Emmett Tams
Senior Lecturer in Acting & Drama
level:UG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:true;clearing:true;full_time:true;part_time:false;start_month:September;location:Innovation Centre
Acting for Stage and Screen BA (Hons)
Key Facts
-
UCAS Code
BA: W410
BA with Foundation: W414 -
Duration
Full Time: 3 years
Full Time Foundation: 4 years
-
BBC at A-Level or,
DDM at BTEC -
Full Time: £9,790
Integrated Foundation Year: £9,790
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Updated 14/10/2026
The performing arts industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, shaped by global shifts in technology, audience engagement, and industry demands. The rise of digital streaming platforms, the impact of the pandemic on live performance, and the increasing importance of screen acting, and self-produced content have transformed the landscape for emerging actors.
Our new BA Acting for Stage and Screen has been designed to reflect these changes, offering a dynamic and contemporary training experience that prepares students for careers across theatre, television, film, and digital media. This course builds on the foundations of traditional actor training while embracing the latest industry trends, including screen performance techniques, motion capture, voice work, and self-taping for auditions.
Rooted in professional practice, this course draws on our strong industry connections to deliver a curriculum that is rigorous, practical, and intellectually stimulating. Students will develop a deep understanding of performance craft, storytelling, and industry professionalism while exploring their creative identity as actors.
With a strong emphasis on employability, professional development, and sustainability in the arts, our BA Acting for Stage and Screen equips graduates with the skills, confidence, and adaptability to thrive in an ever-changing entertainment industry. Whether their passion lies in live performance, screen acting, or new digital platforms, this course empowers students to harness their talents and build flourishing careers in the performing arts industry.
Spend per Student in the Guardian University Guide 2027.
Satisfied with Teaching in the Guardian University Guide 2027.
Satisfied with Feedback in the Guardian University Guide 2027.
Value Added in the Guardian University Guide 2027.
Guardian University Guide Data from the 2027 Drama and Dance Subject table.
Highlights
- High profile guests delivering world-class acting workshops throughout the year.
- Links to prestigious Royal and Derngate Theatre.
- An opportunity to join the IDEK Theatre Company, specialising in physical theatre in education
- Guaranteed paid internship with the University of Northampton Employability Promise.
- HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible students* (*see Eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions)
Entry Requirements
A typical offer for BA Acting for Stage and Screen is:
- BBC at A-Level or,
- DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or
- M at T Level
You’ll also be invited to attend an audition.
We welcome applications from a range of non-traditional education or professional qualifications, and from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
Admission to this foundation programme is normally:
- DEE at A Level or,
- MPP at BTEC or,
- Pass (D or E) at T Level
However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.
Once your application has been reviewed, you may be invited to attend an audition with us. During your audition you will need to perform two monologues:
- Contemporary monologue (written after 1950) from a play or screenplay.
- Heightened language speech – this can be a classic text e.g. Shakespeare or Greek Myth, or from a contemporary context e.g. spoken word or post-dramatic texts
We’ll also do some vocal, movement and acting workshops with you, so please come prepared in loose fitting clothing so you can move around easily and be comfortable.
You’ll also have the chance to meet with some current students on the course and ask them any questions you might have about training to be an actor at UON.
The audition is in a group setting with other applicants, and you should expect to be with us for 4-6 hours.
We do require you to attend face-to-face for your audition, but we will accommodate virtual auditions if you cannot attend face-to-face.
Our audition dates for 2027 applicants are:
- Wednesday 16 December 2026
- Wednesday 20 January 2027
- Wednesday 10 February 2027
- Wednesday 17 March 2027
- Wednesday 21 April 2027
All International and EU students applying for a course with the University of Northampton must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
for study at undergraduate level
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
The Martin Lawrence Acting Award
Each year Martin Lawrence MBE sponsors The Martin Lawrence Acting Award which helps to fund the best actor and best actress from the programme into the profession.
