Acting Diploma Course (In-Person)

With optional ATCL - HND EQUIVALENT UNIT

Looking to become a Professional Actor or further your professional acting education? Have you reached a point in your life where it’s time to pursue your dreams? 

If so, then our Acting Diploma In-Person Course is for you. It can be completed in just one year and it is part-time meaning you can fit it around your current study, work or life commitments. The Clare Cairns Bursary offers up to £400 in financial support for students enrolling on our Acting Diploma (face-to-face) course, helping to make professional training more accessible.

Watch a collection of video testimonials from our students who have already completed their course with us…

Acting Out is a Multi-Award-Winning Drama School. We will train you in Acting and prepare you for the start of the professional world or further professional education. In this Acting Diploma Course, there is an optional Trinity College London ATCL qualification.

This Equity Vetted Course, is recognised by casting agents and professionals in the industry. All our UK based students, have the option of an Equity Membership on graduating.

With a small class of around only 14 students, you will train part time in acting with leading acting coaches & directors with a mixture of weekly residential days, online modules through a professional portal system and home study.

The Clare Cairns Bursary offers up to £400 in financial support for students enrolling on our Acting Diploma (face-to-face) course, helping to make professional training more accessible.

Gain experience and build your networking skills while working towards an optional ATCL Foundation Degree (England) & equivalent to HND qualification units in Scotland. Specifically it’s a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) which compares to the first year of a bachelor's degree, Level 4 qualification.

Gain knowledge, experience and practice while working towards an optional ATCL Acting Diploma (Foundation Degree, England & equivalent to HND qualifications in Scotland) if you choose to sit the exam.*

During the year you will meet during regular weekly evening sessions to cover the main skills of Acting and Performing, as well as auditioning skills so you are ready to audition for roles or for drama school.

You’ll learn and practice theories from the pioneers of the acting world such as Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Meisner, Uta Hagen, and more. Exact content may vary each year depending on the expertise of our professional artists, coaches and directors.

You will delve deeply into characterisation, relationships, actions and narrative.

You will also have online sessions and modules and work to complete and pass at home.

As this course has been vetted and approved by Equity, you’ll also be able to apply for your student membership while studying with us, as well as your professional membership on graduating.

*This is on the basis you pay the additional exam fee of around £550.00 and pass your exam.

You will be guided throughout the year by expert acting coaches, award-winning artists, directors and practitioners who really care about your acting and your future career or study ambitions.

After your course is completed, you may also have the opportunity to progress up to our Professional Acting Course, where you will gain your Spotlight Membership, Showreel, Performance, Professional Headshots and be industry ready.

You will also have direct contact with all your coaches and directors throughout the 12 month period.

This is an Equity Vetted Course and is recognised by casting agents and professionals in the industry. You will be apart of a small class of around only 14 students.

 Here’s Exactly What You’ll Get:

✅ You’ll work with a Multi-Award-Winning, Industry recognised and Casting Agent Endorsed Drama School

✅ You’ll have the option to sit the ATCL Performing Qualification in Speech & Drama (a Foundation Degree in England, equivalent to an SQA HND unit) *

✅ You’ll be part of a Certified Course with Acting Out Drama School and Education Scotland with digital certificate **

✅  You’ll explore and cover a whole range of acting theories, practitioners and subjects so when you leave, you’ll have a sound knowledge and skill of acting. You’ll get the exact curriculum once enrolled, as we change it each year to keep up with industry demands. An example of what you might cover is Sanford Meisner, Constantin Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Screen Acting, Contemporary Drama and William Shakespeare.

✅ You’ll cover audition training so you’ll feel ready to audition for roles, the Professional Acting Course or BA/MA Acting Degrees once you’ve graduated.

✅  You’ll get weekly residential evening during term time where you’ll practice your knowledge and develop your skills under the guidance of your professional coaches and guest experts.

✅ You’ll also complete online modules.

✅ You’ll meet the team from Equity and learn about professional contracts.

