UCAS

UCAS x UAL Acting

What is UCAS?

UCAS is an independent charity providing information, advice, and admissions services to inspire and facilitate educational progression. 

Our income comes from:

-Application fees paid by applicants
-Capitation fees paid by universities and colleges for each student who is accepted
-Income generated by our wholly-owned subsidiary, UCAS Media Ltd, which gift-aids its profits to the charity.

My Ucas 

Seeing as this is our last year our main focus will be finding a university or in my instance drama school.But I am in the predicament of choosing drama school; or university.so did some research.

A lot of aspiring actors are confused about the difference between a drama school and a university. Is an acting degree from a reputable drama school the same as the one from a university?

Drama school could be either an independent institution or a drama-based department of a school, college or university. Either one has equal value if they maintain the status of a “drama school” and have their higher education validated by universities.

Drama schools can be a part of a university. This isn’t common, but a good example of a reputable and highly regarded UK drama school that’s part of the university is Drama Centre London. It is associated with Central Saint Martins college which is a constituent college of the University of the Arts London.

Advantages of applying to/training in drama schools:

• The most valuable degree in performing arts one can possibly get;
• Great training for all types of performers, particularly actors;
• Opportunities to meet important industry people and create strong connections;
• Final year graduate showcases attract a lot of good talent agents;
• Agents and casting directors value actors with drama school training more.

Disadvantages of applying to/training in drama schools:

• Extremely busy class schedule and a lot of homework;
• No time to audition for acting jobs or work to support yourself;
•  Since 2013, universities hiked their prices to cost the same;
• No preparation on the business and marketing side of acting;
• Very difficult to get accepted;
• Some additional training (acting classes) is still recommended after graduation.

Note on the busy schedule: normally, classes in drama schools take place strictly from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Students are expected to do their homework – research and written assignments – during their free time for monthly exams. Weekends are reserved for rehearsals among students themselves for exam-productions.

Pros & Cons of University’s Acting Training

Advantages of applying to/training in universities:

• The schedule isn’t very packed, not a lot of homework;
• Enough time to audition for an occasional acting job and work part-time;
• A chance to enjoy a real student’s life;
• Might be a good (although not time-effective) introduction into an acting world;
• Much easier to get accepted.

Disadvantages of applying to/training in universities:

• Poor acting training, both hands-on and theory;
• The degrees are pretty much worthless within the industry;
• Little chance to connect with important industry people;
• Final year showcases are usually small and attract minimum attention;
• No preparation on the business and marketing side of acting;
• Same cost of training as drama schools;
• A significant amount of additional training is required after graduation.