BA (Hons) Acting

How to apply Come to an Open Day

Introduction

Train to be an actor for stage or screen on our BA (Hons) Acting degree in Cambridge.

Discover your options

Which ARU Acting, Drama and Theatre course is right for you?

ARU Acting and Drama Course Leader Dr. Heather Lilley explains which of our undergraduate courses in acting, drama and theatre may be right for you.

Perform from Year 1 and become an experienced actor on this practice-based course exploring a wide range of approaches to acting. Right from the start of our BA (Hons) Acting degree in Cambridge, you’ll explore the tools and techniques of professional acting and develop the stamina, motivation and professionalism needed in the competitive acting industry.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Facilities and showcase

Professional Facilities

As part of your studies at ARU, you’ll have access to all of our creative industries facilities including:

  • Dedicated drama studio, with highly flexible black-box performance space
  • Full-size on-campus professional Mumford Theatre
  • Large rehearsal space with audio playback facilities, piano, LED lighting rig, portable dance mirrors, gym mats and rostra/modular staging
  • Students’ Union-run dance studio
  • Podcast and video capture system

Futures Lab and workshop equipment

Our new digital workshop includes a variety of computer aided manufacturing machines, helping you learn up to date manufacturing and design processes as well as supporting many traditional techniques. These technologies include:

  • 3D printers and scanners - FDM printers; material-specific extruders; SLA Formlabs printers; SLS Formlabs Fuse1; structured light 3D scanners
  • 2D printing and cutting machines - laser cutters; Roland BN20 vinyl printer & cutter; Gerber substrate cutter; Mimaki TX300P sublimation printer.

Opportunities

During your time at ARU, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • develop your technical and production skills.
  • put on productions on campus, in our Mumford Theatre, and at a commercial venue in Cambridge
  • volunteer with our Anglia Ruskin Community Theatre Company, and experience being part of a professional ensemble
  • gain valuable work experience through placements and live briefs.

Take a closer look

Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.

Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.

Careers

As well as developing your creativity and technical competence in areas of acting, physical and vocal skills on our BA (Hons) Acting degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills such as research, teamwork, communication, problem solving, and resourcefulness. These skills are invaluable in other areas of the creative industries, and in other sectors.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to continue on to a Masters course, such as our MA Dramatherapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Apply now for BA (Hons) Acting

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