Turn your Acting into a Professional Career with Personal Feedback and a Recognised Qualification.
Looking to become an actor, but can't commit to in-person training? Our fully online Acting Diploma Course lets you train anywhere, at your own pace. There are no auditions, just an application and a decision normally made within 5 working days.
Recognised Qualification
Options to earn an internationally recognised ATCL qualification as well as a certificate on completion of this course.
Ongoing Academic Support
Our tutors are available throughout your studies to offer clarity, direction, and expert guidance whenever you need it.
Practical Learning
Learn the techniques and principles of acting with monologue work, scene study, and filmed performance tasks in 6 modules.
Professional Actor Training
Experience rigorous, practice-based actor training modeled on the standards of leading British drama schools.
Personalised Expert Feedback
Receive detailed, professional feedback on every assignment, ensuring steady, supported growth throughout your training.
Flexible Study & Fast-Track
Study at a structured monthly pace or choose the Instant Access Upgrade to unlock all modules immediately and accelerate your learning.
About the Course
Our fully online Acting Diploma can be completed in as little as 6 months, though you have up to 12 months to finish.
You’ll learn and practise fundamental acting techniques drawn from the pioneers of acting (including Constantin Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov), as well as exploring Shakespeare and contemporary Screen Acting.
This course offers a professional ATCL qualification with Trinity College London. You'll also receive a certificate on completion of this course which accredited by PLFind and Education Scotland.
You'll have direct contact with your coaches throughout your time with us.
You'll submit assignments (written or video) to our dedicated acting coaches for expert feedback, giving you real-world, personalised training.
The course is interactive and industry recognised. For our UK performers, you can also gain your Equity Membership and an NUS student card. For our international students, we can provide proof of your acting training status so you can gain the equivalent.
This short preview below shows how straightforward the platform is to navigate and offers a glimpse of the acting modules and resources you’ll be working with throughout your training.
Our Acting Course is Industry Recognised
As a Multi-Award-Winning Drama School, we make Professional Level Acting Training accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Reputable practical acting training can be hard to find, especially with online courses. Our Acting Diploma gives you structured, hands-on coaching, personalised feedback, and the opportunity to earn an internationally recognised qualification, all at a pace that suits you.
Build your skills, gain confidence, and prepare for a professional acting career from anywhere in the world.
Top UK agent Tabitha Watson (Network Artist Management) discusses why she endorses the school below. Hear her reflections on the quality of our training and support for emerging actors.
What Our Students Say
Video testimonials from some of our students who have already enrolled on this course. Watch their experiences and hear firsthand how the course helped them grow in confidence, skill and professional readiness.
Hayley Maybury
Professional Actor and Musical Theatre Performer in Australia and London
Stephen Coral
Professional Actor in Scotland, UK
George Hageage IV
Professional Actor in USA
Alex Leslie
Entrepreneur Business Owner in Scotland, UK
Who this Acting Course is for?
Our Acting Diploma Online is designed for performers who are ready to take their craft and training to the next level. The course is practical, structured, and supported with personalised tutor feedback, making it ideal for students who want professional-quality training from anywhere in the world.
-
Aspiring actors with some performance experience who want to develop solid acting technique
-
Musical theatre performers seeking to strengthen acting skills and bring greater depth to their performances
-
Screen actors aiming to improve self-tape and audition skills
-
Actors pursuing a recognised qualification through the optional ATCL pathway
-
Comedians, directors, and other performers looking to enhance their stage or screen work with strong acting foundations
No matter your background, if you are motivated to learn, practice, and receive expert feedback, this course will support your growth as a performer.
What Exactly You Study: The Acting Diploma Online Curriculum
Once your course starts, you will have access to your orientation module and the first and second module.
After this, you’ll get access to a new module each month. You have up to one year to complete the course but it is possible to complete it in only 6 months. You can also choose the Instant Access Upgrade to unlock all modules immediately and accelerate your learning.
All your content in the program curriculum is accessible through an exclusive, easy-to-follow, private membership portal.
You have access to your course 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
You just log in whenever you are ready to start, in your own time and your own space.
The training is delivered via videos, audios, workbook resources, done-for-you swipe files and templates.
It can also easily be accessed via your smart phone too.
You must pass all your end-of-module assignments to gain the Acting Out Drama School Accreditation and the end of your course. This is also certified by PLFind and Education Scotland.
Below is a breakdown of all your modules.
MODULE #1
Becoming an Actor
Lays the foundational understanding of acting as craft and journey. Learn how to warm up with the physical and mental preparation you'll need for acting roles, auditions and performance.
