BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen (Top-up)
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: One Year
- Start Date: September 2026
You can also study this course:
Completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant performance subject? Top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree in Acting for Stage and Screen.
If you’re looking to break into the performance industry, this degree in acting is an excellent launch pad to help you get there. On this BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen course you’ll get to fine-tune and extend your acting skills and take part in diverse projects.
A top-up degree is the equivalent of the final year of an undergraduate degree, and offers a chance to deepen your knowledge, skills and understanding of your subject, while also getting an internationally-recognised qualification.
If you have completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject, you can choose to top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree.
While numerous acting programs predominantly concentrate on theatre, our curriculum uniquely prioritizes both stage and on screen acting. Recognising the substantial demand for roles in film, television, and online media, our course ensures you are prepared for the many approaches to acting that make up today’s industry.
This BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen degree is led by a dedicated and experienced course team who have all worked professionally in the performing arts. Benefit from their industry knowledge and the industry links they bring to the course. Our guest lecturers are also industry experts and alongside your lecturers, they’ll nurture your learning and professional development.
At BNU we ensure you have creative spaces to bring your ideas to life. On this course you’ll have access to drama studios. Each space brings with it unique features, from moving lights and fully equipped sound systems and projection to mirrors, a tiered seating bank and sprung floors. You’ll also have access to our props store where you can find everything you’ll need to bring your performances to life, from costumes and wigs, to lamps and even a coffin.
You’ll also have access to high quality camera equipment, a greenscreen room and lighting rigs and sound recording facilities, all suitable for film and TV screening.
We also understand that during your time at university, it is also just important to get involved with extra-curricular activities. Our Students’ Union offers a range of free societies and nights out for you to enjoy, from musical theatre society to our yearly festiball event, there is something for everyone.
Our High Wycombe Campus is only a short train ride away from London, meaning you are only a stones-throw away from the hustle and bustle of the world-renowned West End and many other independent theatres. You are also only round the corner from Oxford and Reading.
What will I study?
On this BA acting course there is an equal focus on both screen and stage, and lots of opportunity to test out different performance styles and techniques. You will get to fine-tune and extend your acting skills, working on live briefs and diverse projects – and build contacts and the entrepreneurial ability essential to securing work as an actor.
Through practical workshops, and looking at relevant literature, we will take you through different acting styles and techniques, including approaches to Naturalism, physical theatre, post-dramatic styles and new approaches to screen performance
You’ll manage your own significant screen or stage-based production, from conception, to venue booking, marketing and performance. You will also set up your own artistic company, and learn about all the elements involved in that, from budgeting and funding applications, to promoting yourself as a professional artist.
How will I be taught and assessed?
Assessment is varied, catering for different learning styles and enabling students to develop a wide range of academic and performance skills. These include solo performance, group performance, group presentation, written project proposal, written reflection on creative work, and essay.
To achieve the full BA (Hons) in Acting for Stage and Screen you’ll need to complete the modules listed, as well as a practical dissertation.
The dissertation will allow you to investigate a topic important to you within acting. You will cover the whole research process, undertaking empirical investigation and analysis. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor, who will offer support and advice.
The Professional Practice module gives you the opportunity to undertake work-based learning or answer live industry briefs, gaining the practical and transferable skills you need for your career in the creative industries.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have an entrepreneurial flair and a strong grasp of the world of acting. You’ll be able to position yourself confidently as an inspiring and creative performer.
What are the course entry requirements?
This programme is offered as a top-up qualification for students who have completed a HND, FdA, or other equivalent qualification in a relevant Arts or Performance subject, and wish to progress further to achieve an Honours degree.
Suitable candidates will receive an audition invitation
All suitable candidates will be invited to discuss their work during an audition and interview that will last approximately 15 minutes. We may also ask you to take part in a one-hour workshop with other candidates. The interviewing tutor will be looking for:
- the ability to articulate your views on your own work
- a commitment and enthusiasm for the subject
- the potential for sustained professional development, including the ability to work with other people.
the ability to form and present opinions on other performing art work, either as a performer or audience member.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £9,790 per year *
International
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 per year *
Please note all of the 2026/27 academic year fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.
What are my career prospects?
Film, TV and theatre is a global industry with a rich history in entertainment and innovation. With a broad range of roles for you to take on in the industry, from bringing scripts to life for audiences around the world, to scriptwriting and creating new worlds. Whatever route you dream of taking, a degree in acting allows you to learn a range of transferable skills and confidence building techniques.
By the time you leave us, you’ll be in a strong position to go after acting work. You could work in acting for theatre or films, set up your own performance company, work in education or outreach groups, or across a range of areas in the cultural industries, undertake further professional study or pursue research through a master’s degree.
Using the skills and knowledge learnt on this course, you could find yourself performing the following roles all over the world:
- Actor/ Actress
- Playwright
- Screenwriter
- Performance Company owner
- Teacher.
You may also wish to stay on at Buckinghamshire New University and study our full-time or part-time Postgraduate Courses.
