Note: This course is found under the Undergraduate option when making a UCAS application NOT the Conservatoires option.
The BA Acting programme at Leeds Conservatoire offers rigorous, practical, conservatoire training for a career as a professional actor. Through practical skills training and individualised artistic development, you will acquire the skills to sustain a career as a working artist in theatre, television, film and recorded media - serving the performance industry now and in the shaping its future.
Over three years you develop your skills in acting, movement, voice and performance-based research. Training is practical, physical and intensive. You are required to be fearless, as you acquire new skills and challenge those you arrived with. Training includes ensemble skills classes, 1-1 coaching, skills in context, seminars and rehearsals; culminating in a final year season of performance that serves as an industry introduction.
The programme celebrates individualism, you will develop your skills alongside your individual artistry and are actively encouraged to create new work.
The programme staff team is made up of teaching artists and visiting industry professionals, who work intensively with you to develop your skills, enabling you to work professionally. Working with industry active practitioners insures your training is relevant, contemporary and responds directly to the demands of the industry.
All actors on the programme will receive 1:1 training and support to develop specific acting skills – in particular developing vocal strength, stamina and flexibility which can be applied to a wide range of performance styles and mediums.
Storytelling is a collaborative artform and collaboration is at the core of all we do at Leeds Conservatoire. Acting students spend their first weeks of training developing an ensemble practice that transforms a cohort into a collaborative theatre company. Throughout training, students are given the opportunity to collaborate with theatres, creative partners and leading artists in the region. We actively encourage cross programme collaboration with artists from other disciplines. Our ambition is for students to establish a creative network in training, originate live performance and take both with them into the profession.
Our course is professionally recognised, which will allow graduates to gain full Equity and Spotlight membership upon graduation.
“As a Casting Director, I have worked extensively in the North, casting actors for theatrical productions. Conservatoire level training in Leeds provides a great resource of new talent in the region. I very much look forward to meeting graduates from this programme.” – Sarah Hughes, Casting Director
This course is a full-time, high-contact, vocational training programme which is taught in six academic terms over three years. Contact time averages 30 hours a week, across 30 teaching weeks each year.
The course has two core strands; Skills Training and Artistic Development. Time assigned to each adjusts each year to promote the transition from learner to independent artist.
Year 1 is dedicated to intensive skills training.
Year 2 builds on the skills from Year 1, with a focus on projects and industry partnerships.
The final year of study provides the developing artist with a bridge to the profession.
96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include an A Level or BTEC Extended Diploma in an Acting-related subject.
A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).
Read our full entry requirements for more detail.
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
Applicants to BA (Hons) Acting at Leeds Conservatoire will need to audition.
Find more audition information for UK applicants and International applicants.
Leeds Conservatoire does not charge audition fees for any Undergraduate or Postgraduate course.
Visit our Fees and Funding section to find out more about Fees & Funding for International Students.
View our Acting kit list for clothing and equipment requirements.
If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:
Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 3 years
Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
UCAS Code: W320
UCAS Institution Code: L30
Validated by: University of Hull*
*Note for applicants and offer holders for 2022/23 entry:
Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.
“We’re excited about the development of a degree-level acting course run by Leeds Conservatoire. We look forward to working in partnership with Leeds Conservatoire and the tutors and students at all levels of the course.
“There are great benefits for Leeds in providing this level of training and as one of the UK’s leading producing theatres committed to making excellent theatre, the training of artists and meaningful community engagement, we look forward to working in partnership with Leeds Conservatoire and the tutors and students at all levels of the course.”
James Brining, Artistic Director and Co-Executive Director of Leeds Playhouse
Specialisms: Drama, Storytelling, Writing, Directing, Movement Direction, Multi-Discipline Performance
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Our Performing Arts students benefit from bespoke new facilities in our brand new Playhouse Square building.
Teaching will take place at our St Peters Square, Mabgate and Playhouse Square buildings as well as external teaching spaces where necessary.
We are confirming teaching spaces for 2025/26, but teaching spaces in 2024/25 also included Slung Low Theatre Company in Holbeck, Dance Studio Leeds and Yorkshire Dance.
Take a look at our custom-designed studios with panoramic views over Leeds city centre.
See Performing Arts FacilitiesFind out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days.
As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.
Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.
Find out more
Click the button below to meet our graduates and explore the exciting next generation of Acting talent.
See our Graduating Class of 2024
