Where to Study Acting in UK: Top Universities and Drama Schools Worth Considering

By Steve Dezย โ€ขย  Updated: 10/16/23ย โ€ขย  12 min read

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Choosing the right institution to study acting can set the tone for a successful career in performance arts. In this guide, weโ€™ll explore some of the top universities and drama schools in the UK that offer exceptional acting courses.

When it comes to prestigious drama schools in London, RADA (Royal Academy for Dramatic Arts), LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art), Sylvia Young Theatre School, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts stand out for their illustrious alumni and high quality training.

Outside of London, you might consider institutions such as Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol, East 15 Acting School in Loughton, Oxford School of Drama in Woodstock or Manchester Metropolitan Universityโ€™s School for Acting. Another noteworthy mention is Identity School of Acting (IDSA) located in Manchester.

Scotland also has a strong reputation

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where to study acting in uk

Prestigious Drama Schools in London

When pondering where to study acting in the UK, London undoubtedly springs to mind. Home to some of the worldโ€™s most esteemed performing arts institutions, this city could be your stepping stone into the exciting realm of theatre and stagecraft.

RADA (Royal Academy for Dramatic Arts)

A ubiquitous name in the field, RADA, is the first port of call for many aspiring actors in UK. With its rigorous actor training methods and unparalleled reputation, this academy has moulded numerous British actors who now grace our screens and stages globally.

LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art)

LAMDA is another heavyweight in drama education. Its stellar acting courses have consistently been a favourite among those looking to carve out a career in performing arts.

Notable Acting Schools Outside London

In any case, letโ€™s not forget that excellent drama schools are not only located within Londonโ€™s confines.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (Bristol)

The highly regarded Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offers an enriching environment where future performers can hone their craft amidst professionals and like-minded peers.

Manchester Metropolitan Universityโ€™s School for Acting & Identity School of Acting (IDSA) in Manchester

You see, Manchester also flaunts reputable institutions like the School for Acting at Manchester Metropolitan University, which delivers top-notch actor training methods. It also prides itself on fostering a diverse and dynamic community of performers. Also, Manchesterโ€™s Identity School of Acting (IDSA) is known for its part-time program perfect for those juggling lifeโ€™s many demands.

Top-Ranked Drama Schools in Scotland

Now that I think about it, Scotland too hosts stellar drama schools that should not be overlooked.

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Glasgow)

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, located in Glasgow, continues to shine as one of the leading performing arts education providers in the country.

Universities with High-Ranking Drama Programs

All things considered, if you prefer a university setting, there are high-ranking drama programs available too.

Exeter University & West London University

Exeter University and West London University both offer comprehensive drama programs. These provide an excellent foundation for those looking to tread the boards or take up roles behind the scenes.

Specialized Courses for Focused Training & Short Courses for Complementing Full-Time Studies or Industry Entry

Besides full-time degrees and diplomas, specialized acting courses can also be found at places like BIMM University or LAMDA. These cater to individuals seeking focused training on subjects such as stagecraft or professional acting.

Dotted throughout the UK are numerous short courses focusing on voice work or scene study. These are fantastic supplements to full-time studies and can serve as springboards into the UK acting industry.

where to study acting in uk

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Studying acting in the UK provides aspiring actors with the chance to learn from some of the worldโ€™s most experienced performers. However, if youโ€™re interested in exploring options outside of the UK, there are several other locations with reputable acting schools. Consider studying in culturally-rich cities like London or crossing the pond to take up a course in New York. Alternatively, Ireland and Canada have unique performing arts scenes that may be worth exploring. You can refer to our guides on where to study acting in Ireland and Canada for more information.

Before making a decision on where to study, itโ€™s essential to understand what it takes to embark on an acting career. Our posts outline various steps such as how long an actorโ€™s reel should be and whether most actors attend acting school. For further insights read our post on how long an actorโ€™s reel should be, or check out our post discussing whether most actors go to acting school. With this information at your fingertips, youโ€™ll better understand what is expected of you as an aspiring actor and where best to study based on your career aspirations.

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My Personal Take about Where to study acting in UK

Hey there! Steve Dez here, your go-to Hollywood acting and actor marketing expert. I just published another insightful blog post titled โ€œWhere to Study Acting in UK: Top Universities and Drama Schools Worth Consideringโ€.

Did you know that the UK is home to some of the finest drama schools and universities for acting? Just thinking about all these amazing institutions brings back memories of my early days in Hollywood.

Now that I think about it, deciding where to study acting in the UK can be a daunting task given the vast array of options available. But donโ€™t worry, my latest blog post provides a comprehensive breakdown on this very subject.

In any case, remember, studying acting is about more than just getting an education โ€“ itโ€™s about developing skills that are essential for success both on and off stage.

All things considered, this industry requires not only talent but also dedication and a lot of hard work. But once you step onto those grand stages or bustling film sets โ€“ trust me โ€“ itโ€™s all worth it.

You see, whether youโ€™re just starting out or looking to further your career, knowing where to study can be key part of making your dream come true. So get out there! Follow your passion, pursue your dreams with fervor and before you know it โ€“ one day soon โ€“ we might see each other in Hollywood.

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Before you goโ€ฆ

Takeaway 1: UK offers a range of excellent acting schools

In the UK, you wonโ€™t be short of options when it comes to studying acting. From Bristol to Glasgow, there are numerous top-ranked schools like Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland that offer fantastic acting programs. If youโ€™re looking for a prestigious drama school in London, RADA and LAMDA are your go-to choices. And letโ€™s not forget Sylvia Young Theatre School, known for producing some of the best talents in the industry. Whether you want to stay in London or explore outside the city, there are plenty of opportunities to pursue your passion for acting.

Takeaway 2: Consider your personal preferences and goals

When choosing an acting school, itโ€™s important to do your research and consider what suits you best. Are you looking for a university degree program? Exeter and West London universities offer highly-regarded drama programs. Or maybe you prefer specialized courses that provide focused training? BIMM Universityโ€™s BA (Hons) Acting for Stage course or LAMDAโ€™s BA (Hons) Professional Acting course could be just what youโ€™re looking for. Additionally, donโ€™t forget about short courses that can complement your full-time studies or help kickstart your career in the industry.

Takeaway 3: Find the perfect fit for your needs

Every acting school has its own unique curriculum, location, duration, and teaching style. So make sure to thoroughly research each school before making a decision. Consider factors like the specific aspects of acting that interest you (voice work or scene study), the reputation of the school within the industry, and even personal preferences like location or duration of the program. Remember, finding the perfect fit is crucial to ensure a fulfilling learning experience that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

In conclusion, the UK offers a plethora of excellent acting schools, both in London and outside the city. Whether youโ€™re interested in prestigious drama schools or university degree programs, thereโ€™s something for everyone. Take your time to research each school thoroughly, consider your personal preferences and goals, and find the perfect fit for your needs. Good luck on your acting journey!

For those looking to refine their acting skills within a traditional classroom setting, consider some of the best acting classes that have helped countless individuals define their craft.



The United Kingdom is known for its rich history in theatre and film, so itโ€™s only natural that some of the finest acting classes would be located there. With these, budding actors can begin to understand and build their unique style of performance.



If you canโ€™t make it to physical locations, worry not! There are also best acting online classes, many of which are based in the UK as well. These digital platforms offer comprehensive courses for all levels, giving everyone the opportunity to study acting no matter where they are.

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Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actorยฎ and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.