Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
3 / 4 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
W491
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
1. Course summary
- Develop high-level skills as an actor and performer.
- Research, plan and execute professional-standard performances across stage, screen, audio and digital media.
- Create a multi-media digital portfolio to showcase your work.
- Engage with communities and challenge real-world issues.
- Take part in our final-year degree showcase festival.
Develop your flair in everything from screen acting to working with texts, audio performance, and physical and spatial practices. You’ll master production processes and apply your learning by creating and starring in your own public performances. You’ll also work with real-world briefs commissioned by external clients, helping to challenge global issues.
At the end of your studies you’ll produce and deliver your own professional performance for public presentation at our Changemakers Festival – our festival of theatre and performance.
Find out more about acting and performance courses, facilities and student projects on the SHU performance website.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Teaching Quality
Sheffield Hallam University is amongst the top ten UK providers for drama in the Guardian University Guide 2023 league table.
2. How you learn
You’ll take part in interactive lectures, seminars and practical workshops led by creative professionals, practitioners and expert academics. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with industry partners on ‘live brief’ projects. As you develop experience, you’ll create a professional portfolio designed to prepare you for a range of careers – whether that’s in the creative industries, drama education or postgraduate study and training.
You learn through
- acting and performing
- taking part in production projects
- practical workshops
- working in an ensemble
- attending performances
- work-based learning
- independent study
- real-life projects for external clients
- interactive lectures and seminars
- extracurricular activities, including theatre and performance productions
Course leaders and tutors
Dr Tom Payne
Senior Lecturer in Performance, Course Leader BA (Hons) Acting and PerformanceSenior Lecturer in Performance Studies, Joint Recruitment Lead (BA Acting and Performance), Social Media Lead (BA Acting and Performance)
Applied learning
Work placements
In your second year you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a short placement with an external organisation. Here you’ll use your newfound skills to address real-world challenges, connect with diverse audiences and make a difference in your community.
Live projects
We work with a range of local theatres, filmmakers, performance companies and arts organisations on live briefs and production projects. Recent industry collaborators include Sheffield Theatres, Forced Entertainment, The Sheffield Creative Guild, Theatre Delicatessen, Stand and Be Counted, John Godber and Doppelgangster.
Staff often produce performances for local and international festivals – and invite students to take part in them, giving you the chance to work alongside professionals. In recent years students have participated in Off the Shelf Festival, the Venice Biennale, The Melbourne Fringe Festival, Season for Change, and Woodland Trust’s Tree Charter. We also collaborate with Hallam’s Department of Film and Media Production to create additional screen acting opportunities for you to take part in.
Field trips
Throughout the course you'll have the opportunity to go on a wide range of trips. We're ideally located close to Sheffield Theatres and regularly see performances there. You'll also travel to see work in other cities in the north, nationwide and where possible internationally. In previous years students have attended international theatre festivals in Prague, Venice, Berlin and Paris.
Networking opportunities
We have excellent links to local actors, companies and venues – which we encourage you to take advantage of. These include Sheffield’s Equity Branch, the Making Room network at Sheffield Theatres and the Sheffield Creative Guild, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet, talk with and work alongside people from the industry.
Find out more about our Acting and Performance course, from opportunities and student experiences.
Employability
93% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating (2019/20 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
3. Future careers
Our graduates have gone on to rewarding and fulfilling careers in
- the acting profession
- the creative industries
- film production
- marketing, communications and media
- education
- community theatre
- creative arts facilitation
- the charity sector
- journalism
- public-facing professions such as HR, training and customer service
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for
- The Royal Shakespeare Company
- Sheffield Theatres
- Forced Entertainment
- Third Angel
- GrowTheatre
- Blowfish
- Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.
- Open House Pictures
- their own companies and creative enterprises – set up with support from the university
4. Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn more5. Equipment and facilities
You’ll have practical classes in our state-of-the-art theatre spaces at the Performance Lab. These spaces are fully equipped with lighting, sound, special effects, communications systems, changing rooms, shower, props, costume/set store, green room and iMacs. You’ll also have access to our digital learning environment and editing facilities at Aspect Court – where we have three dedicated recording studios.
