Step into the spotlight: Discover our BA (Hons) Acting for Screen degree in Leeds

At MetFilm School, we’re proud to champion every craft within the film, screen and media sector — from cinematography to producing, directing to screenwriting — and, of course, acting. Over the next fortnight, we’re shining a light on performance, exploring how our acting degrees prepare students for life in front of the camera.

Our undergraduate acting courses are designed for those who want to perform and create. Across our UK campuses, we offer two exciting routes:

• BA (Hons) Acting for Screen – a three-year degree based at our Leeds campus
• BA (Hons) Screen Acting (2-Year Accelerated) – an intensive, fast-track course based at MetFilm School London

Each course is built on the same foundation: collaboration, professionalism, and hands-on experience. Whether you’re stepping onto set for the first time or refining your craft, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and screen awareness to thrive in today’s creative industries.

Focus on acting

The BA (Hons) Acting for Screen degree at MetFilm School Leeds is designed for the next generation of screen actors — performers who want to understand the filmmaking process as deeply as they understand character and story.

Based in one of the UK’s most exciting production hubs, this course gives students the chance to train in a working film environment surrounded by studios, production companies, and independent creators. Leeds is home to Channel 4’s national headquarters and major productions including Emmerdale, making it an ideal setting to learn, collaborate, and grow as an actor.

Learn from industry professionals

Students are taught by a team of industry-active lecturers — working actors, writers, and directors who bring their real, current experience into every session. Our Leeds tutors are connected across film, television, and theatre, with credits spanning BAFTA and BFI-backed productions.

For example, Lucy Francis, Programme Leader for BA Acting for Screen, is also a working actress — she appears in Rocket Fuel, a BBC/MetFilm collaboration — bringing first-hand screen experience and credibility into the classroom. Meanwhile, Rachael Gill-Davis, who continues to appear in ITV’s Emmerdale, combines her acting career with her MetFilm School Senior Lecturer role, giving students a unique perspective on the realities of life in the industry.

This direct link to working professionals means students learn not only how to perform for camera, but how to navigate a professional set, self-tape effectively, and collaborate across departments.

From voice and movement training to camera technique, improvisation, and professional practice, the course builds confidence and versatility. Each semester, students take part in filmed projects and short productions, developing a strong portfolio and professional showreel that reflects their individual range.

Collaboration and creativity

One of the defining features of studying at MetFilm School is collaboration. Acting students regularly work alongside writers, directors, cinematographers, and producers — learning how each role contributes to the storytelling process. This exposure helps graduates enter the industry with a grounded understanding of the full production journey, from script to screen.

Graduate success stories

2025 marks the very first graduating cohort from BA Acting for Screen at MetFilm School Leeds — and they’re already making their mark on the screen. Jack Perrons, a BA Acting for Screen graduate, stars in The Choral — a new film written by Alan Bennett and directed by Nicholas Hytner — which premiered this year at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as part of the Gala Presentations lineup.

Set and filmed in Yorkshire, not far from our Leeds campus, The Choral also features Oliver Briscombe, a current BA Acting for Screen student, alongside Ralph Fiennes and a stellar cast. The film’s success marks a proud moment for MetFilm School Leeds, showcasing how our students and graduates are already contributing to major screen productions.

The Choral will be released in UK cinemas on 7 November 2025, and we couldn’t be prouder of these rising talents — a huge achievement to be part of such a prestigious international premiere. Their success embodies what studying at MetFilm School is all about: nurturing creativity, professionalism, and confidence through real, hands-on experience.

Step into your future

If you’re passionate about performance and want to train as a screen actor in a city bursting with creative opportunity, BA (Hons) Acting for Screen offers the perfect place to begin. You’ll graduate career-ready, with the skills, awareness, and portfolio to move confidently into the industry.

And this is just the start. Next week, we’ll be turning our focus to the BA (Hons) Screen Acting (2-Year Accelerated) degree in London — an intensive pathway for those ready to fast-track their journey to the screen.

Ready to join us?

Explore our Leeds campus, come and see us at our next Open Day.

Contact our Admissions Team on 01273 096406 – or email us at admissions@metfilm.ac.uk – for any questions and to discuss your options. We can’t wait to welcome the next generation of Leeds filmmakers!