On course: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

Courses offered

Undergraduate and foundation degrees:

• BA (Hons) Professional Acting
• FdA Production Arts (Stage)
• BA (Hons) Production Arts (Stage & Screen)
• FdA and BA (Hons) top-up Costume for Theatre, Film and TV

Postgraduate degrees

• MA Screen Acting
• MA Performance Design
• MA Drama Directing
• MA Drama Writing
• MFA Professional Voice Studies
• MFA Professional Acting (for international students)

Short courses

A range of short courses in acting, creative and technical disciplines ranging from day-long masterclasses to a ten-week summer intensive course in acting.

Course content overview

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS) has led the way in training theatre, TV and film professionals for over 75 years. Its courses are recognised nationally and internationally as a benchmark of quality in acting, creative and technical arts. BOVTS is a school with a world-renowned reputation, based in one of the UK's most lively and creative student cities. All the courses are practical and career-focused, with the majority of teaching taking place in small groups, workshops or in individual tutorials. Learning is immersive and you will have a full and busy timetable throughout each term. As a student at BOVTS, you will have excellent opportunities to perform in, design, write, direct, stage manage or work on shows that take place for the paying-public across Bristol and the West Country.

Students are regarded as professionals in training: your first day in the school is the first day of your career. BOVTS graduates can leave feeling confident in their creative and technical skills, but also with tenacity to succeed in building a sustainable, varied and fulfilling career in the arts.

The School's degrees are validated and awarded by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).

Fees, bursaries and other finance information

For fee purposes, the School classifies students either as UK or international. Residency classification determines the amount you pay in tuition fees, which also vary according to whether the course is an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. For full details, please visit oldvic.ac.uk/course-finder.

UK and Irish students are eligible for tuition fee loans and support administered by the government. In addition, each year the School offers a range of support in the form of bursaries and scholarships. If you are called to interview or audition, course staffwill explain more about the funding options available.

Accommodation options

Whilst the School does not own halls of residence, Bristol is a student city and there is an abundance of high-quality accommodation within walking of distance of the School. Many students choose to rent with fellow BOVTS students. The admissions o˛ ce provides guidance to new students wanting to find accommodation in the private rented sector, with information on fair rents, landlord relations and council tax exemption.

Entry requirements (qualifications)

BOVTS typically makes unconditional offers based on applicants’ performance at audition or interview. For undergraduate courses, applicants are normally expected to meet UWE Bristol's minimum entry requirements. For postgraduate courses, applicants would normally be expected to have an honours degree in a related subject area. We will also consider evidence of personal, professional and educational experience which show an ability to meet the demands of the course.

Application method (UCAS/direct; audition fee; deadlines)

All applications are made directly to the School, with additional information on deadlines available at oldvic.ac.uk. An audition fee of £25 is charged for the BA Professional Acting course, but an audition fee waiver scheme is available.

Audition process and preparation required

For BA Acting, auditions involve a three-stage process consisting of submission of a self-tape, followed by an interactive online preliminary audition, followed by a recall day at the School. You'll be required to present two contrasting monologues, each two minutes long. For technical and creative courses, there is an initial review of applications ahead of interview, where applicants will be asked about their motivation for joining the course, their relevant experience and a discussion of their portfolio.

Website and contact details

For details of open days, visit opportunities or to request a prospectus, contact the Student Recruitment team (student-recruitment@oldvic.ac.uks). For information about making an application, entry requirements, or fees and funding, contact Admissions (admissions@oldvic.ac.uk). You can sign up for updates about BOVTS courses and news from the school at oldvic.ac.uk/mailing-list.