On this course you work with
- industry-standard cameras and sound equipment
- sound recording booths and audio recording equipment
- audio and video editing software
- theatre lighting and sound
- digital design software
- creative online platforms
360 tour - film and TV facilities
Media Gallery
6. Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112 - 120
This must include at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:
- BBC-BBB at A Level.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Merit overall from a T Level Qualification
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS Levels, EPQ and general studies
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4
• Access - 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.
If you are made an offer, you will invited to a Course Open Day. At Course Open Days there will be the opportunity for you to come along to an open workshop to hear more about the course, meet some of the staff and, if you wish, you can perform for us. If we like what we see, we may be able to give you a lower offer.
We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.
Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
This module prepares you for acting and performance for recorded media through exposure to industry specific ways of working. You will develop acting techniques associated with screen monologues, audio clips, voice-overs, self-tapes, and social media content. This module builds on acting techniques developed elsewhere in the course, and introduces the requirements of careers in film, TV, and voice-over while also supporting you in the creation of a digital actors’ CV.
Indicative Content:
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Practical workshops, including screen acting techniques, self-tapes, audio clips, animation voice overs, and social media content
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Collaborative live briefs commissioned by industry partners
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Lectures on the theory and practice of acting and performance for recorded media
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Creation of an actors’ CV
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Guest speakers from the industry
Module Aim:
Through this module you develop a deeper understanding of the social and cultural implications of acting, theatre and performance by examining real-world case studies and exploring global perspectives. This module supports you to articulate your own personal motivations and connect these with the political contexts and motivations of established practitioners. The module places an emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion, enabling you to find your unique voice and thrive as actors and performers in a changing world.
Indicative Content:
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Engagement with real world case studies including a range of diverse performance practices
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Group discussions about current debates
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Exploration of personal motivations
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Collaborative and individual research
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Development and delivery of individual presentations
Module Aim
In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of acting and performance. You will develop knowledge and skills in vocal and physical techniques, spatial awareness and staging conventions, and the ability to analyse texts. You will gain basic experience of technical theatre operations and learn how to work collaboratively and inclusively in the creation of performance for an audience.
Indicative Content:
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Practical voice, movement, staging and text analysis workshops
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Lectures introducing the global histories of acting and performance, diverse acting techniques, approaches to character development, use of space in performance, and dramatic structure
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Individual and group tasks and training exercises designed to enhance physicality, vocal technique, spatial awareness and text analysis skills
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Experience of rehearsal room practice
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Introduction to basic technical theatre operations
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Flexibility for guest lectures, collaborative projects, and global perspectives
Module Aim:
You will be introduced to models for collective creation that place an emphasis on devising, self-authored group work, and writing for performance. You are enabled to generate innovative ideas, and demonstrate effective teamwork skills as you collaboratively create performances from a range of starting points. The module fosters peer working through technical theatre support, and encourages students to think about ways of making performances that are accessible to different audiences.
Indicative Content:
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Practical workshops exploring techniques for collective creation
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Specialist training, research and tasks supporting skill development
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Lectures exploring diverse global approaches to making
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Guest workshops and theatre visits
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Guided devising processes leading to performance for an audience
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Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
You will build on prior learning as you explore ancient, classic, contemporary, non-western, and self-authored texts, and apply text analysis and advanced acting techniques to bring them to life in performance. Collaborative working also includes peer technical support and attention to other creative production practices.
Indicative Content:
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Practical workshops and text analysis
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Creation of monologues and group performances
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Lectures exploring the theory, history and context of global acting techniques
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Individual tasks, including research, character development, and rehearsal
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Design and application of technical and creative production processes
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Group rehearsal and performance
Module Aim:
You will explore diverse contemporary performance theory and practice and draw from their discoveries as you create individual or group performances that enable you to refine your artistic voice and showcase your creativity. You will develop a deeper understanding of your own practice and contemporary performance by maintaining a critical reflective journal as you work collaboratively to create innovative new work.