✅ You’ll be able to get your optional Equity Membership as your course has been vetted and approved by Equity ***

✅  You’ll get an optional NUS Student Card ***

✅ You’ll learn and practice with expert, professional performers, directors and coaches

✅ You’ll get the skill, the guidance, the courage and the confidence to start acting or go on to further education

*This is on the basis you pay the additional exam fee of around £550.00 and pass your exam. ** This is on the basis that you pass all your end-of-module assignments *** NUS Cards and Equity Memberships are Payable to these organisations directly.

LOCATION

During your Acting Diploma, your face-to-face lessons will take place at Murrayfield United Church, near to shops, cafes, train stations and buses. Other venues may also be used and will be given once enrolled.

Your evening residential sessions will run from approx 8pm to 10pm on Wednesdays in 9 week blocks.

You are also expected to do around 2 hours private study a week (this is an average over the whole year and some weeks there will be more or less expected).

Your private study times may involve online modules, preparation for your face to face sessions, follow up assignments and various other opportunities that may be offered throughout the course.

You must pass your assignments to complete the course.

 You are also encouraged and able to enrol onto our vocational performing courses, such our Intermediate Acting Course and Advanced Acting Course where you will be apart of a performance in a professional theatre (agents are invited). 

QUALIFICATION

Your optional practical exam is an ATCL Performing Qualification in Speech & Drama (a Foundation Degree in England, equivalent to an SQA HND unit). You will be assessed, graded and awarded your qualification and certificate by Trinity College London. Your examination is likely to be digital. You will be fully supported with an online module dedicated to exam preparation and a 2 HOUR private session with one of our expert acting coaches. All information will be given to you in your Exam Preparation Module. Please remember the exam is optional, and if you choose to do it there is an additional exam fee of around £550.00.

DATES

Your official starting date begins as soon as you enrol where you will be given access to your online portal and the first module which gets you started. You will have online modules to complete and home study as well as these essential evening residential dates below.

Term 1:

Wednesday 6th October 2027 - Wednesday 1st December 2027

Term 2:

Wednesday 12th January 2028 - Wednesday 8th March 2028

Term 3:

Wednesday 15th March 2028 - Wednesday 10th May 2028

Term 4:

No Set Dates. Completion of Online Modules. Working towards and around Drama School/other Auditions. Equity Meeting likely to take place online towards the end of May 2028. For those who choose to sit the optional qualification, preparation and exams will take place in June 2028.

FEES

Acting Out is a Multi-Award-Winning Private Drama School, accredited by Trinity College London and offering students professional and vocational courses in acting.

The Acting Diploma Course is also Equity Vetted and recognised by leading casting agents and directors. The fees includes the standard college tuition fee, professional expertise, small class sizes of around 14 students, central facilities and professional online portals.

The full fee for the 1 Year Acting Diploma Course is £1595.00

On acceptance of a place, full payment can be made, or your choice of a suitable instalment plan.

The Clare Cairns Bursary offers up to £400 in financial support for students enrolling on our Acting Diploma (face-to-face) course, helping to make professional training more accessible.

To apply, simply apply for the course first, secure your place, and then submit a bursary application with details of your financial need and supporting evidence.

*This fee does not include the exam (which is optional) and around £550. Exam preparation via an online module is included in this fee. Completing this diploma does not automatically qualify you for AODS’ Professional Acing Course. For last minute applications full payment may be due before the start of the course.  

AUDITIONS

Once you have applied you will receive an automatic email detailing all your audition information. Our main auditioning methods are online self-tapes.

For the auditions, you are required to perform (from memory and in character) one monologue, lasting no more than 2 minutes, either classical (preferably by Shakespeare and in verse) OR a contemporary. We require you to film your monologue and answer questions to the camera that are sent beforehand via email. 

We will be looking for clear evidence of the abilities required for the course, evidence of practical and intellectual skills necessary for the nature of this course, and personal qualities that would contribute to the class and the school. More details will be given after we receive your application.