What You'll Learn
The BA Acting for Stage and Screen offers a dynamic, hands-on training that prepares students for the demands of contemporary performance across theatre, film, and television.
Throughout the three years, you’ll experience a rich blend of rehearsal, production, and academic study – equipping you to graduate as a confident, versatile performer ready to launch your career.
In Year 1, you’ll build core acting skills through voice, movement, and text-based work, with a focus on ensemble practice and foundational techniques for both stage and camera.
The purpose of this module is to prepare students in the fundamental skills needed to develop their acting and devising practice. By training the fundamental skills of improvisation students learn to respond in the moment to each other, pick up on eachother¿s impulses, understand relationships, develop narratives, accept and develop each other¿s ideas, be spontaneous and work collectively to achieve a shared goal.
The purpose of this module is to develop an actor¿s core vocal skills both technically and artistically. It’s a blend of practical and critical analysis of voicework and designed to allow the voice to release the actor and their creativity. Students learn to use their voice safely, appropriately and artistically.
The purpose of this module is to introduce the fundamentals of actor movement training. Students will be led through a range of techniques that focus on physical health, strength, awareness, neutrality and qualities of movement. The learnt practice will culminate in an explorative group performance and a reflective video.
In this module students will further their understanding of vocal and physical techniques, approaches and practices. Students will develop vocal and physical skills as a relational practice, engaging in ensemble work that responds dynamically to fellow actors, audiences, and textual or thematic stimuli. Students will understand how to create moments of group cohesion and impact in performance using their voices and bodies.
This module explores the craft of acting for screen through the framework of published texts, focusing on methods of analysis and active exploration. Students will employ analytical methods and rehearsal techniques appropriate to screen, gaining tools to interpret text, create truthful performances, and refine their craft with a focus on screen acting.
This module explores the craft of acting for stage through the framework of published texts, focusing on methods of rehearsal, analysis and active exploration. Students will employ analytical methods and rehearsal techniques appropriate to stage, gaining tools to interpret text, create truthful performances, and refine their craft with a focus on stage acting.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 26/27. The modules relating to the academic year 27/28 will be available from June 2027.
At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.
If you join this full time Acting for Stage and Screen degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.
Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your Acting course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the University of Northampton Employability Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete our award, you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.
To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.
*UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).
The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.
If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need to successfully progress to the full award.
Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.
What is the Acting for Stage and Screen course about?
This course is designed to prepare students for professional work in theatre, film, and television. You will develop a range of performance skills as well as a deep understanding of acting techniques, industry practices, and creative collaboration.
How will I be taught on Acting for Stage and Screen?You’ll be taught through a combination of practical workshops, rehearsals, skills classes, and performance projects. The course blends traditional stagecraft with on-camera techniques, ensuring you graduate as a versatile performer. Teaching will take place in studio-based settings with industry-standard equipment, led by experienced professionals and visiting practitioners.
What kind of performance opportunities will I have?Students will participate in a variety of performance projects, including stage productions, filmed scenes, and devised work. Final-year students often take part in a showcase for industry professionals and have opportunities to work on short films and public performances. There is also an opportunity to go to France and work as part of a theatre ensemble.
Are there opportunities to work with industry professionals?Yes. Throughout the course, you’ll engage with visiting directors, actors, casting agents, and filmmakers. Industry links are a key part of the programme, helping you build networks and gain real-world insight.
What facilities will I have access to?You’ll train in dedicated rehearsal studios, black box theatre spaces, and have access to film and TV recording equipment. Editing suites and technical support are also available to help bring your screen work to life.
How will I be assessed on BA Acting for Stage and Screen?Assessment is through practical work, performances, recorded scenes, reflective journals, and occasional written tasks. There are no formal written exams – the focus is on demonstrating your skills in action.
What careers can this course lead to?Graduates can pursue careers in acting for theatre, film, and television, as well as related fields such as directing, writing, voiceover work, and arts education. The course also equips you with transferable skills useful across the creative industries.
