Acting MFA

Birmingham City University

This two-year Master of Fine Arts in Acting is rooted in practice and designed with international graduates in mind. Studying here will help you develop a deeper understanding of the processes of acting through an exploration of play texts from the British and European traditions, providing you with a progression route to an acting career or to further study at MPhil or PhD level.

This conservatoire-level actor training has a research focus which enables graduates to develop high-level, innovative approaches to practice. The programme cultivates originality of thinking and self-direction in order to tackle technical, interpretive and scholarly problems within the field of acting and performance.

What's covered in the course?

Studying a postgraduate acting degree at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will advance your knowledge of the non-naturalistic forms of theatre that form the bedrock of the British Tradition. The British tradition of acting is long-admired and internationally renowned. With great historical context, the British performing arts continue to spark inspiration and discussion both in terms of research and practice.

Throughout this course you will explore style in relation to theatre performance, drawing your focus towards understanding the world of the play. You will gain significant experience in acting in classical forms of theatre and other forms that make specific stylistic demands.

The course is delivered through various modes of study, such as research through practice, practice-based learning, workshops, performances, lectures and seminars as well as private study. This provides you with the unique experience of working in a range of styles and genres.

Enhancing your employability skills

As a graduate of this course you will be able to return to careers in the performance industry or in education with additional skills and a clearer understanding of British actor training and style. This will inevitably increase your employment opportunities, giving you a competitive edge in a highly competitive field.

You will have the right tools to teach, or mentor specialising in the British Tradition. You will be knowledgeable in a range of traditional British theatre forms, being able to reflect this through practice. Your knowledge of style and genre will enhance your employability, certainly if you are an international student as you will learn unique skill and knowledge unlike any taught internationally.

The various modes of teaching, such as studio-based workshops, presentations and productions will transform your confidence. These methods of study provide you with the ability and skill to translate your knowledge to others, whether that is through production or teaching. Through your understanding of style you will adapt and become versatile, knowing how to respond to the demands of the audience, space and the text itself.