Decisions for audition outcomes are normally made at the end of each month.

There is a small fee of £10 which covers your application and audition.

*** Applications open***

FQA

Is there funding for this course?

Most students pay for the course themselves as the cost is very small compared to higher educational qualifications. In the past, students who don't have the full payment upfront have paid for courses in instalments or made the most of student banking services such as the free student overdrafts or soft student loans (including career development loans). You can also contact your Local Education Authority or Charitable Trusts who help finance Performing Art Students. Check out your local library for more information. 

Will the SAAS pay for my fee?

Again, most students pay for the course themselves as the tuition fee is low. To build your connections to London (the place to be for actors and directors) Acting Out have chosen to work with Trinity College London for your certified qualification. Therefore as your qualification is an English qualification, the SAAS may not cover your tuition fee. You may still be entitled to a student loan. Check the question above about how students have paid in the past.  

What ages are students who join this course?

We accept a wide variety of ages. Most students are between early 20s and late 50s but we are open to accepting 16+ year olds if they demonstrate strong acting skills, maturity and commitment to both the arts and studying. There is no upper age limit.  

I may need special assistance, is that possible?

Yes. Your coaches will be on hand to assist you if you need extra time, additional help, or more guidance. For the exam, as long as you can prove in writing that you are entitled to extra time, you should be able to secure it.

Exactly how is the course structured?

The course is made up of specific learning outcomes over a period of 12 months (during term time). You have all the face-to-face sessions/ days mentioned above, as well as online tutorials, modules, possible workshops and performances to attend.

You’ll have 4 Terms, each focusing on your core acting training with intensive evening sessions in acting, voice, movement, auditioning and more. You’ll study and practice both remotely and in-person with expert coaches, using techniques and methodologies from the likes of Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Meisner. You’ll also learn the basics of Screen Acting and Self-Tapes.

There are assignments and pieces of homework to submit as well as many more to practice and explore in your own time. You must pass all the assignments to complete the course. Full details on all your learning outcomes and assignments will be given prior to starting your course.

There are additional benefits we include such as an Equity Membership and connecting to an award-winning school.

What if I miss a session?

If you miss sessions due to illness or a prior commitment, we do everything we can to ensure you don’t fall behind. There is lots of contact between students and coaches. It’s normal for coaches to send a breakdown of what was covered after each session as well as help students with assignments if they need it. So missing one or two sessions due to sickness is okay, as long as you can put the work back into your course in your own time. 

Do I get an Equity Membership on completion of this Course?

Yes, this course has been vetted and approved by Equity. All students who pass the course not only meet Equity and gain a huge amount of knowledge about the professional industry and how to start your professional journey, but will also be offered full Equity Membership. Please note, in the last few years, Equity have conducted their sessions online.

How do I get my Spotlight Membership?

To automatically qualify for your Spotlight Membership, you will need to be in training for 2 years with us through our Professional Acting Course. In some cases, it is possible to join the Professional Acting Course in Year 2. But only if you can demonstrate a sound knowledge of acting and talent already in your Acting Diploma Course.

Do I need a Visa?

If you are not from the UK, you don’t need a visa to enrol onto any of our courses (providing you are legally allowed to stay in the UK or are traveling in and out of the UK for your residential days). We have lots of foreign students and you would be very welcome to join us. If you are looking to gain a visa by studying acting, this is not something AODS provide, but we could recommend another excellent school who do this.

Will this course allow me entry onto the second year of an acting degree?

It all depends on how strong your application is when you graduate. Students have been very successful previously when wanting to gain further education or professional work. The course is a great place to start your education and your professional journey. This is a diploma course (which is the English equivalent of a foundation degree) not the first year at university (as it would need to be full time). Even so, many of our students are offered places on the second year of acting degree courses, and above. Around 70% of our students who apply for BA Acting Course are offered places and around 50% MA places (Year 5, thus skipping 3-4 academic years). Overall, anything is possible and the harder you work within this course, the better your chances of academic success in the future.

