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A guide to the best universities and schools for studying theater and cinema with up-to-date university rankings.
Theater schools in Britain are a popular educational destination that attracts thousands of international students. Studying at top universities and theater academies will give you the opportunity to get in touch with the rich and unique culture of Britain, gain practical skills and establish professional contacts for the future.
Many universities in Britain have become the real alma mater of successful theater and film workers. Britain's education system has evolved over the centuries, since the founding of the first and most influential university in 1076 - Oxford. In Britain, a large number of ancient theater schools continue to operate today, harmoniously combining tradition with innovation. A distinctive feature of theater schools is close cooperation with government and commercial organizations, as well as interesting internships for students. If you are ambitious and ready for serious investment, then a theater education in Britain is what you are looking for!
Best drama, dance and cinematics universities in Britain 2026 | Complete University Guide
| Rank | Institution |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Manchester |
| 2 | Lancaster University |
| 3 | University of Surrey |
| 4 | University of Exeter |
| 5 | University of York |
| 6 | Guildhall School of Music & Drama |
| 7 | University of Warwick |
| 8 | University of Birmingham |
| 9 | University of Glasgow |
| 10 | The University of Edinburgh |
| 11 | University of East Anglia UEA |
| 12 | University of Bristol |
| 13 | Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London |
| 14 | University of Essex |
| 15 | Edinburgh Napier University |
| 16 | Royal Holloway, University of London |
| 17 | University of Leeds |
| 18 | Nottingham Trent University |
| 19 | Trinity Laban |
| 20 | Royal Conservatoire of Scotland |
| 21 | Manchester Metropolitan University |
| 22 | Northumbria University, Newcastle |
| 23 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David |
| 24 | Bristol, UWE |
| 25 | Goldsmiths, University of London |
| 26 | Queen's University Belfast |
| 27 | Queen Mary University of London |
| 28 | Oxford Brookes University |
| 29 | University of Portsmouth |
| 30 | Aberystwyth University |
| 31 | Arts University Bournemouth |
| 32 | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh |
| 33 | University of Roehampton |
| 34 | University of Greenwich |
| 35 | University of Salford |
| 36 | University of Kent |
| 37 | Coventry University |
| 38 | University of Sussex |
| 39 | University of the Arts London |
| 40 | University of Gloucestershire |
| 41 | University of Reading |
| 42 | Anglia Ruskin University |
| 43 | University of Westminster, London |
| 44 | University of Hull |
| 45 | University of West London |
| 46 | Edge Hill University |
| 47 | University of Staffordshire |
| 48 | University of Lancashire |
| 49 | University of Chester |
| 50 | University of Chichester |
