Acting Diploma (Level 3)

What is the course about?

Course times: Thursdays 18:15 - 21:30, Saturdays 10:00 - 17:30 (with 60-minute lunch break)
Course dates: Sat 19 Sep 2026 to Thu 8 July 2027. There are holiday breaks at the end of Term 1 (Christmas/New Year) and Term 2 (Easter).
Production week: 28 June to 3 July 2027. You will be required from 18:00 Monday to Friday and all day Saturday.

This highly practical and comprehensive course is for anyone aspiring to a career in acting. Sessions are taught by industry professionals in a range of modules that develop skills in voice, movement and character work, underpinned by a grounding in acting methodology. It provides a solid grasp of key industry expectations and also offers a route to further training or higher education. Previous students have progressed to a range of drama schools including RADA, Central, Royal Scottish, East 15, Oxford School of Drama, Mountview, and Drama Studio. Others have pursued careers directly within the industry. Entry is by audition.

What will we cover?

In the first two terms, classes include the study of contemporary and classical texts, voice work, textual analysis, and exploration of the work of key acting practitioners. You will develop creatively through improvisation, actor's movement and physical theatre, screen acting, musical theatre and audition technique. In the final term, you will apply your skills in a public performance of a full-scale production, using professional values, in the John Lyon’s Theatre at City Lit. Studying part-time over a year, you will gain a Level 3 qualification accredited by OCN London, with access to Advanced Learner Loans.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Apply your practical skills confidently in a range of acting scenarios
• Progress to drama school or further vocational training
• Audition successfully for roles in the City Lit Theatre Company and other dramatic productions.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Entry to this course is via audition, where you will need to demonstrate suitable practical skills. Please prepare two monologues: one classical, one contemporary, no longer than two minutes each (90 seconds is ideal). You may also be required to participate in a workshop involving voice, movement and acting. At the audition and during the course you will need to communicate intention clearly, respond positively and assimilate constructive feedback, and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills when in collaboration with others.

Apply through our online portal: click the Start Assessment button to log in and start the process. If you have any queries, please email the Drama Department with your name and contact details.

Audition dates: You will be invited to audition after your application is received. Information and advice on how to prepare for your audition is in our Drama Audition Advice.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

All sessions are practical and skill based and you will develop from the safety and support of the ensemble company that comprises all students on the course. For some sessions such as screen acting, you will be spilt into two smaller groups. Your scene work will involve individual solo pieces, paired work, small group pieces and work within the full ensemble.
There is a significant amount of line learning and preparatory work for each class, and you will be required to support your practical studies with some written reflective work. You are also encouraged to read widely around the subjects and practitioners you are studying to underpin your practical understanding.
This course is intensive and it demands full commitment and 100% attendance. In production week (28 June - 3 July  2027), you will be required to attend from 18:00 Monday to Friday and all day Saturday.
Work will be filmed as part of the assessment, verification and moderation processes. Filming / recording of you is essential to the course, and recordings are shared with OCN. Your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy, and recordings will be held by the college for verification purposes. By enrolling on the course, you acknowledge that you understand this, and that you cannot withdraw consent to being recorded.
HEALTH CHECK
You will be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, and if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The course fee for 2627 is £3,450 and includes the accreditation fee. A deposit is required within three weeks of successful audition to secure your place. Course fees can be paid upfront or in instalments through a City Lit payment plan, which you can set up when you enrol.

Other costs:

• you will be required to attend all classes in black clothing in which you can move freely, and for some classes you will need black jazz shoes.
• some set texts to purchase; for some classes materials will be provided
• 2 A4 ring binders notebook, pen. Pencils, erasers for script work

The course is eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan, which allows you to borrow up to £2,225, with a minimum loan of £300 (amounts for 2627 to be confirmed). City Lit may also be able to provide financial support for travel and materials, and childcare costs. For more information, email City Lit Advice, call (020) 3871 3111 (Mon–Fri, 10:00–17:30), or drop into the Student Centre on the Mezzanine (Mon–Fri, 10:00–17:00).

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Progress to further study at drama school, and/or embark on a career in the industry. Continue training at City Lit on a bespoke range of courses designed to complement and enhance the skills developed on the Diploma, including City Lit Theatre Company. Your course leader and tutors will provide individual advice.