Italia Conti’s MA/MFA in Teaching and Coaching Physical Performance is a unique postgraduate programme designed for experienced performers and movement specialists looking to develop careers as teachers and coaches in actor training and the wider creative industries.
Through placements, collaborative projects, and mentoring from established practitioners, students will work directly with actors in training and develop a flexible, sustainable teaching and coaching practice of their own. The programme also offers space for critical reflection and artistic research, allowing each student to shape their personal methodology informed by embodiment, ensemble practice, and the needs of diverse learning environments.
This MA/MFA supports you in becoming a leader in a growing field that values creativity, diversity, collaboration, and embodied intelligence.
In module one, you will explore the foundations of physical performance pedagogy. To teach movement safely and effectively, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, with a particular focus on physical neutrality, release, alignment and strengthening. Central to this module is the use of breath to support efficiency, expression and injury prevention.
To support your learning, you will have access to anatomy and physiology lectures, alongside in-person practical classes focusing on teaching pedagogy, physical technique and observational analysis of movement teaching across BA Acting, BA Musical Theatre and BA Acting (Musical Theatre) programmes.
You will be assessed through a practical anatomy presentation, a taught movement class, and a reflective portfolio including lesson plans, teaching resources and critical reflection on your developing practice.
In module two, you will explore sequencing, physical articulation and intention through movement, and how ensemble practice develops communication and cohesion within performance. You will investigate key movement methodologies including Laban, Lecoq and PURE movement, developing an understanding of how these practices support character, narrative and creative exploration.
Alongside practical training, you will be introduced to qualitative research skills to support critical thinking and prepare you for your research project in later modules. Teaching observations will continue across acting and movement classes to deepen your pedagogical awareness.
Assessment will include a practical teaching episode focused on ensemble or movement methodology, and a short written reflection evidencing emerging research skills and analytical thinking.
In module three, you will build upon assured movement technique to explore how actors meet text through the body. You will investigate how physicality informs character, story and psychological motivation, and how movement techniques can be applied as building blocks for devised work, rehearsal processes and performance.
You will be supported through lectures and practical classes focusing on physical approaches to text, character embodiment and creative exploration. Teaching observations will extend to rehearsals and acting classes to understand how movement tutors collaborate within creative teams.
You will be assessed through a portfolio of movement-based teaching resources for text work, alongside reflections on two teaching episodes exploring different textual styles.
At this point, you will begin to identify a focus area for your research project.
In module four, you will explore how movement teaching adapts to different acting methodologies, performance environments and mediums. This includes training in intimacy coordination, working within industry-standard boundaries, consent practices and ethical responsibility.
You will also study how physical performance translates across different spatial demands, dynamic requirements and digital contexts, including motion-capture and camera-based work.
Learning is supported through specialist workshops, practical teaching sessions and opportunities to coach within different performance settings. Teaching observations will broaden to include camera and screen-based projects.
Assessment will include a critical reflection on applied movement pedagogy and a professional-focused teaching practice.
In module five, you will research an area of your own physical performance teaching practice that you wish to develop further. This module supports you in becoming an embodied practitioner within a chosen specialism, encouraging depth, autonomy and innovation in your teaching.
You will develop a professional portfolio of work which may include schemes of work, lesson plans, digital resources, reflective writing, an evaluation of your teaching development and a career plan.
Module six is the culmination of the course. You will organise and complete a professional placement working within the community, applying your teaching skills in a real-world context. Alongside this, you will complete your research project, evaluating the effectiveness of a specific aspect of teaching pedagogy through rigorous academic practice.
Assessment includes a placement-based teaching practice, submission of your research project and a reflective portfolio evidencing professional readiness.
You may choose to bolt on this module to gain an MFA qualification, which is particularly valuable within the international training market.
You will complete an in-depth Viva Voce, critically examining your teaching pedagogy, methodology and how your action-based research has informed your work across these professional contexts.
For part-time students, the Programme will run September through August in the first year, and September through September in the second year.
For full-time students, the Programme will commence in September and will conclude the following September. Please note that the full-time option is not currently in delivery but can be explored on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in only the full-time option, please contact us for further information.
£6,500 per year (PT) £11,200 per year (FT) for the MA.
Students who choose to undertake the MFA extension will incur an additional fee of £700 (for Italia Conti MA Teaching and Coaching: Physical Performance students) or £1,400 (for students from other UK-based MA Movement programmes).
The MA/MFA Programme is eligible for the following funding options:
A deposit of £275 is required to hold and accept a place on the programme.
Deposit Fee Waivers are available.
Core Texts, Stationery, Computer/Laptop: Not included in tuition fees.
Gown hire and optional photographs for graduation.
Applications are made directly to Italia Conti and do not require a UCAS application. There is no audition/interview fee for this programme.
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 offer holder will be moved to the waiting list.
The application deadline for this programme is 30 July 2026. Late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
After completing the application process, applicants will be invited to an interview with the Programme Leader to assess suitability for the programme. Please be prepared to discuss your:
Applicants can also use the interview as an opportunity to ask for more specific information about the programme.
Entry to MA/MFA Teaching and Coaching: Physical Performance requires the following:
Applicants who have already completed up to 180 credits at Masters Level may use these credits to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) towards the total of 210 credits to gain the MFA Teaching and Coaching: Physical Performance. Please note that RPL may affect your eligibility for any Postgraduate loan. For details go to gov.uk/masters-loan/eligibility.
Applicants without standard entry qualifications may be considered through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL).
Where prior qualifications do not provide sufficient evidence of programme readiness, applicants may be required to complete an additional written exercise alongside the interview process.
We welcome applications from candidates with relevant vocational training or professional experience. All such applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and may require additional evidence, such as a portfolio or written work.
Mature applicants (21+) without formal qualifications are encouraged to contact Admissions prior to applying to ensure appropriate guidance can be provided.
7th September 2026 – 18th December 2026
4th January 2027 – 2nd April 2027
26th April 2027 – 23rd July 2027
6th September 2027 – 17th December 2027
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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