BA (Hons) Acting and Community Engagement at University of Essex

Programme overview

Three-year degree based at Colchester Campus from 2026-27 balancing intensive actor training with inclusive practice and community-focused theatre-making. Students develop facilitation, leadership and creative tools for socially engaged theatre.

What you will study

Acting technique, movement, voice and singing alongside Applied Theatre Skills I: Consulting the Community and II: Developing the Community, Contextual and Community Studies, Community Theatre Arts Management and Technical Theatre Skills. Work progresses from core performance skills to large-scale participatory projects, professional collaborations, internships and touring work.

Career pathways

Prepares graduates for sustainable careers across performance, education and community arts, and to initiate and manage theatre projects and companies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Video audition and, if successful, a recall audition/workshop. Applicants should have, or expect to have: A-levels EE, or 32 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels; BTEC PP, or 32 UCAS tariff points from the equivalent of 2 full A-levels; T-levels Pass with E in core; IB two Higher Level certificates with 33. A satisfactory enhanced DBS check (including child and adult barred list) is required, and an Overseas Criminal Record Check where you have lived outside the UK for 6 months or more in the last 5 years. English language: if you do not require a student visa, English proficiency is assessed at interview or audition; otherwise IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. Additional costs for materials and field trips of up to approximately £650 per academic year are noted.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year Source

International applicants: GBP 23,750 a year Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years

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