Qualification | Master of Arts (MA) with an option to top-up to Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in the final year/term
Course Leader | Chris Sivertsen
Validated by | University of Chichester (pending validation)
Location | Woking
Course Length | Delivered as a two-year part-time course. A one-year full-time
Start date | September 2025
Applications Now Open
MA/MFA Teaching and Coaching Physical Performance
One year full-time / Two years part-time
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.
This innovative course offers a rare opportunity to explore physical performance through an experiential and embodied approach, combining theory with real-world practice. Students engage with the distinct but interconnected roles of teaching—supporting the actor’s development in studio and rehearsal—and coaching, which prepares performers for the specific physical demands of professional work across film, television, theatre, and digital media.
At the heart of this programme is Italia Conti’s uniquely interdisciplinary training model, where Dance, Musical Theatre, and Acting are integrated into a holistic curriculum. Students benefit from an environment where physical performance is not an add-on, but a vital and expressive part of an actor’s craft.
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.
Career Pathways
Graduates of this course will be equipped to work as:
This MA/MFA supports you in becoming a leader in a growing field that values creativity, diversity, collaboration, and embodied intelligence.
For part-time students, the course will run September through to August in the first year, and September through to September in the second year. The part-time option will be available as of September 2023.
For full-time students, the course will commence in September and will conclude the following September. Please note that the full-time option is not currently available, but will be in the future. If you are interested in only the full-time option, please contact us for further information.
UK Tuition Fees | £6500 per year (PT); £11,200 per year (FT) for the MA. There is an additional cost for students undertaking the MFA modules of £700 for Italia Conti MA students (UK), or £1,400 for non-Italia Conti MA students (UK).
Deposit | £275 (The deposit is refundable within 14 calendar days of the payment being received by Italia Conti but will not be refunded thereafter for non-enrolment. It will be held by Italia Conti and will be refundable on completion of the course, without interest, less any outstanding sums owed by the student to Italia Conti.)
Terms and conditions apply upon acceptance to Italia Conti.
The MA/MFA course is eligible for the following funding options:
– Student Finance Masters Loan (https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan)
– Private Funding
“The building and staff inside welcome you with open arms, guide you through your training and proudly push you, prepped with the best tools for the job.”
“Italia Conti has helped me in terms of my acting development, but also as a person and how I engage and view the world, which aids me as an actor.”
“Italia Conti allowed me to do my favorite thing, every day in a safe space amongst talented, supportive people. Being taught by skillful tutors was invaluable. The small classes ensured my voice was always heard and helped me hone my skills.”
ENTRY TO MFA TEACHING AND COACHING: PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING: 2:2 or above BA (Hons) degree in related performing arts discipline (e.g. Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance) and/or significant relative performing arts industry experience (as Actor/performer). Successful Interview ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
After completing the application process you will be invited to attend an interview where you will discuss with the Course Team your previous training, and performance/directing/teaching experience.
Application to the MFA Teaching and Coaching: Physical Performance course is to be made through both UCAS and direct application via the link below. Applicants cannot apply through UCAS alone for this programme. There is no audition/interview fee for this course.
Applicants should have completed Italia Conti’s application form by the 30 July in the year of intended start in order to be considered for interview.
Direct Application Form (italiaconti-apply.co.uk)
Direct application is now open. Please note that our listing on UCAS is not currently showing, but will be updated shortly to be shown as a University of Chichester course so please check back regularly.
UCAS Institution Code | C58
UCAS Course Code (Full Time) | P2500
UCAS Course Code (Part Time) | P9D
Applicants who have applied through UCAS and who have not completed Italia Conti direct application form should click the link above or contact admissions@italiaconti.co.uk for support.
In line with our admissions policy, Italia Conti reserves the right to alter or withdraw offers at any point. Places on our courses 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.
APPLY NOW