BA (Hons) Acting and Physical Theatre at University of Essex

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Acting and Physical Theatre is a three-year, industry-focused degree for actors specialising in physical and visual performance beyond traditional theatre and television. From 2026-27 it is based at the Colchester Campus.

Department: East 15 Acting School | Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Training covers aerial circus, devised storytelling, mask, mime, puppetry and clowning alongside core acting, voice, movement and singing. Modules include Skills I-III, Mime, Mask, Poor Theatre: At Work on Grotowski, Object Theatre, Meyerhold and Biomechanics, an Ensemble Performance Project, Final Performance Project and Professional Preparation.

Career pathways

Graduates work as actors and performers on stage, film and TV, puppeteers, aerial specialists and street and clown performers, with credits including the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare's Globe.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants submit a video audition and, if successful, attend a recall audition/workshop. Expected qualifications: A-levels EE or 32 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels; BTEC PP or 32 UCAS tariff points; T-levels Pass with E in the core; IB two Higher Level certificates with 33. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test); applicants not requiring a student visa have English assessed at interview or audition.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK fee per year; additional costs for materials and field trips of up to approximately 650 GBP per academic year are not included Source

International applicants: GBP 23,750 a year. International fee per year; additional costs for materials and field trips of up to approximately 650 GBP per academic year are not included Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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