Prepare for conservatoire training through focused development in acting, voice and movement.
The CertHE Acting is a one-year, full-time programme for students aged 18+ designed to strengthen technical skill and audition readiness ahead of degree-level study. It is particularly suited to applicants who need to refine specific areas of their training before meeting conservatoire entry standards.
Training focuses on acting technique, text analysis and performance practice, delivered through classes in Acting Skills, Scene Study, Improvisation, Voice and Speech, and Movement. You will develop classical and contemporary monologues, building control, clarity and consistency in your work.
Across the year, you will apply your training through rehearsal projects and mock auditions, gaining a clear understanding of how conservatoire panels assess potential and readiness.
Alongside studio training, you will develop audition technique, interview skills and professional awareness. You complete the programme prepared to audition for degree-level actor training.
In a competitive training landscape, early access to a degree is not always the strongest route. A Foundation year allows you to build the technical and performance standard required to succeed at conservatoire level.
Students who enter training with secure foundations are able to sustain progress and reach a higher professional standard. A strong foundation leads to stronger outcomes.
You will learn the fundamentals of Stanislavski’s system, which focuses on creating and communicating believable characters, situations, and relationships through work on text and improvisation.
You also receive training in vocal and physical technique through voice and movement classes, as well as audition practice workshops to help you select and prepare appropriate monologues and songs for future auditions.
During the second term, you will build upon your skills from the first term, starting with an intensive period of monologue coaching, audition preparation and practice. You will refine and polish your speeches for drama school auditions and participate in mock auditions and develop interview skills.
In addition, a series of workshops and tasters help students develop their understanding of the contemporary performance industry – these may include Meisner Technique, Acting for Camera, Stage Combat, and Clowning.
In the third term, the training is focused on continued skills classes and whilst rehearsing a Scene Study, which is performed at the end of the term.
All students on the CertHE programme will also have the opportunity to audition for the BA (Hons) Acting and BA (Hons) Acting (Musical Theatre) for the following year. It should be noted that attendance on the CertHE programme does not guarantee a place on the BA (Hons). However, you will be trained to be ready for, and given the opportunity to explore the requirements of Italia Conti auditions through your time on the foundation programme.
Tuition Fees | £9,790 per academic year, paid in advance in termly instalments.
Student Finance | Student finance is available, including access to a Tuition Fee Loan and a Student Maintenance Loan.
Audition Fee | £45 (non-refundable).
Deposit | A deposit of £275 is required to hold and accept a place on the programme.
Fee Waivers | Audition Fee and Deposit Waivers are available for eligible applicants.
An outline of associated programme costs and more Info on Fees Waivers are available on the Fees and Funding page
Scholarships are awarded upon outcome of audition. You may apply for a bursary after receiving an offer of study by contacting admissions@italiaconti.co.uk
For further information on international student fees, please see our International Applications page.
Applications are made directly to Italia Conti and do not require a UCAS application. You must complete the application form and pay a non-refundable £45 audition fee to be considered. These fees act as both an administration fee for processing your application as well as a non-refundable deposit for a place on an audition day.
You are only required to apply for one programme, and encouraged to express on the form if you have interest in any other programmes, in addition to the programme directly being applied for.
Places on our programmes are limited; it is usual for drama schools to make more offers than there are places. Acceptances are dealt with on a first come first serve basis and so early acceptance is advised. Once a programme offer has expired, an offerholder will be moved to the waiting list.
The application deadline for this programme is 28 February 2026. Late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
After completing the application process, you will be invited to prepare, record and submit an audition self-tape where auditionees will be required to demonstrate a variety of skills. First round applicants will receive the result from their audition submission within 4 weeks of receipt. This is to ensure that every submission deserves our full time and attention.
This stage enables us to explore your work in greater depth, assess your responsiveness to direction, and understand how you engage within a training environment.
The recall day is also an opportunity for you to experience the ethos of the school, meet the faculty and students on our programmes, and gain insight into the training you would undertake. Recalled applicants will receive the result from their recall audition within 2 weeks.
Full information on what to prepare for your auditions can be found here :
Check back soon for recall dates for September 2027 entry.
Entry to CertHE Acting (Musical Theatre) requires the following:
Admission through recognition of non-standard entry qualifications/experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis for candidates who demonstrate exceptional talent or who can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme. Non-standard entry is assessed at audition and interview. Students without a Level 2 English qualification may be asked to complete a non-standard entry written task.
Applicants must have the legal right to reside/study in the UK for the full period of the programme.
1st September – 11th December 2026
4th January – 2nd April 2027
26th April – 23rd July 2027
Check back soon for term dates for September 2027 entry.
Join us at an Open Day to learn more about the CertHE Acting programme
Italia Conti offer a range of Audition Ready short courses to prepare for auditions. These programmes allow students to work with full time faculty, gain feedback, and experience a mock recall audition for the programme.
Italia Conti offers fee waivers to eligible applicants who meet set criteria, helping to ensure that financial circumstances do not act as a barrier to applying.
You get to work with people who have different techniques and different ways of working. also people who are in the industry. You’re not only getting taught by industry professionals every day, but you’re getting an insight in the projects from someone who’s actually currently working in the industry.
My training at Italia Conti has truly inspired me. During my time, I felt welcomed into a creative, supportive environment. The facilities are great, they give us everything we need to experiment, rehearse, and perform. Having access to such great studios and performance spaces has really helped me feel more prepared and confident as I grow in my training into becoming a professional artist.
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