Drama BA
Study of performance, theatre-making, and dramatic texts, exploring how stories are created, staged, and experienced through acting, directing, design, and critical analysis.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy theatre and storytelling
Like both performance and theory
Are interested in acting or writing
Want a creative degree
Enjoy analysing plays and performances
Popular Career Fields
Theatre & Performing Arts
Education
Film & Television
Media & Broadcasting
Your Personality Might Be:
Emotionally intelligent
Education
Analytical thinker
Confident performer
What is it?
What is a Drama degree?
A Drama degree focuses on the theory and practice of theatre and performance.
You’ll explore how performances are created and interpreted, studying acting techniques, directing, devising, theatre history, dramatic texts, and contemporary performance practices.
Drama combines practical, creative work with critical and academic study.
It is ideal for students interested in performance, storytelling, collaboration, and understanding theatre as both an art form and a cultural practice.
Why study drama?
If you enjoy performing, creating, analysing stories, or working collaboratively, Drama offers a dynamic and expressive degree pathway.
It helps you understand:
How performances are developed from text or concept
Acting, movement, voice, and rehearsal techniques
The role of theatre in society, politics, and culture
Contemporary and experimental performance forms
Collaboration, creativity, and live communication
Drama develops confidence, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills valued across many careers.
Course Summary
Study of performance, theatre-making, and dramatic texts, exploring how stories are created, staged, and experienced through acting, directing, design, and critical analysis.
What you'll study
Most Drama degrees cover:
Acting, voice, and movement training
Theatre history and dramatic texts
Devising and collaborative performance
Directing and rehearsal processes
Performance analysis and criticism
Contemporary and applied theatre practices
Skills You'll Gain
A Drama degree builds creative and practical skills including:
Performance and communication skills – enabling confident expression in live and professional settings.
Creative collaboration – preparing you to work effectively in teams.
Critical and analytical thinking – helping you interpret texts and performances.
Project and time management – supporting rehearsal planning and production work.
Adaptability and confidence – equipping you for varied creative and professional environments.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers in:
Theatre and live performance
Acting, directing, or performance-making
Arts administration and production
Education, teaching, and drama facilitation
Media, communications, and creative industries
Community arts and applied theatre
Work Experiences & Placements
Many Drama degrees encourage students to gain professional experience alongside their studies.
Some programmes offer optional placement years, work-based modules, or support external opportunities.
Typical work experience includes:
Theatre companies and performance venues
Arts organisations and festivals
Community or applied theatre projects
Education, youth theatre, or drama facilitation
Front-of-house, production, or assistant roles
Students often build experience through auditions, fringe productions, volunteering, or assistantships.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. Drama/Theatre Studies, English Literature, or Performing Arts are beneficial but not always required.
Personal Statement Tips
How enthusiasm for theatre, performance, or storytelling.
Mention practical experience such as school productions, youth theatre, or workshops.
Reflect on performances you’ve watched or participated in.
Highlight collaboration, creativity, and communication skills.
What to do Next
Get involved in theatre, drama clubs, or local productions.
Watch a wide range of live performances and read plays.
Build confidence in collaboration and performance.
Research courses with strong practical and industry links.
Wider Reading
The Empty Space – Peter Brook
A classic exploration of theatre, performance, and creativity.An Actor Prepares – Konstantin Stanislavski
A foundational text on acting technique and character development.Theatre Audiences – Susan Bennett
An insightful look at how audiences experience performance.Plays from the Contemporary Repertoire
Reading modern and classic plays builds understanding of dramatic form and voice.