Entry requirements
We are looking for students who are ready to take on an extremely demanding profession, who are mature and self-confident, willing to take criticism and turn it to their advantage while preserving a sense of humour. You will need to be resourceful and committed to following a postgraduate programme of study which is screen-oriented, exploratory and geared to the needs of the profession. We audition all applicants. The course addresses itself primarily to graduates and mature students who are able to apply a high degree of independence to their learning. Successful candidates will be expected to bring to the course a level of understanding of drama in its various contexts as well as an ability to work autonomously for sustained periods with the appropriate concentration, focus and resilience. As the course places strong emphasis on collaboration and the ability to work within an ensemble, you would be expected to demonstrate openness, flexibility and generosity within the context of a creative group. The vocational nature of the course implies a high degree of proficiency at entry. However, the course will seek to balance this against perceived potential, especially when the latter is supported by clear understanding of the profession and a realistic view of career development and employment prospects.
Course description
Structure
The film course is structured in self-contained units, often built around a class-based preparatory part and an application consisting of a practical project. A progression point occurs at the end of week 24 you will need to pass the units offered up to that point in order to progress to the second stage of the course.
There are three pathways to choose from: Screen Acting, Directing and Screen Writing.
Pathway details
Screen Acting Pathway
This breaks a tradition of screen and radio performers in this country firstly training for and working on the stage. Key features: an extended programme of Acting Skills; two video drama projects; a Radio Drama project; a devised project; and an extended programme of professional preparation.
Directing Pathway
Traditionally, few film and television directors deal in their training with the problems involved in working with performers. The pathway addresses this whilst preserving an individuality of approach. Key features: an extended programme of Directing Skills; two video drama projects; a radio drama project; a devised project; and an extended programme of professional preparation.
Screen Writing Pathway
If you feel your writing would benefit from interaction with fellow professionals, the pathway offers you the chance to workshop your output, discuss and test it in detail with directors, actors and others. Key features: an extended programme of Screen Writing Skills; two video drama projects; a course in Improvisation and Devising Skills; an extended programme of professional preparation.
Career Prospects
The training equips you to work on drama realised on film, television and radio, as well as on the stage. An impressive list of famous performers and a number of world-famous directors have emerged from courses at the Drama Centre
Alumni include Paul Bettany, Pierce Brosnan, Simon Callow, Frances de la Tour, Paola Dionisotti, Colin Firth, Tara Fitzgerald, Anastasia Hille, Geraldine James, Helen McCrory, Jack Shepherd, John Simm, Colin Tierney, Lambert Wilson, Penelope Wilton and many more. Adrian Noble (for ten years Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company); film writer and director David Leland; novelist Esther Freud and television director Jan Sargent are some of the many directors, writers and instructors among our graduates.
Industry links
The industry directly informs training with lectures from professionals, either as full-time teachers or as visiting lecturers or directors. Towards the end of the course representatives of film production companies, casting directors, agents and producers are invited to attend screenings. All students are linked through a mentoring scheme to experienced professionals who advise, support and guide them in the often difficult early stages of their careers. An Advisory Board which includes senior representatives of the profession actively assists drama Centre. Current Advisory Board members include: Declan Donnellan, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Noble and Max Stafford-Clark.
Skillset Media Academy
Central Saint Martins has been awarded Skillset Media Academy status, one of only 17 institutions across the UK, granted in recognition of the outstanding achievements of the college in relation to their Media Courses. This course is part of the programme that contributed to the successful application. Skillset is the industry body which supports skills and training for people and businesses to ensure the UK audio visual and publishing industries maintain their world class position.
Course Length 2 years full time extended
