Overview

The drama and theater studies discipline can also be found as a BA (Hons) or MA degree of acting course in several universities. Here, the practitioners will teach everything one may need to know about being a contemporary actor. Students training involves several activities including movement, voice, classical text, rehearsal processes, acting for screen, radio and voiceover along with devising and professional preparation. When students will graduate as industry ready, they will find themselves as complete with a show reel, voice-reel and a professional headshot.

The drama and theatre studies programme is highly practical and geared toward performance. Students will appear in directed public performances from their second and third year in most of the universities, including industry showcases in several cities theatre and cultural gatherings.

Drama and Theatre Course Details

Undergraduate

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list applicable for all universities. The courses listed here may also be a mixture of core and elective modules.

Students will be regularly informed about the learning and assessment strategy. The programme leaders along with the tutors ensure this happens at the start of each year, as well as at the annual assessment induction session. Key assessment points and course subjects are given below-

Courses Rehearsal Project
  • Fundamentals of Acting in Traditional Chinese Theatre
  • The Ensemble
  • Fundamentals of Directing
  • Narrative
  • Fundamentals of Stage Make-Up
  • The Actor and the Space
  • Acting Studies
  • Heightened Practice
  • Voice and Speech Studies
  • Collective Creation

Postgraduate

The universities manage blended learning successfully on the academic year with core teaching/performance/production activity offered in both in-person and online classes and tutorials. On post graduate level, students will gather knowledge on these topics-

  • Voice and Movement
  • Productions
  • Independent Study
  • Acting Research
  • Critical Evaluation-etc.

Ph.D. In Drama and Theatre Studies

The PhD thesis is generally completed within three to four years and has a length of around 80,000 words. This PhD degree is awarded after students’ successful defense of their thesis in an oral examination, in which they are interviewed about their research by two examiners, at least one of whom will be from outside of the host university.

Year Activity
Year 1
  • Plan the entire work
  • Collect the primary and secondary research material according to the chosen topic and timeline
Year 2
  • Investigate and write
  • Review the evidence
Year 3/4
  • Complete the writing of the draft
  • Prepare for defense and oral examination.

Available Universities

Here are some renowned universities according to the QS and THE (Times Higher Education) ranking who offer BA and MA program:

Along with these institutes, there are also some universities who offer the same course with affordability. These are-

Drama and Theatre Study in UK Entry Requirements

English Language Proficiency Test

  • IELTS: At least 7, and a minimum score of 6.5 in each element of the test.
  • TOEFL: At least 100 overall with no less than 20 in any module.
  • PTE: Minimum 59 (59 in all sub scores)

If a student’s score falls short of the institute’s standards, some universities provide pre-sessional English language programs. Because some English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS test results, can only be approved if they are less than two years old, the English Language test report should be valid on the course start date.

Academic Qualifications

Undergraduate:

A level with no less than C in any subjects are encouraged to apply. Along with A level or equivalent grades students, the students holding international Baccalaureate Diploma with completion of minimum 29 points can also apply for the course.

Graduate and Ph. D. program:

The UK universities usually expect students for Masters level of education with a first or upper second-class honours degree or its equivalent in drama and theatre related discipline. However, from the background of creative arts, social science or equivalent are also eligible for submitting application.

Drama and Theatre Studies Fees and Scholarships

Terms Expenditure (for overseas students)
Tuition fees £ 12,000 -21,200 (approximately) for BA
£ 14,050 -20,400 (approximately) for MA
£15,230-19,800(approximately) for PhD.
Additional costs Approximate £15-50 for undergraduates and research students.
Course specific costs Approximate £100-500/year for trips and necessary materials.
Accommodation Varies depending on finding inside or outside of campus living facilities.

Candidates are welcomed for applying for an educational loans that can cover up to £ 6,165, which is available if the candidate live away from home. The UK universities offer plenty of scholarship in undergraduate and postgraduate studies for international students. Scholarships, funding, and on campus jobs are available in universities depending on individual’s qualifications matching with universities criteria.

Some of the available scholarships are-

  • Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
  • Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
  • British Chevening Scholarship
  • Academic Excellence Scholarships

Apart from these scholarships, there are some different scholarships from universities and selected departments which are also available based on students’ criteria and academic credentials. These are-

  • Ashwin Kagdadia Scholarship
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Awards
  • International Postgraduate Scholarships- and many more.

Drama and Theatre Employability

On successful completion, students can pursue their careers throughout the creative industries. This course is ideal for practitioners who want to develop their artistic practice. Graduates who are planning a career in theatre making, as well as eager to look more in depth into aspects of theatre practice they will enjoy and benefit from throughout the study. The programme also provides a foundation for Ph.D. study and can ensure an academic career.

Aside from acting, graduates can find careers in the theatre, radio or television script writing, and other fields, with average annual salaries of up to £23,971. Aside from this, there are a plethora of job options listed below.

  • Actor
  • Bloggers
  • Broadcast presenter
  • Community arts worker
  • Drama therapist
  • Theatre director
  • Theatre stage manager- and so on.

Students will graduate with a strong sense of emerging signature as an artist, along with an ability to write across a range of genres and contexts of society. The drama and theatre industry focus of the programmes ensuring a well equipped with the practical know-how to manage students’ career as a trained actor, and the ability to pitch their own initiatives. Moreover, they will be able to work both as an individual artist and collaboratively with others.

FAQs

What jobs can drama GCSE get you?

Apart from Acting on entry level position, the graduates can find the jobs like theatre, radio or television script writers and others with an average salary range of up to £23,971 yearly. Apart from these, there are a vast range of job opportunities that are given below-

  • Actor
  • Bloggers
  • Broadcast presenter
  • Community arts worker
  • Drama therapist
  • Theatre director
  • Theatre stage manager- and so on

What is theatre and drama studies?

The theatre and drama studies programme is highly practical and geared toward performance. Students will appear in directed public performances from their second and third year in most of the universities, including industry showcases in several cities theatre and cultural gatherings.

What do you need to study drama in the UK?

  • IELTS: At least 7, and a minimum score of 6.5 in each element of the test.
  • TOEFL: At least 100 overall with no less than 20 in any module.
  • For undergraduate: Minimum A level.
  • For postgraduate: An upper second class degree

Where can I study drama in the UK?

Here are some renowned universities according to the QS and THE (Times Higher Education) ranking who offer Fine Arts for BA and MA program:

  • Central Lancashire
  • Conservatoire for Dance and Drama
  • Guildhall School of Music and Drama
  • University of Essex
  • Lancaster University
  • Birmingham City University
  • Glasgow University
  • Manchester University- and many more

What are drama and theatre arts?

The drama and theater studies discipline can also be found as a BA (Hons) degree of acting course in several universities. Here, the practitioners will teach everything one may need to know about being a contemporary actor.
Students training involves several activities including movement, voice, classical text, rehearsal processes, acting for screen, radio and voiceover along with devising and professional preparation. When students will graduate as industry ready, they will find themselves as complete with a show reel, voice-reel and a professional headshot.

What subjects do I need to study drama?

The UK universities usually expect students for Masters level of education with a first or upper second-class honors degree or its equivalent in drama and theatre related discipline. However, from the background of creative arts, social science or equivalent are also eligible for submitting application.

Is Drama and Theatre Studies a good A level?

Definitely it is! On successful completion, students can pursue their careers throughout the creative industries. This course is ideal for practitioners who want to develop their artistic practice. Graduates who are planning a career in theatre making, as well as eager to look more in depth into aspects of theatre practice they will enjoy and benefit from throughout the study. The programme also provides a foundation for PhD study and an academic career.

Apply for this course

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