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Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama logo
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Performance and Contemporary Arts

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Award Attendance Study Duration Start Domestic fees International fees
BA (Hons) On-Campus Full-time - 3 years October £9250 per year £25200 per year
Course fee notes

Current fees for The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama can be found here: https://www.cssd.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees-and-additional-costs

About Performance and Contemporary Arts, BA (Hons) - at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

On the BA (Hons) Performance and Contemporary Arts programme, you will: 

  • Explore making and producing contemporary theatre and performance, with a focus on creative exploration, social justice and cultural leadership.

  • Encounter diverse contemporary theatre and performance practices working solo and in collaboration with others, exploring composition, design, technology, visual art, and material

  • Engage in dynamic studio learning and industry collaborations to test new ideas, as well as receive feedback and mentorship from experts

  • Develop critical thinking skills to analyse social, cultural, and political issues through performance and connect with innovative ideas

  • Gain experience in administration, production, advocacy, and cultural leadership, connecting with the dynamic arts scene locally and internationally

  • Become a well-rounded artist equipped with the skills to lead and shape your work in a wide range of arts and culture settings, and produce and develop projects in multiple professional contexts 

The BA (Hons) Performance and Contemporary Arts is for aspiring artists and performance creators who want to shape the future of theatre, performance, and the arts for the better. You’ll explore different ways to make performances that centre social justice and original ideas, and challenge traditional methods. 

The programme covers diverse art forms, from visual arts to design-led practice, helping you become an expert in your chosen medium. Mentored by industry leaders, you’ll develop your artistic identity as a performance-maker, artist, producer, researcher and change-maker. You will be part of an inclusive, vibrant and supportive community and gain strong industry connections. Through studio-based learning, creative projects and external collaborations, you’ll have the chance to test ideas and receive feedback. You’ll also learn to critically analyse performance and its social impact, and gain skills in producing, activism, and cultural leadership.


Entry requirements

Contact Royal Central School of Speech and Drama to find course entry requirements.


Why 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.