Indicative Content:
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Practical workshops exploring contemporary performance techniques.
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Theoretical lectures on contemporary performance.
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Creation and presentation of a project pitch.
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Completion of a festival application.
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Devising, rehearsal, and presentation of performance to an audience
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Peer support through technical theatre operations.
Module Aim:
You will expand your skills and knowledge for acting and performance for recorded media by collaborating in groups and by working individually to create unique audio and video projects. You will develop new technical competencies in planning, production and post-production, and demonstrate these through the creation of a digital portfolio that showcases your professional ability and evidences your capacity to meet the digital demands of the industry.
Indicative Content:
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Technical workshops including working with cameras and editing for video and audio
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Analysis of professional examples
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Guest speakers from the industry
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Collaborative projects enhancing industry relevance
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Identifying career goals and professional planning
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Creation of a digital CV
Module Aim:
You will explore participatory performance practices and receive live briefs that engage with diverse contexts and audiences. You create projects, which might include performance presentations, audio walks, or participatory workshops, integrated with theory and context. Through this work, you will engage with the wider community and address societal needs. Inclusivity is a central part of this module and you will consider the need for flexible implementation, accessibility and equal opportunities.
Indicative Content:
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Lectures about participatory practice
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Workshops exploring participatory techniques
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Individual and collaborative research
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Exploring case study examples of participatory practice
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Developing knowledge and skills required to create and deliver performed essays
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Live briefs with industry partners
Elective modules
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
Optional modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills.
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices.
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
You will develop and refine your skills in text-based acting as you prepare performances for presentation as part of an industry-facing actor showcase. You are challenged to explore and apply diverse acting techniques to texts from different cultures, time periods and genres. Through performance, critical reflection, and peer technical support, you will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the performing arts industry as fully rounded actors.
Indicative Content:
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Practical workshops exploring and applying diverse acting techniques
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Theoretical lectures exploring global approaches to acting
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Individual training to achieve high levels of physicality, vocal technique, and text analysis
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Rehearsal
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Application of production processes
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Peer technical theatre support for production
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Performance to an audience
Module Aim:
You will push boundaries and undertake innovative creative media production in areas that include Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Motion Capture, interactive websites, and new app technology. You will respond to live briefs as you engage with real world challenges and work individually or in groups to plan and implement digital works of performance. Through the creation of a digital portfolio, you will reflect on your experimentation and learning and demonstrate your professional ability as content producers, storytellers, and performers who can work within the fast-moving world of digital media.
Indicative Content:
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Lectures exploring the theory and practice of digital performance
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Practical workshops exploring digital performance techniques (VR, AI, motion capture, interactive websites, multi-media installation)
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Design and delivery of individual creative projects
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Guest speakers from the industry
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Collaborative projects enhancing industry relevance
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Creation of a digital reflective portfolio
Module Aim:
You will work independently or in groups to develop a major self-created performance for an industry showcase. Through the process of pitching, funding applications, research and development, rehearsal, and by attending to all aspects of production (including design, technical theatre, and marketing), you will demonstrate your capacity to operate independently and collaboratively within the performance industry. You will ensure your work is future-ready by preparing a funding application for its future development and/or presentation.
Indicative Content:
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Practical workshops focussed on the creation of new work from diverse starting points
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Lectures on creation of work for presentation in professional festival contexts
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Developing and pitching ideas
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Writing funding applications
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Research and Development
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Creation of marketing materials
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Attention to all aspects of production (including peer technical support)
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Rehearsal and presentation to an audience
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Maintaining a critical reflective journal
Module Aim:
You will prepare for careers in the performance industries and beyond by developing career plans and digital portfolios that reflect your professional intentions. You are encouraged to align your academic learning with future professional goals as you create comprehensive professional websites that draw from your experiences across the degree to showcase your skills, experiences, and readiness for professional work or postgraduate training.
Indicative Content:
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Lectures exploring industry practice
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Guest speakers offering insights into professional contexts
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Analysis of professional digital portfolios
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Creation of unique website portfolios
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Career planning and postgraduate planning
8. Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 268.6KB)
Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
