Acting for Screen Diploma
start date
February 2027
duration
1 Year
Location
Leeds or Zoom
Study Method
Blended learning (both online and in-person)
Fees
From £5000 (Finance options available)
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR February 2027
Our 1 Year programme transforms aspiring actors into screen-ready professionals. Our curriculum, available online and at our Leeds-based academy, includes intensive training, industry workshops, and mentorship to prepare you for success in film and television.
about the course
The YAFTA Acting for Screen Diploma is a one-year screen acting course, available as an online option or taught in person at our Leeds-based academy.
The diploma is designed for those seeking to develop their screen acting skills to a professional level without attending drama school. You will undertake intensive training to provide you with the necessary skills, insight, and experience to progress from beginner to professional screen actor in one year.
This screen acting training course is suitable for those with some existing acting experience and will equip them with the necessary skills and tools to act for TV. Students will have a unique opportunity to work directly with casting and TV directors to assist in securing their first screen acting role.
This Acting for Screen course is a Spotlight-accredited programme, meaning students will be eligible to join Spotlight upon successful completion of the course.
“The diploma offers a concise and thorough syllabus. In just a few months, I’ve become fully immersed in the training, finding it informative and enjoyable. It covers all aspects of the business, fostering both acting skills and essential business knowledge and psychological awareness for industry success. The program includes masterclasses with leading professionals and provides continuous mentoring for optimal learning and support outside of lesson days. Overall, it’s a well-designed course.”
Jane Williams
YAFTA Diploma Graduate and Agency Actor
COURSE OBJECTIVE
To provide quality screen acting training to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to work as professional screen actors after 1 year.
STRUCTURED SYLLABUS
Students will follow a structured syllabus designed by a team of acting graduates from the world’s top drama schools, including RADA and LAMDA, alongside Occupational and Business Psychologists who specialise in assessment and selection.
Blended Learning
Whether taught online or in person, this is a blended learning course.
The in-person course requires three full contact days per month, which run on either Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. In February 2026, the contact day will be Saturday; in October 2026, the contact day will be Sunday.
The online course runs at the same time as the classroom-based course; you will be brought into the sessions via Zoom.
Each cohort will attend on the same day(s) for the first three weeks of every month. In addition to the contact hours, there is a distance learning aspect of the course, an experiential component, and a mentoring programme that must be completed.
There will be preparation and study to undertake between sessions, but the course has been designed to fit around work, family, and educational commitments.
Industry Training Workshops
Throughout the course, students will have the unique opportunity to participate in a number of screen acting workshops with high-profile directors, casting directors, and industry professionals.
Industry Training Workshops
In addition to acting training, students will undertake a number of workshops specifically related to working in the industry. These workshops will cover:
- Audition Process Technique
- Marketing for Actors
- Psychological Resilience
- Casting Director Workshops
- Director Workshops
The YAFTA Acting for Screen Online Diploma is focused on facilitating students’ development from beginner to professional within 12 months. Students will be required to pass the YAFTA Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Certifications in Screen Acting to achieve the full diploma award. Auditions for the course will take place online.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
Upon completion of the YAFTA Acting for Screen Diploma, students will have the opportunity to apply to be represented by YAFTA Talent Agency (PMA) for screen acting opportunities within the UK. YAFTA actors have secured roles in the UK’s leading film and TV productions.
Course specifics
working as a professional actor
Additionally, as part of the regular programme, students will undertake training on a number of topics designed to prepare them for the realities of working as a professional actor.
Membership
The YAFTA Acting for Screen Diploma qualifies students for Equity Student Membership. Students are also eligible for free student membership with the Royal Television Society.
CERTIFICATIONS
In this screen acting course, students will work on developing their craft, skills, and industry experience needed to act on TV.
Students will be required to pass the YAFTA Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Certifications in screen acting to achieve the full diploma award. Students will be given a mentor to guide them through the industry aspects of the course to ensure they are Spotlight ready upon completion. Their mentor will equip them with the industry knowledge needed to begin a career as a professional screen actor.
Course fees
Academic year 2026/2027:
Online
£5000
In-Person
£6500
Finance
We believe in making your film & TV career accessible without financial strain. That’s why we offer flexible finance options through our partnership with Kandoo.
You can choose affordable monthly instalments tailored to your needs and budget, ensuring you can pursue your goals without worries about upfront costs.
what our students had to say
“I was thrilled to secure a multi-episode role in Coronation Street while training with YAFTA! Their support has been incredibly invaluable, and it’s truly amazing to see all my hard work finally pay off.“
Munya Mswaka
YAFTA Diploma Graduate and Agency Actor
“YAFTA have been an amazing agency, helping me land my first TV and commercial credit. My latest role involves green screen and voice over work, which is a new challenge for me, and I’m so excited!”
Morven Robinson
YAFTA Diploma Graduate and Agency Actor
“A huge thank you to Charlotte and the YAFTA Agency team for helping me land my first paid movie role! It was an incredible experience, and I loved working alongside some of my screen idols.”
David Peter Randalls
YAFTA Diploma Graduate and Agency Actor
Application Process
There are a limited number of places on this course.
Please complete your application form using the link below. We will assess your application form and if you are offered a place on the course you will be sent an offer letter with further instructions of how to register and enrol on the programme.
