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The BA (Hons) Acting degree is a very intense course.  During your first year you will feel there are lots of new and different things being thrown at you from all directions.  Some things might seem hard to understand, especially as a lot of it may be very new to you.  At some point in your first year you might feel like you have hit a brick wall, that you can't act at all, that you are useless and can't do anything.  Everyone else will appear to be brilliant, with loads more experience and talent than you feel you have.  This is perfectly natural and just part of the process.  In fact, it's a good thing, because it's a sign that you are developing as an actor.  Try not to worry, because the person you think is so great is probably feeling just the same as you.

There are people at college from all kinds of backgrounds, and with all levels of experience, and you can feel very inferior at times.  However, you  will find a way through.  Be patient and be positive.  You will learn from other students as much as from your tutors.  Some classes are specially designed for you to watch each others work: you can often see in other people the problems you can't see in yourself.  If you persevere and have faith in what you're doing, things will begin to come clear for you.   It you gain a place on the course, remember that it's because you are talented and we want to help you to release your talent to its fullest potential.

When you get to the second year you will be able to look back and see where all the connections are and why you are doing certain things.  Although tutors will always explain why you are doing something, and will draw the connections for you, it is often only when you have been through an experience and can look at it with some hindsight that you truly understand for yourself.

Remember it's all acting - Shakespeare, Restoration, Nineteenth Century, Modern, Contemporary - don't be afraid of the work you are not familiar with.  You're learning the skills to cope with anything the professional world may put your way, and you will gradually see how you can adapt your core skills to embrace any style of acting.
   
 
You may find you are suprised at how much effort and work you have to put into becoming an actor.  Now you want to be a professional, everything changes.  It's fun, but it's not a game: you expect people to pay you in the end, and nobody will pay a plumber for half fixing a leak - so they won't pay for you for half knowing your lines.  While you have lines to learn, or work to do between classes, you do not have any spare time.

Entry Requirements

UK Students
Applicants would normally have an A-level or equivalent in drama, dance, performance or related arts subject.  We also welcome applicants with practical experience in the performing arts.
You will normally need a range of GCSE’s plus a minimum of one of the following:

•  
• 140 UCAS tariff points
• Two A-levels, (C) Drama or related subject and (D) in another A-level
• BTEC National Diploma (Merit) in Performing Arts
• BTEC National Certificate  (MM) in Performing Arts
• GNVQ Advanced (Merit) in Performing Arts
• Access Programme (48 credits in total, 36 of which need to be at level 3 and 24 level 3 credits in a relevant subject).

Exceptions - All Students
All candidates who do not satisfy the above requirements can be accepted onto the course if extenuating circumstances exist. Candidates who wish to be considered for this exemption should contact the Registrar prior to sending in their Application Form to ensure that the necessary information can be supplied to the School. Some candidates who wish to be considered under this exemption may be required to give an additional element at audition to show their suitability. Any offer would be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Birmingham City University.
 
Candidates aged 21 and above can be accepted onto the course without satisfying these requirements if they can show suitable professional experience. Candidates who wish to be considered for this exemption should contact the Registrar prior to sending in their Application Form to ensure that the necessary information can be supplied to the School.
Non EU Students
Applicants from outside the European Union should note that graduation from the Birmingham School of Acting does not qualify them for employment in the UK .

English Language
An International Candidate should be able to demonstrate their proficiency in and understanding of English language, and this will be examined in auditions in addition to the usual Birmingham School of Acting audition requirements.
If candidates have any of the following they should please provide evidence with their application, if applying via video, or at audition:
 

• A pass in the JMB University Entrance Test;
• A grade C or above in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English;
• A grade C or above in the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English;
• A minimum of grade E in the Hong Kong Examination Authority use of English;
• An IELTS score of at least 6;
• A TOEFL score of at least 550;
• A grade C or above in GCSE or IGCE English Language.
   

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