Will this course guarantee me an agent?

Again, previous students have been very successful when gaining an agent after the course. It all depends on how strong you are and what agents are looking for when you leave the course.

How do I apply?

Just click below. There is a small application and audition fee of £10.

What is the best acting diploma course in Edinburgh?

Acting Out Drama School offers a one-year, part-time Acting Diploma in Edinburgh for people who want to develop their acting skills and prepare for professional acting opportunities or further training. Students combine scheduled face-to-face classes with online learning, independent study and audition preparation. The course covers a range of acting techniques and practitioners, including Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Meisner. Students can also choose to undertake an optional Trinity College London ATCL qualification.

Where can I study acting in Edinburgh?

Acting Out Drama School offers in-person acting training in Edinburgh, including a one-year, part-time Acting Diploma. The course provides weekly evening classes, online learning modules and guidance from professional acting coaches. Teaching takes place at Murrayfield United Church, with other venues used where required. The course is suitable for people who want structured acting training without committing to a full-time drama school programme.

Does AODS offer a one-year acting diploma?

Yes. AODS offers a one-year, part-time Acting Diploma designed to develop core acting skills and prepare students for further professional training or acting opportunities. The programme combines weekly in-person sessions, online modules, assignments and independent study. Students who successfully complete the course may consider progressing to AODS's two-year Professional Acting Course or applying for further acting education, depending on their experience and individual application.

Can I study acting part-time while working?

Yes. The AODS Acting Diploma is designed as a part-time course, with scheduled evening sessions during term time and online learning to complete between classes. Students should allow approximately two hours of independent study per week on average, although the workload varies. This structure can suit people balancing acting training with employment, education or family commitments. You should check the published timetable and course requirements before applying.

Do you offer evening acting classes in Edinburgh?

Yes. The in-person Acting Diploma at AODS includes scheduled Wednesday evening sessions during term time, normally from approximately 8 pm to 10 pm. The programme also includes online modules, assignments and independent study. Additional activities may be offered as part of the course, so applicants should review the current dates and attendance requirements before enrolling.

Do I need previous acting experience to apply for the Acting Diploma?

You do not need to be an established professional actor to apply. AODS considers applicants through an application and audition process, assessing their suitability for the course, practical abilities, potential and readiness for the programme. The audition normally involves a prepared monologue and recorded answers to questions. If you are new to formal acting training but serious about developing your skills, the application process is the place to establish whether the course is right for you.

What do you learn on the AODS Acting Diploma?

The course explores core acting and performance skills, including characterisation, relationships, actions, narrative, voice, movement, text work and audition technique. Students are introduced to influential practitioners such as Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Meisner and Uta Hagen, alongside areas such as contemporary drama, Shakespeare, screen acting and self-taping. The precise curriculum can vary between intakes to reflect the expertise of the teaching team and developments in the industry.

Is the AODS Acting Diploma an in-person or online course?

The Acting Diploma is a hybrid programme with a substantial scheduled in-person element. Students attend weekly evening sessions in Edinburgh and complete online modules and independent study through the course portal. It is not a fully online acting diploma. If you cannot travel to Edinburgh for scheduled classes, AODS also offers a separate Online Acting Diploma that may better suit your circumstances.

How many students are in each Acting Diploma class?

AODS aims to keep the Acting Diploma class small, with approximately 10 students. Smaller groups give students opportunities to practise their skills, receive guidance from their coaches and work collaboratively with their peers. Actual class sizes may vary between intakes. The maximum number of students we would ever take is 20.

Does the Acting Diploma include a recognised qualification?

Students can choose to undertake the optional Trinity College London ATCL Performing qualification in Speech and Drama. This involves a separate external assessment and additional examination fees. The qualification is awarded by Trinity College London if the student meets the examination requirements. AODS also provides its own course certification, subject to successful completion of the relevant assignments and course requirements. Applicants should distinguish between the AODS diploma course and the optional externally assessed Trinity qualification.

