Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Top reasons to study at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Specialist conservatoire training
The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Central) is a member of the University of London and one of the UK’s leading drama schools. Based in Swiss Cottage, London, Central offers specialist conservatoire-style training across performance, practice and production, preparing students for careers in theatre, film, TV and live events.
A focused learning environment
Central is a small, specialist institution, which means students benefit from small class sizes, close contact with tutors, and intensive practical training. Teaching is led by experienced practitioners and academics, with learning shaped around professional practice and real-world creative processes.
Career-focused education
At Central, future careers are built into the curriculum. Students graduate as specialists in their chosen field, with strong professional insight, industry experience and a clear understanding of how the creative industries work. Central’s long history and strong industry links help students build connections and develop sustainable careers across the performing arts.
Professional facilities and London location
Students train in specialist studios, rehearsal spaces and production facilities, including performance venues and technical workshops. Central’s London location places students close to the heart of the UK’s creative industries, offering access to theatres, production companies and professional opportunities throughout their studies.
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Overview of the university
At Central we put your future career at the heart of everything we do, and when you leave, you’ll be a specialist in your subject – with the preparation you’ll need to get work in a fast-moving performing arts industry.
Who We Are
We’re a small specialist institution for the performing arts and offer everything from evening courses, diplomas and summer schools to undergraduate degrees, MA/MFAs, and research programmes. Our areas of specialism cover performance (acting, voice, movement), creative, design and production (theatre practice) and applied theatre.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our facilities are state-of-the-art: we have everything you’d expect from a world-famous drama school, and more – along with plenty of rehearsal and practice spaces - and an experimental lighting studio.
Programs and courses at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
23 courses at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, listed alphabetically:
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Location
The main campus of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in is shown on the map below:
Scholarships
Central have multiple scholarships, bursaries and awards for incoming and continuing students including the Leverhulme Scholarship of up to £10,000.
You can find out more about the funding currently available for Central students here.
Study abroad information
Central is located in Swiss Cottage, just three short tube stops from London's West End and buzzing theatre district. London is famous for its restaurants, cafes, bars and nightlife and we can guarantee you'll never be bored.
As a Central student you'll be encouraged to make the most of the capital's huge range of live performances and will receive a weekly email with a list of ticket offers and deals.
Central's proximity to the West End and the performing arts industry make it an ideal starting point for a career in the arts, enabling students to begin building professional networks while still studying.
Find out more about attending Central as an International Student
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama international links
We welcome students from all over the world to Central and support them throughout their time with us.
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Further reading
As an international student you may require a valid visa to study at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Read more about the requirements in our guide to United Kingdom international student visa requirements.