Theatre and English

The Theatre and English programme at Brunel University London offers students a comprehensive and dynamic education combining the study of dramatic arts with the exploration of English literature. This interdisciplinary course is designed to develop both practical performance skills and a critical understanding of literary texts, enabling students to engage creatively and analytically with a wide range of theatrical and literary works. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to explore diverse theatrical genres, styles, and historical contexts, as well as to refine their acting, directing, and production skills through practical workshops and innovative projects. In addition, the English component allows students to delve into literary analysis, critical theory, and creative writing, fostering a deep appreciation for language and storytelling. The course curriculum includes modules on theatre history, contemporary performance practices, literary analysis, dramatic writing, and cultural studies, providing a well-rounded academic experience. Brunel’s facilities support this learning with state-of-the-art theatre spaces, rehearsal rooms, and media labs that facilitate hands-on practice and performances. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in theatre, film, publishing, education, and other related fields. Students benefit from expert teaching staff, industry links, and opportunities to participate in productions and festivals. The employability-focused nature of the course aims to equip graduates with the versatility and confidence to succeed in the competitive world of arts and media industries. Overall, the Theatre and English programme at Brunel University London is an ideal choice for students passionate about performance, literature, and creative expression, seeking a challenging and rewarding academic journey that combines theoretical insight with practical application.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 13000 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Typical Modules

Level 1

• Perspectives: Performance Analysis (Theatre)

• Ensemble Production (Theatre)

• Reading Resilience (English)

• Learning London (English)

Plus two from the following Theatre creative skills modules:

• Acting: Essential Skills

• Applied Drama Practice: an Introduction

• Digital Performance 1

• Directing 1: Contexts, Theories and Practices

• Playwriting 1

• Musical Theatre 1

• Physical Theatre 1: Between Dance and Theatre

Level 2

• Perspectives 2 (Theatre)

Plus two of the following Theatre skills modules:

• Acting: Beyond Naturalism

• Directing 2: Contexts, Theories and Practices

• Writing 2: Experiments in Language for Performance

• Applied Drama Practice: Project

• Physical Theatre 2: Performance and Embodiment

• Digital Performance 2

• Musical Theatre

• Performance as Research

And three of the following English modules:

• Nineteenth Century Novel

• Shakespeare Text and Performance

• Modernism

• Romanticism and Revolution

• The Women’s Movement and 20th Century Writing

• Post-Colonial Writing

Level 3 Core

You will undertake a substantial practical or written dissertation project in your final year:

• Final production (practical)

• Written Dissertation (in either subject)

Plus four of the following to create a 50% balance between Theatre and English

• Perspectives 3: Battling with Ideas

• Professional Experience and Development

• The Canon Reloaded

• Advanced Physical Theatre

• New Writing: Page to Stage

• Advanced Musical Theatre

• Writing Modern Fiction

• Writing Comedy

• Writing Modern Drama

• Post-War and Late 20th Century Literature

• Victorian Literature and Culture

• Single Author Study

• Post-Millenial British Fiction

• Critical Perspectives: Historical Perspectives

• Writing Ireland

• Modern and Contemporary Lesbian Literature

• Erotic Bodies: Gender, Sexuality and Modern Writing

• A Sinking Island?: British Poetry After Modernism and Postmodernism

• The African-American Novel

• 20th Century Socio-Political Drama

• Moving Modernisms

Requirements

• GCE A-level AAB –ABB. Typical offer AAB, including Grade B in Theatre Studies, Drama or Performing Arts and Grade B in English.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*D*D in a related subject (Applicants without A-level English will be required to submit a written sample of work on request).

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma D*D in a related subject with an A-Level in English, Theatre Studies, Drama or Performing Arts at grade A.

• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject with A-Levels grade AA including English and Theatre Studies, Drama or Performing Arts.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma 35 points including Higher Level 5 in English and Theatre.

• Access to Higher EducationDiploma Complete and pass a related subject Access course with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. All English units must be Distinctions at level 3. Relevant Access course must be in English or Theatre related subject.

Applicants with relevant theatre experience may also be considered.

GCSE Mathematics grade C and GCSE English grade C are also required.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)

• Pearson: 58 (51 in all subscores)

• BrunELT: 65% (min 55% in all areas)

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 Brunel University.

The Theatre and English program at Brunel University London offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education that combines the study of dramatic arts with English language and literature. This distinctive program is designed to develop students' analytical, creative, and practical skills, preparing them for diverse careers within the arts, media, education, and cultural sectors.

Throughout the course, students explore various facets of theatre, including performance, production, and dramaturgy, alongside in-depth studies of English literature, language, and critical theory. The program emphasizes experiential learning, enabling students to participate in live performances, workshops, and internships that provide real-world exposure to the theatrical industry.

Brunel’s state-of-the-art facilities include dedicated theatre spaces, rehearsal rooms, and technical laboratories equipped with modern sound and lighting systems, supporting hands-on learning and creative experimentation. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their academic journey by choosing optional modules that suit their interests and career aspirations. These may include modules in scriptwriting, directing, stage management, and literary analysis.

The program also benefits from Brunel’s strong links with arts organizations, theatre companies, and cultural institutions, offering students valuable networking and internship opportunities. Faculty members are distinguished practitioners and scholars who bring a wealth of professional experience and academic expertise to their teaching, fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment.

Graduates of the Theatre and English program are well-equipped to pursue careers in theatre production, writing, teaching, publishing, journalism, and other related fields. Many students also continue their education through postgraduate study, advancing their expertise in theatre, literary criticism, or media studies.

Overall, the Brunel University London Theatre and English program aims to cultivate a passion for the arts and a deep understanding of literary and theatrical traditions, while developing versatile skills that are highly valued across numerous industries. The program’s combination of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and industry connections prepares students to thrive in competitive creative and academic careers.