MODULE #2
Staninslavski Intensive
Learn all about acting from the founding father of acting itself. This in-depth module includes the advanced techniques of active analysis, including deep characterisation, active and passive imagination, realism, truth in performance, emotional memory, motivation and the Magic IF.
MODULE #3
Approaching a Part
Put your learning into practice and start applying the techniques you've learned to characters. Learn how to prepare for a role with character breakdowns, practical exercises and audition preparation.
MODULE #4
Micheal Chekhov Techniques
Practice the techniques of another world-famous acting theorist who pushed boundaries and connected energy to the art form. Learn about creative physical work, impulse-based acting, imaginative character work and start to use your energy body to connect to yourself and your characters.
MODULE #5
William Shakespeare
Delve into classical text, understanding the Shakespearean language and how to use it as actor for a deeper understanding of verse work, text analysis and classical performance techniques.
MODULE #6
Screen Acting
Learn how to act specifically for the Film and Television industry. Develop your acting style and technique for the camera and gain top tips for your auditioning technique. Delve into the world of self-tapes including how to do them on a budget.
MODULE #7
Optional Exam & Certification
If you opt in for this qualification, this module will fully support you. It includes all the details of your exam, including all the preparation you need to do. You'll also attend a 1 hour private mock exam session online, with one of your dedicated acting coaches. This includes live feedback on how you can improve your submission. This module also includes the cost of the exam itself (ATCL / HND-Unit equivalent). If you choose to do this module, there is an additional fee of around £500.
You will also be guided throughout the year by expert acting coaches, directors and practitioners who really care about your acting and your future career throughout a 12 month period.
After you have completed each module, you will be able to submit your end-of-module assignment to one of your expert coaches for their feedback and guidance. This may be sent to you as a word, video or voice file.
You will also get the chance to connect with some highly successful and award-winning artists.
How It Works
Follow a simple, structured path to develop your acting skills and gain recognised qualifications:
Apply – Complete our short application to secure your place in a small, focused cohort.
Join Cohort – Begin the course alongside other dedicated students, with full tutor support.
Access Modules – Unlock your learning materials online, following the guided pathway or at your own pace.
Submit Assignments – Complete monologues, scene work, and filmed performance tasks for personalised feedback.
Gain Feedback – Receive detailed tutor feedback to refine your skills and build confidence.
Optional Exam – Choose to take the externally assessed ATCL Performing Qualification for formal recognition.
Where This Diploma Can Take You
Our Acting Diploma Online equips you with practical skills, professional insight, and confidence that you can carry into every performance. Completing the course will help you:
-
Gain credibility in the industry by working with a Multi-Award-Winning Drama School
-
Achieve recognition by gaining qualifications when completing the ATCL Performing Qualification through Trinity College London
-
Receive a CPD Certificate from Acting Out Drama School, recognised by PLFind and Education Scotland on completion of this course
-
Audition with confidence, by understanding scripts, characters, and your own performance strengths
-
Build a professional showreel / self-tapes by creating material that showcases your talent effectively
-
Prepare for further drama training or agency representation by strengthen your profile, applications and auditions
-
Develop stage and screen fundamentals. Refine technique, character work, and on-camera skills
-
Know where to go next by having developed your strengths as an actor.
Whether you are pursuing further study, auditioning professionally, or aiming to improve your performance skills, this diploma provides practical training, documented recognition, and professional credibility to progress with confidence.
The Optional 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 as well as a private 1 Hour mock exam session with your acting coach.
The exam is optional. There is an additional exam fee of around £500.
To be considered for the examination, you must have passed all your end-of-module assignments. The professional qualification is from Trinity College London directly. We require evidence you are ready to sit the exam before we can put you forward.
All information will be given to you in your Exam Preparation Module.
On course completion, you can gain the Acting Out Drama School Accreditation as standard. This is also certified by PLFind and Education Scotland.
The Application Process
There are no auditions for this course.
You do not need to be at a certain standard to gain entry as we can help you no matter what level you are at when you apply.
This is not a beginners course though, so we always recommend some acting experience before you start. If you don't have any yet, please enrol onto our Beginners Acting Course.
There is an easy to fill out application process and a decision is made normally within 5 working days.
To ensure every student receives meaningful feedback and dedicated support, we keep our cohort sizes small and carefully review every application. A small £5 application fee helps us maintain this focused, high-quality learning environment and the standard of support our students expect.
Learn with Expert Acting Coaches and Award-Winning Directors
Clare Cairns
Multi-Award Winning Creative Arts Director, Expert Acting & Public Speaking Coach, Founder & Director of Acting Out.
