Top 10 Universities in the UK to Study Dance or Drama

Studying a dance degree or drama degree at a UK university will help students achieve their dream of a career in or related to the performing arts.

Students will study modules such as dance technique, contextualising dance, choreography composition, improvisation, performance and place, dance portfolio and bodywork, and the flexible nature of many dance and drama programmes means you can specialise in what interests you.

Learn more about the top ten dance and drama universities in the UK below (Guardian University Guide 2024). If you wish to begin your UK study application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.

Top 10 UK Universities for Dance and Drama

Below is the list of the best universities in the UK for studying dance and drama, according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.

1. Conservatoire for Dance and Drama

Located in the UK’s cosmopolitan cities of London, Bristol and Leeds, the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama delivers world-leading education and vocational training in the performing arts across six member colleges. The School offers an immersive experience and access to industry links post training. Notable alumni include Olivia Colman, Naomi Harris and Dane Hurst.

The course is fun and highly intensive, with studio-based classes enhanced by a range of contextual studies that directly relate to the experience of performing, making, researching and understanding dance. Plus, you will have access to unique performance and creative opportunities throughout the course.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance
• Entry requirements: Passes in two subjects at GCE Advanced Level (32 new UCAS tariff points/80 old UCAS tariff points normally, including one single award).
• International fee: £21,250

2. Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University's dance and drama department is a vibrant hub of creativity, emphasising a hands-on approach to learning. The university's commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum designed to encourage creativity has positioned it as a key player in performing arts education. 

BCU’s BA (Hons) Acting is a popular programme among international students and explores a range of core modules in acting, dance, and performance. You will engage in various activities, from its practical training modules to its balance between traditional and contemporary performance techniques.

• Suggested course: Applied Theatre (Community And Education) - BA (Hons)
• Entry requirements: IB diploma: A minimum of 24 points overall.
• International fee:  £19,020

3. Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University offers a BA (Hons) in Acting for Stage and Screen, enabling performers for both on-camera and on-stage work. The highly practical degree combines acting and drama techniques through workshops, integrating theoretical knowledge gained in the studio. Assessments focus on performance, filmed work, and practice as research.

The programme aims to create skilled practitioners adaptable to various performance mediums, including TV, film, and digital media, while preparing students for diverse careers in the performing arts and creative industries. The course emphasises theatre-making, complemented by transferable skills applicable to various professions.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen
• Entry requirements: GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent.
• International fee: £16,750

4. University of Essex

Studying drama at the University of Essex will help prepare you for life as an independent performing artist. Since opening in 1964, Essex has had a "radical innovation" approach to research and education. Because of a determination to do things differently and put student success at the heart of the University mission, Essex was named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards in 2018.

What they say: “Our training is by professionals and for professionals, allowing our graduates to work successfully across the globe. An international, outstanding teaching faculty comprises professionals from all areas of live and recorded performance.”

• Suggested course: BA Acting and Contemporary Theatre
• Entry requirements: A-levels: EE, or 32 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
• International fee: £20,500

5. University of Surrey

A world-renowned leader in the education of contemporary dance and drama artists, the University of Surrey offers a positive environment of creative and technical excellence where you are encouraged to push your artistic boundaries. You will learn through intensive technical training, in-depth study, extensive studio time, collaborative projects and performance opportunities at one of the UK’s finest music and contemporary dance conservatoires.

With a range of course units to choose from, this programme is diverse and flexible, enabling you to build upon existing interests while allowing you the room to discover new forms and traditions of performance, practice and media.

• Suggested course: Acting BA (Hons)
• Entry requirements: GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at Grade C (4) (or equivalent).
• International fee: £22,500

6. Lancaster University

Lancaster University's Film and Theatre degree, offered by the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA), provides a thorough study of contemporary theatre performance alongside the history and theory of film. The stimulating film course highlights close analysis, covering cinema history, social significance, and film production techniques.

Students have the opportunity to create short films throughout their studies. The theatre component explores innovative 20th and 21st-century theatre through theoretical and practical approaches, promoting critical and creative skills. Graduates equipped with transferable skills pursue diverse careers in media, advertising, marketing, theatre, film production, and academia.

• Suggested course: BA Hons Film and Theatre
• Entry requirements: International Baccalaureate 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects.
• International fee: £23,750

7. University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland offers an engaging BA (Hons) Screen Performance course that delves into screen performance's practical, theoretical, and contextual aspects. Students acquire skills for television and film, preparing for diverse roles in the screen industry. The programme emphasises multi-camera acting, directing, scriptwriting, and production skills, guided by industry experts. 

The course collaborates with actors, directors, agents, and filmmakers to enhance their networking opportunities. Completion of the course qualifies students for Spotlight adult performer membership. With a focus on employability, the curriculum integrates industry links, providing a comprehensive foundation for a successful career in screen performance.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Screen Performance
• Entry requirements: An overall IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 or higher in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• International fee: £16,000

8. Guildhall School of Music and Drama

The BA Acting programme at Guildhall School of Music and Drama offers an innovative and evolving structure, nurturing students who wish to connect with their authentic selves. Committed to craft training, the course emphasises the power of the ensemble, encouraging collaborative and complementary work. Students develop versatility, moving confidently between stage, screen, digital, and audio platforms and exploring classical, contemporary, and experimental repertoire. 

With a generous staff-student ratio, the curriculum combines fundamental skill acquisition with project-based learning. In the final year, students showcase their unique working processes, engaging with productions of varying scales and genres and exploring opportunities for self-created work.

• Suggested course: BA Acting

9. Queen Margaret University

Queen Margaret University's two-year BA (Hons) in Acting course leverages the institution's esteemed expertise in the performing arts, offering a distinctive conservatoire-style actor training. The curriculum provides comprehensive skills for stage and screen acting, and graduates can apply these skills to diverse roles in the performing arts, including playwriting and community outreach. 

The programme incorporates practical and practice-led teaching methods, emphasising the synthesis of acting fundamentals for stage, screen, and media work. Students can engage with industry professionals and organisations, enhancing their understanding of the dynamic performing arts landscape.

• Suggested course: Acting and Performance - BA (Hons)
• Entry requirements: HND Acting and Performance/Musical Theatre with A in the graded unit for the second year.
• International fee: £8,000

10. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

RWCMD’s BA (Hons) Acting degree allows you to begin your professional acting career with this dynamic curriculum, integrating practical and performance-based training. Celebrating diverse voices and classic repertoire, the curriculum, led by world-class practitioners, emphasises individual strengths over a prescribed ideal.

Starting with fundamental acting approaches, the course expands into voice and text work, movement skills, and singing. Advanced training covers various performance environments and genres, including Shakespeare, comedy, devised theatre, and acting for screen. In the final year, you will join the Richard Burton Theatre Company for public performances in Cardiff, London, and New York City, facilitated by strong industry links.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Acting
• Entry requirements: A levels, BTEC or equivalent qualifications.
• International fee: £26,800

Study Dance in the UK

Make a career out of your passion by studying dance or drama in the UK. Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today to begin your international application.

FAQ

What qualifications do I need to study dance in the UK?

Qualifications required to study a dance programme in the UK include A-level, IB diploma, and other English-language qualifications like IELTS and Pearson PTE.

How can I get a full scholarship to study dance programme in the UK?

If you are looking to get full scholarships for dance programmes in the UK, you can explore scholarship opportunities offered by universities, government programmes, private organisations, and dance institutions. 

Which universities in the UK have the highest acceptance rate for dance programmes?

Dance programmes offered by the University of Hull, the University of Greenwich, and the University of East Anglia are known for their high acceptance rates.