BA (Hons) Drama at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BA Drama combines practical theatre-making with critical study, from classical drama to contemporary practice. Students develop skills in acting, directing, devising, playwriting and performance making through workshops, productions and public performances, with opportunities for placements with theatres, festivals and arts organisations.

Department: School of Language, Literature, and Media | Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year) | 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, Theatre Making: Autobiography, Technical Theatre Production and Writing and Making Audio Drama. Later modules include Ensemble Theatre Practical Project, Global Encounters in Theatre, Acting and Directing Classical Texts, Directing Actors for Film, Writing for the Theatre, Creative Performance and an Independent Practical Theatre Project.

Career pathways

Graduates pursue careers in performance and theatre (acting, directing, producing, arts management), education and drama teaching, media and broadcasting, the creative industries (festivals, cultural organisations, museums, events) or postgraduate study in drama, theatre, performance or teacher training.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. 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. 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 an optional placement or study abroad year)

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