Drama and Theatre Arts Joint Honours

Drama and Theatre Arts Joint Honours at the University of Birmingham offer an immersive and comprehensive exploration of performance, production, and theory. This innovative programme is designed for students passionate about understanding the multiple facets of drama and theatre, from historical contexts to contemporary practices. Throughout your studies, you will engage with a diverse range of modules that cover acting, directing, scriptwriting, theatre history, and critical analysis, providing a well-rounded education in the performing arts. The course encourages creative experimentation alongside academic inquiry, enabling students to develop their own voice and artistic vision. You will have ample opportunities to participate in university theatrical productions, workshops, and seminars led by industry professionals, fostering practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. The programme emphasizes both collaborative and independent work, preparing graduates for careers in theatre, television, film, education, and arts management. Our cutting-edge facilities, including theatre spaces and media labs, support hands-on learning and innovation. With a strong focus on cultural diversity and social relevance, the course promotes an understanding of theatre’s role in society. Students will also gain experience in research methods and critical thinking, equipping them to analyse performances and theatrical texts critically. The joint honours structure allows you to combine drama and theatre arts with another discipline, broadening your academic and professional horizons. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue postgraduate study, or to enter the creative industries with confidence and a robust skill set. The university’s vibrant arts community and strong industry links ensure you are connected to the latest developments in the performative arts, making this an ideal programme for aspiring theatre-makers and scholars alike.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

First year

This is a foundation year and helps students acquire a common language of analysis and performance. Practical courses are offered in Theatre Practices (physical approaches and Stanislavski-based techniques), Theoretical courses include the Dramatic Medium

Second year

The second year builds on the foundation work of the first year and also provides opportunities to develop practical specialisms in areas such as:

• Directing

• Playwriting

• Physical Theatre

• Advanced Acting

• Mask and Mime

As well as choosing study options in subjects as diverse as:

• Shakespeare on Film

• Performing Objects Puppets

• Automata

• Robots

• Melodrama

• Contemporary Performance

Practical modules are taught by core staff and visiting professional practitioners; study modules are taught by academic staff who are researching and publishing in that particular field of inquiry.

Third year

A wide variety of practical options are available, such as:

• Directing

• Playwriting

• Creative Industries

• Contemporary Performance

In addition, students can opt to take part in one of a series of public performances as one of their major practical options. These productions are directed by experienced members of staff or visiting professional directors and are supported by our full-time production staff and theatre crafts students. They can range from contemporary or historical texts, to devised, site-specific pieces, to theatre in education productions. Study options are diverse and include:

• Popular Theatre

• Contemporary Theatre

• Shakespeare on Film

• Performing Objects: (Automata)

We have work familiarisation opportunities available with the BBC Drama Village for second- and third-year students. There are also work experience placements available at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Teaching and assessment

Students are assessed through essays, seminar presentations, contributions to class discussion, performance and other assessment tasks; including an end of programme, dissertation.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 80(Grade A)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAB-ABB

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34-36 points

Additional information:

Typical offer grades are for guidance only, and will depend on the subjects you are combining. Please read the entries for both subjects. Where there is a disparity between the typical offer for Subject A and the typical offer for Subject B, the higher offer should be taken as the usual offer for the combination of the two
Other qualifications are considered.

International students:

Standard English language requirements apply: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band; TOEFL IBT 93

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Birmingham.

The Drama and Theatre Arts Joint Honours program at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive education in the theoretical and practical aspects of drama, theatre, and performance studies. This interdisciplinary course is designed to develop students' critical thinking, creative skills, and understanding of the social and cultural significance of theatre arts. Throughout the program, students explore a wide range of topics, including theatrical history, performance analysis, acting techniques, dramaturgy, directing, stage design, and production management. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and performance opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and develop their artistic skills.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated theatre spaces, rehearsal rooms, and technical workshops, providing a professional learning environment. The university also encourages engagement with local theatres and arts organizations, offering students opportunities for internships, performances, and collaborative projects. The program emphasizes both individual and collaborative work, fostering teamwork and leadership skills essential for careers in the arts industry.

A distinctive feature of the program is its emphasis on global perspectives and diverse theatrical traditions, enabling students to critically engage with contemporary issues through the lens of theatre. The course prepares graduates for various career paths within the arts sector, including theatre production, performance, arts management, education, and media industries. The duration of the program is typically three years for full-time study, with options for joint Honours combining Drama and Theatre Arts with other disciplines, such as English, Languages, or Media.

Graduates leave the program with a solid foundation in theatre history and practice, enhanced research and analytical skills, and practical experience in performance and production. The university's vibrant arts community and cultural events serve as additional resources for students to immerse themselves in the theatrical arts scene, providing networking opportunities and exposure to industry professionals. Overall, the Drama and Theatre Arts Joint Honours program at Birmingham aims to cultivate creative practitioners, informed scholars, and cultural contributors, equipped to succeed in the dynamic world of theatre arts.