Acting and Stage Combat

The Acting and Stage Combat program at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive training experience designed to develop students' skills in performance and physical theatre for a variety of theatrical contexts. This innovative degree combines practical acting techniques with specialized training in stage combat, enabling students to excel in both dramatic performance and physically demanding roles. Throughout the course, students engage in rigorous workshops, practical exercises, and real-world production work, fostering confidence, creativity, and professionalism.

The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating traditional acting methods with contemporary performance practices. Students explore different acting styles, voice work, movement, and improvisation, equipping them with versatile performance skills applicable across theatre, television, film, and emerging media. Special focus is placed on stage combat, where students learn the safety protocols, choreography, and physical techniques necessary for performing fight scenes convincingly and safely. Instruction is provided by experienced practitioners and academics, ensuring a balance between theoretical understanding and practical application.

In addition to core modules in acting and stage combat, students have opportunities to participate in industry-focused projects, internships, and collaborations with professional theatre companies. The program aims to foster a proactive approach to careers in the performing arts, encouraging students to develop a personal artistic identity and adaptability in a competitive industry. Facilities include dedicated rehearsal spaces, fight studios, and performance venues, providing excellent resources for hands-on learning.

Graduates from the Acting and Stage Combat program are well-prepared for careers as professional actors, fight choreographers, theatre practitioners, and performers in various media. The program's strong emphasis on practical skills, safety, and industry readiness makes it an ideal choice for aspiring theatre artists committed to excellence in performance and stage combat.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Stage Combat I;
Sporting Skills I;
Physical Skills I;
Performance Skills I;
Specialised Performance Skills; and
Contextual Studies I.

Year 2

Stage Combat II;
Sporting Skills II;
Physical Skills II;
Performance Skills II;
Performance Projects; and
Contextual Studies II.

Year 3

Stage Combat in Practice and Performance;
Performance Projects;
Theatrical Appreciation;
Contextual Studies; and
Graduation Project.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• Successful physical workshop audition, plus A-level grades EE, or BTEC Diploma grades PP, or equivalent qualification
• GCSE English: C
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at pass (or above).

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Acting and Stage Combat program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education in the practical and theoretical aspects of performance arts, with a specialized focus on acting techniques and stage combat skills. This program is designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths within the theatre, film, television, and related industries by equipping them with essential performance skills, safety practices, and an understanding of theatrical techniques. Students will engage in rigorous practical exercises, rehearsals, and performances to develop their acting abilities, voice control, improvisation, and character development. They will also learn stage combat techniques that adhere to safety standards and are suitable for professional theatrical productions, including unarmed combat, weaponry, and choreography, enabling them to perform realistically and safely in fight scenes. The curriculum incorporates modules on scene study, voice coaching, movement, and improvisation, ensuring a well-rounded training experience. Additionally, students will have opportunities to work with industry professionals through workshops, masterclasses, and internships, fostering industry connections and real-world experience. The program emphasizes collaborative work, critical analysis of performances, and understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of acting and stage combat. Graduates of the program will be equipped with the skills necessary for stage and screen acting, as well as the technical expertise required for fight choreography and safety management on set and stage. The university's facilities include dedicated rehearsal spaces, stage areas, and training equipment to support students’ practical learning. Overall, the Acting and Stage Combat program at the University of Essex aims to develop versatile performers who are confident, skilled, and prepared for diverse challenges in the entertainment industry.