What length of course should I apply for?
The National Council for Drama Training accredits courses from one to three years in length. Which is right for you depends upon your training needs and circumstances. If you already have an academic qualification related to drama, you may wish to do a one-year vocational course.
In general however, the longer the course, the better practical grounding it can offer.
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I did a one-year acting course, and it was really worthwhile, but at the end I can’t say I felt that prepared to enter the industry. Our showcase wasn’t that well organised or attended and I didn’t feel that confident in my voice work. It’s a lot to take in in a year. -Steffie |
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How important is accreditation to students and the industry?
Accreditation is a quality assurance for students and the performance industry. Organisations who employ performers, technicians and stage managers can feed back to the course providers about what the industry needs. This means institutions can prepare students for the real demands of working, and students can be sure their training is relevant, rigorous and respected by professionals.
For more about the accreditation process, see About the NCDT.
What’s the difference between a degree and a diploma?
Whether a course is a degree or a diploma depends on if the drama school is affiliated to a university. It that’s the case, they’ll offer a degree. In the main these are three-year courses, though a small number are two-year.
Diplomas tend to be shorter, lasting one to two years.
Some courses offer a degree and a diploma. Students may receive the diploma after completing part or whole of the course, but the degree is the main qualification awarded.
It is confusing, and has developed in this complex way because institutions have tried to maximise the funding sources available to them.
Are foundation courses necessary and are they worth the cost? How else can I prepare before going to drama school?
Most accredited institutions now offer foundation courses, for those who wish to prepare for two or three-year programmes. Currently, the National Council for Drama Training does not accredit any foundation courses. They are by no means necessary preparation for drama school, but can be useful for some students. It’s a question of what’s right for you. The fees can cost more than £10,000 for one year, and there are no substantial sources of funding available.
There are other less expensive ways to prepare for drama school and build up performance or technical experience. Get involved with youth or amateur theatre in your local area to learn skills, get used to working as a company, and start finding out about yourself as a performer or technician. Make the most of the facilities that schools provide, set up your own drama group if there are none nearby - all of this will strengthen your application. Consider a FE course or part-time programme.
Drama schools also value a breadth of experience that is not confined to performing, so don’t worry if your CV isn’t filled exclusively with acting or stage managing.
What if I’ve got specific access needs?
Drama schools are increasingly aware of their responsibility to make their courses as accessible as possible for students with disabilities. Every institution has an Access Officer dedicated to working out how this can be best achieved. If you have access needs, contact the drama school at the time of application and ask to speak to their Access Officer. Explain your requirements and the course that you’re considering, and they will be pleased to help.
If you’d like to pose a question to NCDT about which course to choose, email us.