What You Need to Know About Applying to a Graduate Degree in the UK

The below information was provided by The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London.

Here are the specific steps you need to take if you are considering training on a drama-focused graduate programme in the UK. 

Do your research 

Each specialist institution has a unique offering of courses relating to the performing arts. At Central our courses cover performance, dramatherapy, applied theatre, design, writing, production and more. When you’re researching MA programmes, take your time to read the course content and specifications so you really understand what the course offers and how it differs from others. Look out for benefits or outcomes that will help you move towards your desired goal, for example networking opportunities, work placements or the chance to showcase your work to industry. 

Making an application 

Most postgraduate applications need to be made directly through an institution’s website and must include a personal statement. In this, you want to be clear about your reasons for applying to the particular course at the institution. You’ll want to demonstrate your relevant experience and, most importantly, your passion for the subject. You can read more top tips for writing your postgraduate application on our website.  

Auditions and interviews 

You may then be invited to audition or interview. Specific requirements for auditions and interviews vary depending on the course or institution you’re applying for. If you’re going for a performance course, such as Acting or Musical Theatre, you usually need to prepare audition material such as monologues. If you’re applying for a theatre-making or production course, such Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media, you might be asked to submit a portfolio of your written work. Institutions provide clear and detailed instructions of exactly what you need to prepare and the information is usually readily available on websites, so you can familiarise yourself before you apply.  

As much as the process allows the audition panel or interviewer to find out about you, it’s also your chance to find out about and get a feel for the institution. You want to feel like it’s a good fit for you, as much as the other way round. 

In most cases you won’t need to take a plane to audition or interview for a place on a UK course. Many institutions, including Central, offer the option of interviewing and auditioning over Zoom and via self-tape. 

So what happens if you are offered a place? 

There are certain documents you’ll need to study in the UK including a Student Route Visa. To obtain the Student Route Visa, you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, which is issued by the institution you’re studying with. There are Visa application fees, ranging from £363 to £490, depending on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK. Lastly, all Visa students will need to collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card within 10 days of arriving in the UK. This might sound complicated, but it’s all quite routine and will become clearer as you work through the steps.  

Wherever you end up pursuing your path of study, the institution should provide plenty of information for exactly what you need to do and when. It’s a good idea to do your research and make sure you have your documents ready so that you can act quickly if you need to! 

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is a leading UK performing arts institution, based in London. They offer bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees and short courses across the breadth of the performing and dramatic arts. Find out more at www.cssd.ac.uk