University of Hull

What you'll study

This three-year honours degree combines practical performance training with contextual study of drama and performance. You will develop core acting skills—voice, movement, improvisation, text analysis and character work—alongside screen acting techniques, stagecraft and ensemble devising. Modules typically progress from foundational technique in the first year, through specialist workshops and intermediate performance projects in the second year, to a final-year major project or production that showcases your individual practice.

• Year 1: Foundations in acting technique, voice and speech, movement, basic stagecraft, introductory text and script analysis, and collaborative ensemble work.
• Year 2: Development of classical and contemporary performance approaches, screen acting, physical theatre, audition technique, and applied projects often involving public performances or filmed work.
• Year 3: Advanced specialist study, a major performance project or showreel, industry-focused professional development, and opportunities for placements or partnerships with local companies.

Teaching is practice-led and includes workshops, rehearsals, directed performances, filmed assessments and seminars. The programme frequently brings in visiting directors, casting agents and industry professionals for masterclasses and feedback. Assessment typically mixes practical performances and portfolios with written reflection and contextual essays.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate potential for professional acting through a combination of formal qualifications and audition. Typical requirements include a level of secondary-school qualifications (A-levels, BTECs or equivalent) or an international equivalent; specific grade thresholds vary by qualification and applicants should check the University’s admissions pages for current guidance. Practical experience in drama or performance is helpful but not essential.

All applicants must attend an audition/interview as part of the selection process. Auditions usually include prepared monologues, cold reading, movement and voice tasks, and a short interview to discuss your commitment, experience and suitability for the course. Applicants with alternative qualifications or relevant professional experience are considered; international students supply equivalent certification and may be asked to demonstrate English language competence.

Career prospects

Graduates from Acting programmes go into a wide range of performance and industry roles. Typical career paths include work as stage, television and film actors, voice-over artists and radio performers; many also find roles in fringe and touring theatre, community arts and participatory projects. The degree also equips students for related industry roles such as casting assistant, stage manager, theatre practitioner, dramaturg, or arts producer.

Many alumni pursue further training at drama schools or postgraduate study in performance, directing or theatre practice. The programme emphasises employability skills—audition technique, showreel development, self-management and networking—so graduates are prepared for the freelance realities of the performing arts sector.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull offers an intimate, practice-focused acting programme with access to regional theatres and a supportive creative community. Students benefit from partnerships and working relationships with local venues such as Hull Truck Theatre and other regional cultural organisations, providing opportunities for live performance, placements and industry contact.

Teaching is delivered by staff with professional experience in theatre, television and film, and the course prioritises small-group tuition, one-to-one coaching and practical workshop time. Facilities include rehearsal studios, performance spaces and film-production resources that let students develop both stage and screen work. The department’s location within a lively cultural city gives students a cost-effective base with regular professional engagement opportunities and a strong network of alumni active in the UK performance sector.