BA (Hons) Drama and Literature at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BA Drama and Literature covers a wide range of dramatic texts from Ancient Greek times to the present day and the principal developments in European theatre. Students can write or direct new plays at the Lakeside Theatre, a major venue known for new writing.

Department: School of Language, Literature, and Media | Duration: 3 years (4 years with a year abroad or placement abroad) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 includes Introduction to Theatre Studies, Origins and Transformations in Literature and Drama and The Humanities Graduate: Future Pathways. Later modules include Ensemble Theatre Practical Project, Tragedy and Theatre Writing, Criticism: Practice and Theory, Global Encounters in Theatre, Acting and Directing Classical Texts and theatre studies and literature options. Topics include comedy and tragedy, gender and sexual politics on stage and writing for theatre.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including B in an essay based subject. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. Essex accepts A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points; acceptability of some non-A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including C in an essay based subject. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or a specified score in an equivalent accepted test; a pre-sessional English pathway is available for those who do not meet the IELTS requirement. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 22,575 a year. International tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years (4 years with a year abroad or placement abroad)

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