How Much Does Training Cost?

There are three main ways drama school courses are funded.  To see how the course you are interested in is funded have a look at our Accredited course list. 

1. The majority of accredited 3-year courses in Acting, Musical Theatre, Stage Management and Technical Theatre are degree programmes in Higher Education and are government maintained or state-funded.  More>
   
   

2. Some 3 year, 2 year and 1 year accredited courses are in independent drama schools which are part of the Dance and Drama Awards  (DaDA)Scheme, a scholarship programme funded by the Learning and Skills Council.  These courses offer professional diplomas awarded by Trinity College London. More>

3. A relatively small number of accredited courses are full cost or independent courses, and do not attract any government funding.  The students are responsible for full fees (which average £9,000) and living costs while studying. The majority of these courses are post-graduate.  More>

Of the total number of students on NCDT accredited  courses in 2005/2006, approximaltely 56% were on degree courses in HE institutions (state funded) and 39%  were on DaDA courses (only about 60% of students on DaDA courses receive a scholarship)   The remaining 5% were on full cost or independent post-graduate courses. 

Overseas students will pay full-fees for all courses.  Go to Advice for Overseas Students.

If you are a student with disabilities who intends to pursue studies in further or higher education, the SKILL website contains funding information sheets. Information is available for income support, benefirts and funding from charitable trusts.

SKILL: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities

Information Service: 0800 328 5050 (freephone) and 020 7657 2337 (Open Tuesdays 11.30 to 1.30 pm and Thursdays 1.30-3.30 pm)

Head Office, Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane, London  SE1 3JW                     

www.skill.org.uk 

1.   Maintained/State Funded Courses

Unlike the situation in the nineties, most drama school training now takes place on three-year degree courses offered by  drama schools which are funded by means of a parent HE institution, which usually validates the course and awards the qualification. 

Like any UK (or EU) student entering Higher Education, students are eligible to apply for help with the student fee contribution (which is £3000 in 2006/2007 and £3070 from 2007/2008) and have access to Student Loan  for Fees  eligible  students may receive the loan to cover the full amount of fees for a course starting in or after September 2006. However if you have received government funding for a previous course it is unlikely you will be eligible.  In this instance look at section number three. The government website http://www.direct.gov.uk has comprehensive information about student finance for students undertaking Higher Education courses.   

Link Accredited Course List. 

2.   Course Funded by Dance and Drama Awards (DaDAs)

Dance and Drama Awards (DaDA) were introduced in 1999 to increase access to dance, drama and stage management training from all sectors of the community.  The awards provide help with fees and maintenance for talented students wishing to attend approved vocational courses at independent dance and drama schools. It is important to be aware that the Dance and Drama Awards provide scholarships for up to 58% of students on a course and the remaining students have to fund their own places as for full-cost courses.  Contact the Learning and Skills Council at dada@lsc.gov.uk for go to: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/MoneyToLearn/DanceandDrama/index.htm

Click on:    List of eligible schools

Click on: List Of NCDT & CDET accredited Courses

Click on: Student Support Information

Courses eligible for DaDA scholarships are 1, 2 or 3 years in duration and offer national diplomas in professional acting, awarded by Trinity College London. 

Each drama school is responsible for allocating its DaDA scholarships, which are given to those students who show most talent and potential at audition.  The students' financial circumstances may also be taken into consideration when an award is given, but only as a secondary factor. 

Students who have previously received financial help to attend a further or higher education course in the public sector are still eligible to apply for an Award. 

Students on DaDA scholarships are fees-funded to the same level as state-funded students – they may apply for help with the student fee contribution (£1200 in 2006-2007) but they are not eligible for student loans.  Students are however eligible to apply for hardship grants to assist with their maintenance expenses. 

Manchester City Council is responsible for processing applications for maintenance funds.  Please contact them for further advice on the funding procedures and levels of support.  They operate a telephone enquiry service on 0161 234 7021.  Or write to:

The Chief Education Officer
Student Support Section,
PO Box 191
Manchester M3 3ST

fund4study@notes.manchester.gov.uk

The National Assembly for Wales and The Scottish Executive also contribute to this fund in order to assist Welsh and Scottish Awards students.  If you live in Northern Ireland you  should contact the department below for help with your fees and maintenance.

Department for Education and Learning
39-49 Adelaide House,
Adelaide Street
Belfast   
BT2 8FD 
02890 257 735

European Union Students should contact the Department for Education and Skills EU Means Testing Team on 01325 39 1199.  Students from Scotland should contact the Student Awards Agency for Scotland on 0131 476 8212 or www.student-support-saas.gov.uk

Link Accredited Course List.