Jake Norton
Professional, Highly-Regarded British Actor & Acting Lecturer with over 20 years experience.
Paul Bianchi
Award-Winning Director, Writer, Filmmaker and Performer from Hollywood, LA.
Fees
Acting Out Drama School is a Private Drama School, accredited by Trinity College London and offering students professional and vocational courses in acting.
The Online Diploma Acting Course fees include the standard college tuition fee, all your online training modules, plus professional expertise from our coaches who give feedback on your work. You’ll also be given an opportunity to join Equity and the NUS Society (fees payable directly to them).
Guided Monthly Pathway
£1299 £995
Monthly Installment Options Available at Checkout
-
The 6 Core Modules (one module every month), plus an orientation module to get you started.
-
Digital course materials, including videos, audios, workbooks and templates, accessible via our private portal.
-
Ongoing personalised feedback from experienced acting coaches/directors on all your submitted assignments.
-
Eligibility to apply for Equity membership and Student Card or proof for equivalent
-
Connection to a Multi-Award-Winning Drama School with access to networks, directors and industry professionals, giving you a potential pathway to professional work or further training
-
On-going Email Support
-
Optional Exam and Qualification Certification with a private 1-hour mock exam session (there is an additional cost for this).
-
Installment Options Available on Enrolment
Instant Access Upgrade
£1495 £1195
Fast-track your training and unlock all modules immediately
While the standard course releases a new module each month, many students prefer to work at their own pace, sometimes much faster.
To support this, you can choose our Instant Access Upgrade, which gives you eveything the standard course offers plus:
-
Immediate access to ALL modules
No waiting. Start any module, any time, in any order.
-
Accelerated feedback from coaches
Assignments will be reviewed on a priority basis, helping you progress much faster.
-
Complete the diploma in as little as 6–8 weeks
Perfect for motivated students or those eager to focus on a specific area (screen acting, Shakespeare, Stanislavski, etc.).
Early Exam Entry Discount
Save £100 when you add your ATCL exam at the point of enrolment.
A Quick Summary: Why Actors choose this Course
Our Acting Diploma Course gives you everything you need to grow as an actor: clear modules, practical tasks, personalised guidance, expert feedback and optional qualification routes. You’ll be supported at every stage while developing real skills that build confidence, technique, and readiness for further training or industry work.
Here are some of the highlights below:
-
Industry-Approved Training by a Multi-Award-Winning Drama School
You’ll be guided by experienced coaches, directors and industry practitioners, plus your course is vetted by Equity and the National Union of Students, meaning you can gain your professional Equity membership in the UK and gain a student card. For international students, we can provide proof of your acting student status to gain your equivalent actors union membership and student assocation.
-
Flexible Online Learning
Access your course 24/7 via a private membership portal. Log in whenever suits you, from any device.
-
Career-Boosting Professional Certification
Optionally pursue the ATCL Performing Qualification (equivalent to a Foundation Degree in England / HND-equivalent in Scotland) with Trinity College London, internationally recognised all over the world. There is an additional cost for this.
-
Personalised Feedback
Assignments are submitted for review by expert professional and award-winning acting coaches. Contact your coach at any time with questions. Further options for private study are on hand when preparing for auditions or further training and professional work.
-
Easy to Navigate Online Portal
Your course is hosted on a user-friendly and easy-to-follow online portal. It's a private space and accessed via a unique username and password. We keep track of your progress and can help you along if you need extra support.
-
Industry Recommend & Approved
Top UK agent Tabitha Watson (Network Artist Management) discusses why she endorses the school below. Hear her reflections on the quality of our training and support for emerging actors.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know choosing the right acting course is important. Below are answers to the questions we get asked most often.
What happens after I enrol?
Once enrolled, you’ll get an automatic email with details on how to access your course on our private online portal. You’ll also get access to the orientation module and the first module. After this, you’ll get access to a new module each month. You must complete each module in the sequence presented to you in the portal. Although your modules are spread out over a period of 6 months, you have up to 1 year to complete the course so that you can work your way through the course in your own time (providing you complete it within one year). Or you can accelerate your learning by upgrading to the Instant Access option when you enroll.
You must pass all your end-of-module assignments to gain the Acting Out Drama School Accreditation and the end of your course. This is also certified by PLFind and Education Scotland.
To be considered for the examination, you must have passed all your end-of-module assignments and pay the additional exam fee of around £450. The professional qualification is from Trinity College London directly. We need evidence you are ready to sit the exam before we can put you forward. All information about this will be given to you during your Exam Module which is towards the end of the course. You can ask us a question about this at any time though.
When does the course start?
