over the summer months if you choose to stay in the area. Please visit the Creative Futures page for further details.

University Bursaries and Other Awards

Falmouth University offers a programme of bursary support to students who are assessed by Student Finance as having a qualifying income, and others with specific needs. Different arrangements are in place for different cohorts - please see the information opposite that relates to you as either a 'Pre-2016 Starter' or 'New Entrant in September 2016'.

The Acting programme at Falmouth University offers students a comprehensive education in the art of performance, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in theatre, film, television, and other performance industries. The programme is designed to develop students' individual artistic identities while providing a solid foundation in acting techniques, voice, movement, and script analysis. Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of practical workshops, rehearsals, and performances that foster creativity, collaboration, and technical proficiency.

The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to explore diverse acting styles and methodologies, including classical, contemporary, and experimental approaches. Students also have opportunities to work with industry professionals and participate in live performance projects, ensuring they gain real-world experience. The programme supports the development of self-awareness and emotional resilience, which are vital for success in the highly competitive acting profession.

Falmouth University’s acting course often incorporates modules on theatre history, dramaturgy, and performance theory, enabling students to contextualize their practice within a broader artistic and cultural framework. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for students to engage with digital technologies and multimedia performance, reflecting the evolving nature of the entertainment industry.

Facilities at Falmouth are equipped with modern theatres, rehearsal spaces, and technical support, providing students with a professional environment to hone their craft. The university's focus on employability ensures that graduates leave with a strong portfolio, industry contacts, and the confidence to start their careers. The programme’s strong emphasis on practical application combined with theoretical knowledge makes it an ideal choice for aspiring actors seeking a holistic education in performance arts.