MA Acting at Manchester Metropolitan University

Programme overview

MA Acting at Manchester School of Theatre, at Manchester Metropolitan University, is an intensive, practice-focussed conservatoire programme designed for ambitious graduates who want to elevate their craft and develop the skills, confidence and industry connections needed to succeed in today’s theatre, screen and creative industries. Drawing on the energy of Manchester’s thriving creative scene, this one-year postgraduate course offers a powerful combination of advanced actor training and real-world professional preparation. You’ll develop a strong foundation in acting technique through rigorous studio-based training, exploring a range of methodologies for stage and screen, alongside specialist voice and movement practices.

What you will study

The MA Acting is an intensive one-year postgraduate conservatoire programme designed for aspiring performers who want to develop advanced acting skills and build a sustainable career across theatre, screen and the wider creative industries. Combining rigorous studio training with industry-facing opportunities, the course will help you develop a distinctive artistic identity, professional confidence and the practical tools needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving sector. Modules core: Acting Technique, Professional Development, Acting and Performance, Professional Portfolio, Independent Professional Portfolio.

Career pathways

Under staff supervision, each student develops a personalised professional portfolio, supporting a confident transition into the acting profession and wider creative industries. Graduates develop the performance, collaboration, communication, resilience and self-management skills sought by employers across theatre, film, television, radio and digital media.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Please note the University does not accept deferred applications or advanced entry applications for this course. Audition required. The course is highly competitive, and you may be called back to a second audition. We aim to audition everyone that applies. Our audition process is composed of two rounds: First Round - All applicants will be invited to submit a first-round audition. This will be by submitting a video recording as a web link (e.g. YouTube or Vimeo). Final Round and Interview - Applicants who meet our minimum entry requirements and are successful at the first-round audition stage will be invited to a recall audition on campus. The final round audition for students who are overseas will be held online. First Round Audition. Please record your audition and upload the video to an online hosting platform, such as YouTube or Vimeo, which we can access through a web link. The video must not be longer than 10 minutes. In this video please can you: Briefly introduce yourself (no more than 2 minutes). Perform two contrasting monologues, OR a monologue and a song, which you have rehearsed and memorised, each no longer than two minutes in duration. Before each monologue, please tell us the character, play or source and author, where appropriate. The song must be from a Musical Theatre play. There are no audition fees for entry applications. Applicants are expected to have a UK Honours Degree (or international equivalent) at lower second class (2:2) or above in any subject discipline. Applicants with third class degree will be considered on an individual basis depending on their experience. The minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no individual element below 6.0 is required. IELTS 6.5 overall.

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/course/ma-acting#how-to-apply

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities