If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test. The English Language requirements for this programme are IELTS (Academic) with 6.5 overall and no element below 6.0.
As part of the selection process suitably qualified applicants will normally be invited to attend an audition and interview. This applies to all years of entry.
Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.
Audition and application
Your audition plays a big part in the selection process, but we are looking for a demonstrated interest within acting, whether it be in subjects at school or clubs, societies etc. We're looking for passion, self-motivation, strong imagination and a willingness to be open to new ideas. If you show potential in the audition, and can meet the academic criteria, then we will be able to offer a place on our course.
The audition will be in three parts:
a classical speech (Shakespeare) - we will send you a selection to pick from
a two-minute devised piece, which might reflect something about yourself
a song to be sung a cappella (pick your best 16 bars of music).
For each part of the audition, we're looking for an imaginative connection to the world of the piece you've chosen. Our advice is to come prepared: understand and learn all your material, inside and out. Otherwise, nerves will prevent you from performing to the best of your ability.
Minimum year 1
SQA Higher
Standard Entry Requirement
BBCC including Grade B in English.
Minimum Offer Entry Requirement
BCCC including Grade B in English.
You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.
A Level
CCD including Grade C in English.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Pre-2017 Grading System:
B3, B3, B3, B3 at HL including English
New Grading System:
H3, H3, H3, H3 at HL including English
HNC
Pass HNC in a relevant, performance based subject, with Grade B in the graded unit. Grade B in Higher English also required.
BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3
Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject. Grade B in Higher English also required.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Award of Diploma with 26 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 5, 5, 5 including English.
Minimum year 2
SQA Advanced Higher
BBC including Grade B in English.
A Level
BBB including English.
HND
Pass HND in a relevant, performance-based subject, with Grade B at SCQF Level 8 in all graded units.
Grade B in Higher English also required.
Develop your acting skills to a professional standard, while exploring English literature, and gain a deep understanding of the relationship between text and performance.
We offer the only combined actor-training and English degree in the UK, allowing you to develop your acting skills while studying English literature, giving you a firm knowledge base from which to work in either field.
Acting is the practical realisation of text and is closely linked to the discipline of English. This unique combination of study will open up many options for work or further academic study. You’ll have a range of options, which will allow you to tailor the course to fit your particular interests, and have the chance to develop allied skills such as theatre directing.
Acting classes cover acting for both stage and screen, and will include substantial workshop performances as well as public productions in the final year, including the opportunity to present your own fully supported show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
When you leave the course you’ll be armed with a career action plan, a show reel and significant experience in both acting and English.
More info: Click here
Year 1
Critical Contexts: Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory
Reading Texts: Analysing Film, Literature and Culture
Acting Fundamentals I
Acting Fundamentals II (Naturalism)
Interpreting Text
19th Century Literature and Culture 1 or Literature & Adaptation
Year 2
Modern Drama: Shakespeare and the Renaissance
Fundamentals of Directing
The Modern Novel
Intermediate Acting (20th Century Drama)
Shakespeare Workshop Performance
Year 3
C21 Literature: Writing the Unfolding Present
Advanced Acting (Style)
Directing II
Leadership in the Creative Industries
One option module from:
Women's Writing & Film-making
Unacknowledged Legislators: Poets in History and Society
Science fiction: text and film
Year 4
Dissertation
Performance Workshop II
Festival Production
One option module from:
Postcolonial Fiction and Film
Modern Scottish Fiction;
Lateness and the Modern
The Gothic Tradition
Performance Skills for Professional Practice
Memoir, Documentary and the Essay Film
Fictions of Terror
Actor
Journalist
Theatre Director
Creative Producer
Production Manager
Presenter
Teacher
Arts Administrator
Lecturer
Theatre Stage Manager
Artistic Director
Playwright
Artistic Programmer
Box Office Manager
Project Director
Participation Director
Communications Manager
Insurance - Single: 300 (£) per year