How much does the optional ATCL examination cost?

The AODS course page currently quotes an additional examination fee of approximately £550-£600 for the optional ATCL qualification. This is separate from the Acting Diploma tuition fee and may change, so applicants should confirm the current fee before booking. The course includes an online exam-preparation module and a two-hour private coaching session for students taking the examination.

Is the AODS Acting Diploma Equity vetted?

Yes. AODS describes its Acting Diploma as Equity vetted. Students receive opportunities to learn about professional contracts and the performing arts industry. Eligible students may also be able to apply for Equity membership under the applicable arrangements. Membership is administered by Equity, and students should confirm current eligibility, fees and application requirements directly with the organisation.

Can I progress from the Acting Diploma to professional actor training?

Yes. Students who successfully complete the Acting Diploma can explore progression to AODS's two-year Professional Acting Course. Progression is not automatic: applicants must meet the relevant entry requirements and be accepted onto the programme. The two-year course offers further training and professional development, including showreel production, professional headshots, performance opportunities and industry preparation.

Can I apply to university or drama school after the Acting Diploma?

The Acting Diploma can help you develop acting skills and prepare for auditions for further training, including BA or MA acting programmes. Admission and entry into an advanced year depend on the receiving institution's own requirements and assessment of your previous training. Completing the AODS diploma does not guarantee university admission or direct entry into the second year of a degree but we will do our best to help you get there.

Will the Acting Diploma guarantee me an acting agent or professional work?

Although many of our students become professional actors and gain professional representation, no acting course can guarantee an agent, casting opportunities or employment. The AODS Acting Diploma focuses on developing acting technique, audition skills and knowledge of the professional industry. Students can use this foundation to pursue further training and acting opportunities, but outcomes depend on individual development, auditions, industry demand and other factors.

How much does the AODS Acting Diploma cost?

The tuition fee for the one-year, in-person Acting Diploma is mentioned above. AODS offers payment options, subject to its current terms, and the Clare Cairns Bursary may provide up to £400 in financial support for eligible applicants. The optional Trinity examination, external membership fees and other optional expenses are separate. Always check the current course page for the latest tuition and payment information.

Is there a bursary for the Acting Diploma in Edinburgh?

Yes. The Clare Cairns Bursary offers up to £400 in financial support for students enrolling on the in-person Acting Diploma, subject to the bursary's criteria and application process. Applicants should first apply for a place and then follow the published instructions for submitting a bursary application, including details of financial need and supporting evidence. Funding is not automatic, and applicants should confirm current availability.

How do I apply for the Acting Diploma at AODS?

Start by completing the application on the AODS Acting Diploma page. The application and audition fee is currently listed as £10. Following your application, you will receive instructions for the audition, which normally involves filming a prepared monologue and answering questions on camera. AODS assesses each application individually and communicates its decision following the audition.

What is the difference between the AODS Acting Diploma and the Professional Acting Course?

The AODS Acting Diploma is a one-year, part-time course focused on developing core acting skills, exploring different acting techniques and preparing for auditions or further training. It includes scheduled evening classes in Edinburgh, online modules and independent study.

The two-year Professional Acting Course provides a longer route for students pursuing professional actor training. It builds on practical acting skills with further industry preparation, including showreel production, professional headshots, performance opportunities and audition development.

The Acting Diploma can provide a foundation for applying to the Professional Acting Course, but progression is subject to the relevant entry requirements and acceptance.

What is the difference between the in-person Acting Diploma and the Online Acting Diploma?

The in-person Acting Diploma combines weekly scheduled classes in Edinburgh with online learning and independent study. It is suited to students who want regular face-to-face coaching and practical group work.

The Online Acting Diploma is designed for remote learning and greater geographical flexibility. It may suit students who cannot attend scheduled classes in Edinburgh. Both routes provide acting training, but their delivery, requirements and progression options differ. Review the individual course pages before choosing.