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What university would you recommend me going to for studying acting?

I want to go to university in 2025, but I’m so confused on which unis (or even drama schools) is the better option for me to study acting for stage and on camera. I want to star in films, tv - that sort of stuff.

Unfortunately, some of the unis I’ve been looking on have bad reputations and low rankings such as University of East London, Coventry University and I’m just feeling really weary, as I don’t want to take out loans and study a course at a university, and it be all a waste and I get myself into unnecessary debt.

Also, I worry about finance too and budgeting - especially for universities that are based in London.

Please, I need advice on how to budget and finance effectively and which universities/drama schools that are good for teaching undergraduate courses in acting for both stage and on camera (also for being good unis/drama schools in general).

Thank you.
Original post by musical-tia
I want to go to university in 2025, but I’m so confused on which unis (or even drama schools) is the better option for me to study acting for stage and on camera. I want to star in films, tv - that sort of stuff.
Unfortunately, some of the unis I’ve been looking on have bad reputations and low rankings such as University of East London, Coventry University and I’m just feeling really weary, as I don’t want to take out loans and study a course at a university, and it be all a waste and I get myself into unnecessary debt.
Also, I worry about finance too and budgeting - especially for universities that are based in London.
Please, I need advice on how to budget and finance effectively and which universities/drama schools that are good for teaching undergraduate courses in acting for both stage and on camera (also for being good unis/drama schools in general).
Thank you.

In this country it is generally still the traditional BA Acting degree from Drama Schools, that is most highly viewed within the industry - even for screen. When I say industry - what that really means is that in order to work professionally as an actor you'll need a good agent, and the good agents look for graduates of good drama schools or those who have professional credits already.

So I'd suggest you look at the Drama schools rather than traditional University drama courses.. however they are highly competitive to gain a place on (lots of people have to apply for several years before gaining a place), and you'll need to get a move on applications, as lots close at the end of January.

RADA, Lamda, Guildhall, BOVTS, Royal Welsh, GSA, Italia Conti, Central, Mountview, ArtsEd, Oxford school of Drama, LIPA, Birmingham Conservatoire, Leeds Conservatoire, Rose Bruford, Royal conservatoire of Scotland..... There are others, these are just off the top of my head...

If London is going to be too expensive, I'd start by looking at those elsewhere. All have specific audition requirements which are worth having prepared before you make your application and have several rounds of auditions to get through.. they also all have a different way of applying just to make it even more confusing. Look at their websites and you'll find all the info there.. Unfortunately you also have to pay to audition at most of them. Most courses only have 20-30 spaces per year as well... Most courses have their fees covered by student loans, others don't and some have top up fees as well, so look carefully at all the info before applying.
Original post by musical-tia
I want to go to university in 2025, but I’m so confused on which unis (or even drama schools) is the better option for me to study acting for stage and on camera. I want to star in films, tv - that sort of stuff.
Unfortunately, some of the unis I’ve been looking on have bad reputations and low rankings such as University of East London, Coventry University and I’m just feeling really weary, as I don’t want to take out loans and study a course at a university, and it be all a waste and I get myself into unnecessary debt.
Also, I worry about finance too and budgeting - especially for universities that are based in London.
Please, I need advice on how to budget and finance effectively and which universities/drama schools that are good for teaching undergraduate courses in acting for both stage and on camera (also for being good unis/drama schools in general).
Thank you.

If you want to be an actor then go to a proper drama school such as Rada, Lamda, Guildhall etc. Yes, you can achieve your aims by studying drama at university, but your chances are much reduced. Agents focus on drama schools (particularly the better ones) rather than universities.

Btw, many of those attending drama schools take 2+ attempts to get in. Plan on that basis.
Original post by musical-tia
I want to go to university in 2025, but I’m so confused on which unis (or even drama schools) is the better option for me to study acting for stage and on camera. I want to star in films, tv - that sort of stuff.
Unfortunately, some of the unis I’ve been looking on have bad reputations and low rankings such as University of East London, Coventry University and I’m just feeling really weary, as I don’t want to take out loans and study a course at a university, and it be all a waste and I get myself into unnecessary debt.
Also, I worry about finance too and budgeting - especially for universities that are based in London.
Please, I need advice on how to budget and finance effectively and which universities/drama schools that are good for teaching undergraduate courses in acting for both stage and on camera (also for being good unis/drama schools in general).
Thank you.

Good afternoon @musical-tia

It's great to hear you are considering studying theatre studies; this is a great course choice.

It depends on the person whether an acting school or university will be better, as both have their advantages and disadvantages.

At the University of Reading, there are many different courses for studying film and acting; the main webpage can be found here. The course most similar to what you are looking for will be the BA Theatre and Performance. However, there are many other options which could broaden your horizons more and might help increase your knowledge base, but this all depends on what you would like to learn.

At the University of Reading, there is a BA in English Literature and Film & Theatre course, a BA in Creative Writing and Theatre, and a BA in Creative Writing and Film & Theatre. These courses seem very similar to the one you wish to study, but they all offer something slightly different that might interest you.

The Department of Film, Theatre and Television teaches this course. The film department has access to the brand-new Shinfield Studios close to the university.

The University of Reading looks at every application on individual merit, ensuring every student can receive an offer; this is the contextual offers scheme. However, this does not mean every student gains an offer to the university. When I was applying to the university, I found it very helpful to attend an Open Day; however, for students who live far away or do not have access to an Open Day, there is a Virtual Tour, which prospective students can look at from their
homes. I highly recommend you have a look at the Virtual Tour, it provides an insight tot the campus.

When it comes to budgeting, it is best to work out how much you will have every month and then work out the essential things such as rent and bills (Utility might be included in your rent, and then things like car and phone), groceries, and savings. this will allow you to see if you have enough money to support yourself every month; however, many students tend to have part-time jobs.