Your course starts as soon as you enrol and you have one year to complete it (from when first enrol). Your official starting date begins as soon as you enrol.
What will I get on graduation?
Graduates leave the programme with a comprehensive grounding in core acting skills, evidenced through completed assignments, reflective practice, and filmed performance work. You will have received individualised feedback from tutors and, if chosen, will have undertaken the external ATCL assessment through Trinity College London, achieving a recognised qualification that supports progression into further training or professional contexts. You'll also gain a CPD certificate with Acting Out.
What skills will I learn in this program?
You will develop core acting skills including text analysis, character development, monologue and scene work, audition and self-tape technique, screen acting, and classical work (including Shakespeare). The course focuses on practical application, professional discipline, and developing confidence and consistency as an actor.
I’ve never acted before. Can I still do the course?
Many students start with no formal experience. However, this is not a casual “taster” course, it is structured training designed to build real acting skills through practice and feedback. If you have experience in performance already, such as dance, music, comedy, directing, or other live or screen work, you are welcome to apply. Otherwise, we ask you to do this course first: Beginners Acting Online, then apply for our Acting Diploma Online.
Do I receive a qualification or certification?
Yes — there are two certification outcomes:
Optional ATCL Qualification
Students may choose to enter the externally assessed ATCL Performing qualification through Trinity College London (exam fee applies). This is an internationally recognised qualification, equivalent to a Foundation Degree level in England / HND-Unit equivalent in Scotland.CPD Certificate
All students who successfully complete all assignments receive a CPD Certificate of Completion from Acting Out Drama School, recognised through PLFind and Education Scotland.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
This diploma is best suited to those with some interest in acting and a willingness to engage seriously with the work. If you have experience in performance already, such as dance, music, comedy, directing, or other live or screen work, you are welcome to apply. Otherwise, we ask you to do this course first: Beginners Acting Online, then apply for our Acting Diploma Online. This course is structured at a professional training level and requires commitment, self-reflection, and practical engagement.
What support is available during the course?
You will receive personalised feedback on assignments from experienced tutors and ongoing academic support throughout your studies. You can contact the AODS team directly via email at any point during your 12 months of access.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no formal qualifications required. Entry is via a short application process, as we only accept a limited number of students each month to ensure individual attention and high-quality feedback.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have access to all course videos and resources for 12 months from enrolment. If you require more time, extension options are available.
I’m very busy — will I have time to complete the course?
Yes. The course is designed to fit around work, family, and other commitments. You can follow the Guided Monthly Pathway or study at your own pace within your access period.
I have performing arts experience but not acting. Can I apply?
Yes. If you have experience in performance, such as dance, music, comedy, directing, or other live or screen work, you are welcome to apply. Many students come to the diploma to develop their acting specifically, building on skills they already have in performance, communication, and storytelling.
I’m a musical theatre performer. Is this course suitable for me?
Absolutely. We regularly work with musical theatre performers who want to strengthen their acting technique and deepen their dramatic work. The training focuses on text, character, truth, and intention, skills that directly enhance musical theatre performance. You can therefore apply straight away.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes. We offer two or three-part payment plans to help spread the cost. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, you are welcome to contact us directly to discuss options.
Do you offer scholarships or bursaries?
Yes. The Clare Cairns Bursary offers up to £200 in financial support for students enrolling on the Acting Diploma Online, helping to make professional training more accessible.
Will this course help me become a professional actor?
While we do not promise professional outcomes, the course helps actors develop confidence, technique, and a professional approach to scripts, auditions, and self-tapes, all essential for progression. Many of our students become professional shortly after graduation.
I already have professional experience. Is this course still useful?
Absolutely. Many professional actors value the course as a refresher and for the opportunity to receive detailed, constructive feedback on self-tapes and performance work, something professionals rarely get. We welcome professionals who continuously develop themselves as artists.
I live outside the UK. Is that an issue?
Not at all. This course is designed for an international audience and is delivered entirely online in English. Past students have joined from across the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and beyond.
What do I need to start the course?
All you need is a computer or smartphone and a stable internet connection. That’s it.
English is not my first language. Can I still apply?
Yes. The course is delivered in English, so students need a good working understanding of spoken and written English to engage fully with the material, feedback, and assignments. However, English does not need to be your first language, and we welcome students from around the world. If you are able to study, rehearse, and submit work confidently in English, you are encouraged to apply.
I have additional learning needs. Should I mention this when I apply?
Yes. We welcome open conversations and encourage applicants to share any learning needs during the application process. This helps us ensure the course is suitable and that expectations are clear from the outset.
© Copyrights by Acting Out Drama School. All Rights Reserved.