Laurence Olivier, Judi Dench and Harold Pinter all trained at Central, as most people call it. Founded in 1906, the school sits on Eton Avenue in Swiss Cottage, north London, and is part of the University of London. It covers far more than acting: courses run from theatre practice and puppetry to voice studies, applied theatre and drama therapy. Much of the teaching happens in working theatre spaces on site.
London, United Kingdom
Official website: cssd.ac.uk
1906
Member institution of the University of London
Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage
Specialist drama school
£21,000 – £27,000
International students, undergraduate and postgraduate courses
£16,000 – £21,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on cssd.ac.uk before you apply.
BA Acting
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 7.0
BA Theatre Practice
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Interview; IELTS: 6.5
MA Acting
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 7.0
MA Voice Studies
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Interview; IELTS: 7.0
MA Musical Theatre
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 6.5
Alumni including Laurence Olivier and Judi Dench.
Theatre practice courses in design, lighting, puppetry and stage management.
Specialist master's degrees in voice and applied theatre.
Actors work across theatre, television, film and audio drama.
Theatre practice graduates join production teams in the West End, regional theatres and events.
Voice and applied theatre graduates teach, coach and run community projects.
Undergrad
Varies by course
Postgrad
Rolling, with auditions
Central is beside Swiss Cottage station on the Jubilee line, with Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath both within walking distance. Hampstead Theatre is next door.
North London is quieter than the centre, but the West End is about 15 minutes away by Tube. Rent is high, so many students share flats further north or east.
CAS from the institution
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Undergraduate courses usually go through UCAS, and the acting audition cycle starts in the autumn. Many postgraduate courses take applications until places fill, but popular ones close early, so apply by January for September.
Courses start in September.
The Student route visa. Your CAS comes from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama after you meet your offer conditions and pay the deposit; the online application needs proof of funds, your English result and the health surcharge.
Acting, theatre practice, musical theatre and voice studies are popular. Acting courses admit by audition, and theatre practice by interview and portfolio. International applicants usually need IELTS 6.5 to 7.0, with the higher level for acting and voice.
Central has a limited number of scholarships and bursaries, some open to international students. Awards are competitive and usually partial.