Do I need previous acting experience to apply?While prior experience can be helpful, it’s not essential. We’re looking for potential, commitment, and a willingness to learn. All applicants will be auditioned as part of the admissions process.
What makes this course course different to other acting degrees?This course places equal emphasis on stage and screen training, reflecting the demands of today’s industry. With small class sizes, regular contact hours, and tailored feedback, you’ll receive personalised support to develop your craft.
How much independent study is expected?You’ll be expected to engage in around 10 hours of independent study each week. This includes script work, character development, research, and rehearsal outside of scheduled classes.
Anything else I should know?This Acting for Stage and Screen course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
Intensive Training Abroad Opportunity
In the second year of the programme there may be an opportunity to train abroad for a month, living and working intensively in an actor training environment aimed at giving students a taste of what an Artistic Residency can give performance practitioners, as well as an opportunity to encounter another cultural setting distinct from their own.
The Artist Residency takes place in the South of France.
This opportunity is dependent on funding on a yearly basis and students will need to be approved by the academic team.
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fees
- Full Time: £9,790
- Full Time Integrated Foundation Year: £9,790
UON will adjust fees annually for UK (Home) Students up to the maximum allowable fee cap set by the Secretary of State for Education.
When assessing an applicant’s eligibility to pay home fees, we use the guidance provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) which sets out the regulations that have been decided by the UK Government Department of Education.
- Full Time New students: £17,000
- Full Time Continuing students: £16,300
Tuition fees quoted for International Students apply only to the 2026/27 academic year. These fees may increase in future years in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to reflect rising delivery costs. Any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 5% of the previous year’s tuition fee. Updated tuition fees will be published on the UON website at least three months before the start of the next academic year.
Additional Information
Potential additional costs include:
- Show Reel: £120 (approx.)
- Head shots: £70 (approx.)
- Spotlight membership: £100 (not compulsory)
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
- UK – Full Time: £9,535
- International: £15,700
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.
Staff
Owain Rose
Senior Lecturer in Acting
Lisa Lapidge
Senior Lecturer in Acting
Luke Clarke
Senior Lecturer in Acting for Contemp. & Devised Performance
Rory ONeill
Senior Lecturer in Acting
Paul Morrison
Senior Lecturer in Acting
Careers and Employability
Our Acting for Stage and Screen graduates go on to work in all forms of creative and performing arts roles:
Performance & Voice Work
- Stage & Screen Actor (theatre, film, TV, streaming)
- Voice Artist (audio drama, animation, games, commercials)
- Commercial & Digital Content Actor (ads, YouTube, TikTok)
Creative Leadership
- Director or Producer (independent or with companies)
- Theatre-Maker (devising original work)
- Creative Entrepreneur (founding your own projects or companies)
Education & Community
- Drama Teacher or Lecturer (with further training)
- Youth Theatre Practitioner or Drama Facilitator
- CPD Trainer for Drama Educators
Behind the Scenes
- Stage Manager or Theatre Technician
- Casting Assistant or Director
- Movement or Voice Coach
- Script Reader
Other Creative Roles
- Presenter or Host (events, media, online)
- Performance Coach (communication, public speaking)
- Stunt Performer or Fight Choreographer (with specialist training)
Facilities and Special Features
Specialist facilities and features on the Acting degree include:
- Six bespoke rehearsal rooms that are stimulating and at the same time practical, safe and ideal for learning the craft of acting
- Lecturers with professional experience as actors and directors;
- Direct links to the prestigious Royal and Derngate theatre who also audition students for their main house productions;
- Talks and workshops by world class directors and actors and other industry figures.
- In recent years actors such as Samantha Bond and Lesley Joseph have spent time with our students.
Socially Engaged Performance explores the role of theatre and screen acting in addressing social issues and fostering change. Students will develop performances that engage with contemporary debates, marginalised voices, and community narratives, honing their craft while understanding the power of performance as a tool for activism, inclusion, and social impact.