BA (Hons) Acting and Performance at Queen Margaret University

Programme overview

The BA (Hons) Acting and Performance is a four-year practical actor-training degree building on more than 50 years of actor training at QMU, with a 50:50 split of theatre and film training. It covers acting, voice, movement, textual analysis and screen practice, with small classes and regular one-to-one feedback.

What you will study

Year One: foundation voice, movement, acting for theatre and film, devising and theatre production. Year Two: deepening of voice, movement and acting skills, improvisation and Scottish theatre. Year Three: expressive voice and movement, characterisation, texts, and film and media techniques. Year Four: audition portfolio, showreel and voice reel, live theatre and film or creative project, and live and digital showcases.

Career pathways

Graduates work as actors or apply the skills to other roles in the performing arts; many establish their own creative businesses. QMU is a member of the Graduate Spotlight Scheme.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher: standard BCC, minimum CCC. A-level: BC. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3 H3 H3. International Baccalaureate: minimum 24 points with three Higher Level subjects at H4 or above. HNC/HNC (Next Gen) in any subject for Year One entry with C/Achieved in the graded unit (including Communications or National 5 English); BTEC (QFC) MMP in a related subject; NC or Foundation in Acting and Performance; each with National 5/GCSE English at C/4 or above. Required subjects: National 5 English or equivalent, maths preferred, at C/4 or above. Direct entry to Year Three: HND Acting and Performance/Musical Theatre with an A in the second-year graded unit, or two years of a relevant degree. Final selection is by audition (to be confirmed). International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0. Mature applicants with relevant qualifications or experience are welcome.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2027/28). Scottish-domiciled students (tuition fee normally paid by SAAS). Full-time tuition per year Source

International applicants: GBP 13,500 a year (2027/28). Full-time tuition per year Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full time

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