There is a great PDF here which shows the best ways to budget. There is also an informative blog by a fellow student at the University of Reading about their budgeting strategies. You can also find out important financial information about the university here.

Commuting from your home is a great way to go to university but remain on a budget. This makes the rent cheaper (if you are living with a family member), and you will have fewer outgoings. I have written a pros and cons blog about commuting to university, which you can read here.

I hope this information provides an insight into some of the degree options you may like at the University of Reading; if you have any questions, then please let us know, and we will be happy to help.

All the best,
Ella
BSc Ecology.
Reply 4
Original post by CrazyReindeer
In this country it is generally still the traditional BA Acting degree from Drama Schools, that is most highly viewed within the industry - even for screen. When I say industry - what that really means is that in order to work professionally as an actor you'll need a good agent, and the good agents look for graduates of good drama schools or those who have professional credits already.
So I'd suggest you look at the Drama schools rather than traditional University drama courses.. however they are highly competitive to gain a place on (lots of people have to apply for several years before gaining a place), and you'll need to get a move on applications, as lots close at the end of January.
RADA, Lamda, Guildhall, BOVTS, Royal Welsh, GSA, Italia Conti, Central, Mountview, ArtsEd, Oxford school of Drama, LIPA, Birmingham Conservatoire, Leeds Conservatoire, Rose Bruford, Royal conservatoire of Scotland..... There are others, these are just off the top of my head...
If London is going to be too expensive, I'd start by looking at those elsewhere. All have specific audition requirements which are worth having prepared before you make your application and have several rounds of auditions to get through.. they also all have a different way of applying just to make it even more confusing. Look at their websites and you'll find all the info there.. Unfortunately you also have to pay to audition at most of them. Most courses only have 20-30 spaces per year as well... Most courses have their fees covered by student loans, others don't and some have top up fees as well, so look carefully at all the info before applying.

Thank you so much for your help! I have a look into those drama schools. 🙂
Reply 5
Original post by ageshallnot
If you want to be an actor then go to a proper drama school such as Rada, Lamda, Guildhall etc. Yes, you can achieve your aims by studying drama at university, but your chances are much reduced. Agents focus on drama schools (particularly the better ones) rather than universities.
Btw, many of those attending drama schools take 2+ attempts to get in. Plan on that basis.

Thank you so much for replying! I’ll do my research and see what courses these drama schools offer. 😇
Reply 6
Original post by UniofReading
Good afternoon @musical-tia
It's great to hear you are considering studying theatre studies; this is a great course choice.
It depends on the person whether an acting school or university will be better, as both have their advantages and disadvantages.
At the University of Reading, there are many different courses for studying film and acting; the main webpage can be found here. The course most similar to what you are looking for will be the BA Theatre and Performance. However, there are many other options which could broaden your horizons more and might help increase your knowledge base, but this all depends on what you would like to learn.
At the University of Reading, there is a BA in English Literature and Film & Theatre course, a BA in Creative Writing and Theatre, and a BA in Creative Writing and Film & Theatre. These courses seem very similar to the one you wish to study, but they all offer something slightly different that might interest you.
The Department of Film, Theatre and Television teaches this course. The film department has access to the brand-new Shinfield Studios close to the university.
The University of Reading looks at every application on individual merit, ensuring every student can receive an offer; this is the contextual offers scheme. However, this does not mean every student gains an offer to the university. When I was applying to the university, I found it very helpful to attend an Open Day; however, for students who live far away or do not have access to an Open Day, there is a Virtual Tour, which prospective students can look at from their
homes. I highly recommend you have a look at the Virtual Tour, it provides an insight tot the campus.
When it comes to budgeting, it is best to work out how much you will have every month and then work out the essential things such as rent and bills (Utility might be included in your rent, and then things like car and phone), groceries, and savings. this will allow you to see if you have enough money to support yourself every month; however, many students tend to have part-time jobs.
There is a great PDF here which shows the best ways to budget. There is also an informative blog by a fellow student at the University of Reading about their budgeting strategies. You can also find out important financial information about the university here.
Commuting from your home is a great way to go to university but remain on a budget. This makes the rent cheaper (if you are living with a family member), and you will have fewer outgoings. I have written a pros and cons blog about commuting to university, which you can read here.
I hope this information provides an insight into some of the degree options you may like at the University of Reading; if you have any questions, then please let us know, and we will be happy to help.
All the best,
Ella
BSc Ecology.

Thank you so much for your help. I’ll consider my options. 🙂
Original post by musical-tia
Thank you so much for replying! I’ll do my research and see what courses these drama schools offer. 😇

Very wise. I'd be extremely wary of any university course if you want to be a performer. I've known half a dozen people with drama degrees from university. Only one is still trying to succeed in the industry and he's struggling despite winning awards at the likes of the Edinburgh festival.
Original post by musical-tia
Thank you so much for replying! I’ll do my research and see what courses these drama schools offer. 😇
There ae also leading Drama Schools in the UK that do not use UCAS, such as Bristol Old Vic :
Full-time Courses - Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Reply 9
Original post by musical-tia
Thank you so much for replying! I’ll do my research and see what courses these drama schools offer. 😇

If you go the Drama School route be aware that a few of them - Oxford, Mountview etc - are private and can charge considerably more. The only caveat to what people are saying about university is studying something you love (not acting!) and throwing yourself into the drama society. Places like Durham, York, Bristol etc have very good drama socs and take plays to Edinburgh and even the US. Some household name actors took the university route but not by studying acting.
Ok, thank you very much. I do like doing other creative subjects (I’m learning to write my own music and I like doing music as a hobby - which potentially I would also want to do as a career choice though I’ve only studied acting, primarily). I’m trying to keep my options open. 🙂

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