Bachelor of Arts in​ Acting

The BA  Acting Programme is dedicated to producing credible, professional actors who are at the forefront of the region’s theatre revolution, while establishing themselves as international contenders for a global, performing arts career in both live and digital media settings. Bringing together an intense, imaginative and collaborative learning environment, students are exposed to a wide variety of industry-leading training techniques, genres and styles.

The four-year, full-time Acting Degree is designed to inspire, challenge and expand performers’ skills and techniques – this also includes training in directing, writing, dramaturgy and producing: we want to build dynamic performers who will take an empowered, authentic and entrepreneurial approach to their careers. The programme offers students the opportunity to explore and rediscover the world of performing arts through interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary teaching and learning.

The average day comprises of skills-based morning sessions, which include physical, vocal and acting training: here the focus is on developing technique and technical skills. The afternoon sessions focus on project and performance work in theatre, television, film and radio, which affords students the opportunity to put into practice the skills and techniques learnt throughout the morning sessions.

In Year 4, students work with a range of expert, international artists from the fields of live performance, television and film to produce public-facing shows and a major festival of self-produced theatre and short films.

Why study with us?

• Situated within the ‘Cultural Capital’ of the Arab World
• Epicentre of inspiration, creativity and innovation
• Exclusive masterclasses with international artists
• Become the next generation of leaders and change-makers of the performing arts world

Programme Information

• Start Date: September 2024
• Programme Length: 4 years full-time
• Contact Hours: 30 hours per week

Admissions Requirements

General Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time of commencement/enrolment for a Bachelor of Arts undergraduate programme at SPAA.
• UAE Secondary School Completion Certificate or equivalent approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Candidates for performance programmes (e.g., Acting and Musical Theatre) must pass the audition process.
• Candidates for the Production Arts Programme must pass the interview process.

English Language Proficiency Requirement:

• EmSAT English: Minimum score of 1100.
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 500 (paper-based), 61 (iBT), or 173 (CBT).
• IELTS (Academic): Band 5.
• IELTS (General): Band 5.5.

Certificate of Equivalency:

• All enrolled students must obtain an Equivalency Certificate for their Secondary/BA Certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education, except those from the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum.

Conditional Admission:

• Applicants who do not meet the minimum English exam scores must take the SPAA English Placement Test and complete a remedial English course.
• Applicants who have not concluded the equivalency process may register for the foundational year by signing a Conditional Admission Contract.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• RPL allows students to enter at an advanced stage based on prior learning, provided they meet 80% of course learning outcomes.
• Up to 30 credit hours may be awarded for prior learning, with a minimum course grade of “B” for undergraduate level courses.

Credit Transfer:

• Transfer credits from recognized postsecondary institutions are generally accepted where the course content is equivalent to the SPAA course.

How to Apply?

To be considered for the BA Acting programme, all applicants must register their details by completing the following form.

A member of our Admissions Team will be in touch shortly (please allow 3-4 working days).

All applicants will be required to attend an online or in-person interview with the Programme Leader or a Faculty panel.

Optional: During the application process, you may also submit a short video (max. 3 mins) of yourself acting/ performing one (1) monologue from a published play. We’ve created an easy, step-by-step guide to help you prepare for and present your audition video, if you wish to do so: https://youtu.be/Leu_HBxwK8I.

You may also send us a 1-minute video of another skill you have; for example, movement, singing, or any other relevant skill you would like to share with us.

For any urgent admissions-related enquiries, feel free to contact us via the following methods:

Email: admissions@spaa.ae

Phone: +971 (0) 6 502 9999 (7.30 AM – 4.30 PM or 8 AM – 1 PM during Term Holidays)

Programme Fees

• Year 1: 63,000 AED
• Year 2: 66,150 AED
• Year 3: 67,252.5 AED
• Year 4: 69,457.5 AED

Full and Part Scholarships:

Eligible full-time undergraduate students may apply for a SPAA scholarship upon acceptance into their chosen discipline.

For more information, email admissions@spaa.ae.