Bachelor in Programme Leader Dr John Matthew Ba Hons Acting

Tuition costs 17,500 GBP per year.

Stepping into the House theatre in the heart of Plymouth, students on this BA (Hons) Acting programme immediately engage with a professional-standard environment that serves as the crucible for their artistic development. Led by Dr. John Matthew, an expert in performer training and author of Anatomy of Performance Training, the course is built on a direct, collaborative partnership with the prestigious Theatre Royal.

This degree is designed for those who wish to bridge the gap between academic research and the demands of the modern stage. By integrating theoretical rigor with practical performance, students benefit from a curriculum informed by current industry standards and the research traditions of the Stanislavski Centre. Whether through exploring contemporary drama or mastering physical performance techniques, the programme emphasizes:

• Deep integration with professional theatre venues and regional industry partners.
• Research-led teaching that informs practical acting methodologies.
• A focus on versatility, allowing actors to navigate both classical and contemporary performance spaces with technical confidence.

The programme offers a unique vantage point for aspiring actors, placing them in an active, city-centre cultural hub where the boundary between the classroom and the professional stage is intentionally blurred.

University of Plymouth, situated on England’s southwest coast, is a modern, student-centred university with around 18,000 students and a welcoming international community. The campus blends contemporary facilities with strong industry links, particularly in marine science, health, engineering and business. Plymouth emphasises practical learning and employability, offering placements, internships and project-based modules that connect students directly with employers and local partners.

International students find Plymouth attractive for its supportive campus services, range of student societies and manageable city scale that balances urban amenities with coastal lifestyle. The university provides pre‑arrival guidance, English language support and dedicated international student teams to ease transition and help with accommodation, visas and wellbeing. Teaching approaches combine lectures, labs and applied projects, while research-active staff bring real-world problems into the classroom.

Graduates from Plymouth benefit from strong regional and national employer engagement, which can lead to placements, graduate roles and entrepreneurial support through incubators and career services. The city’s quality of life, lower cost compared with larger UK cities and emphasis on hands-on learning make Plymouth a practical choice for students seeking a balanced academic experience and strong prospects for work or further study after graduation.