Drama

Description

The University of Essex is one of the UK's leading academic institutions, ranked ninth nationally for research excellence following the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

BA Drama allows you to follow modules in drama that explore contemporary and classical texts, considering different ways in which theatre is made, and relating academic study to the practical experience of making and seeing theatre.

You benefit from our Lakeside Theatre at our Colchester Campus, which has been established as a major venue for good drama, known for a commitment to new writing for the stage. Not only do many professional touring companies bring their productions of new plays to our Lakeside Theatre but there has been a wealth of new work produced by our own staff and students. An essential element of our Lakeside Theatres programme has been the opportunity it gives you to write or direct new plays, as well as re-define classics and re-discover neglected masterpieces.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Drama;
Introduction to Theatre Making;
Text Into Action; and
Literature: Origins and Transformations

Year 2

Three drama options; and
one humanities option

Year 3

Three drama options;
one literature, film, or theatre studies option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB, with one A-level in an essay-based subject
• GCSE English: C
• BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines will be considered on an individual basis depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry. -levels: BBB, with one A-level in a humanities subject
BTEC National Diploma: DDM
IB: 32 points

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Drama program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education in the fields of theatre, performance, and drama studies. The curriculum is designed to develop both practical skills and theoretical understanding, enabling students to critically engage with contemporary issues in performance arts. Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to explore various aspects of drama, including acting techniques, directing, script analysis, stage management, and dramaturgy. The program emphasizes experiential learning through workshops, rehearsals, and live performances, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in theatrical production.

Academic modules are carefully structured to combine historical, cultural, and theoretical perspectives with practical application. Students study the history of theatre and performance, examining significant works and movements from different periods and regions. They also engage with contemporary practice, experimenting with new theatrical forms and technological innovations in performance arts. The program fosters creative collaboration by encouraging teamwork among students, simulating real-world production environments.

Students benefit from access to the university’s well-equipped performance facilities, including theatres, rehearsal studios, and technical workshops. Industry professionals often contribute through guest lectures, masterclasses, and internships, providing valuable insights into the professional landscape of drama and theatre. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in theatre companies, performance arts organizations, education, arts administration, and related fields. It also offers a solid foundation for those interested in further postgraduate study in drama or related disciplines.

The university’s location and connections with local theatres and cultural institutions enhance students' learning experiences by providing opportunities for practical engagement and networking. Furthermore, the program incorporates research projects and independent study modules, allowing students to explore specific interests within the field of drama. Overall, the Drama program at the University of Essex offers a stimulating environment for aspiring theatre practitioners and scholars to develop their skills, knowledge, and creativity in a vibrant academic community.