BA (Hons) Drama at University of the West of Scotland

Programme overview

With focus on process-driven creative practice, students work in experimental and dynamic ways that go beyond traditional modes of theatre-making, grounded in established theatre practice. This means gaining an assured understanding of your own identity as a theatre maker, placing you in a strong position for a creative career.

Duration: 4 years full-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Ayr: September | Location: Paisley, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Drama at UWS covers a wide range of subjects including acting, devising, performance and textual analysis, dramaturgy, community arts practice, and theatre for social change. You’ll encounter a range of playwrights from Shakespeare to contemporary writers and gain a deep understanding of play texts in relation to core practitioners including Stanislavski, Brecht, and Boal.

Career pathways

Drama graduates are highly valued by employers for their skills in collaborative working, effective communication, and problem solving. Whatever your eventual career goal, Drama at UWS is designed to empower you to explore and build your creative skills and interests to pursue a variety of possible pathways.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION; Degree/diploma qualifications in an unrelated subject accompanied by professional theatre experience will be considered. Applicants may be invited for interview/audition. Year 1: Scottish Highers: Standard Entry Requirements: BBBC (102 UCAS Tariff points); Minimum Entry Requirements: CCC (63 UCAS Tariff points); Alternative Minimum Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points) PLUS successful completion of one of the following: UWS Foundation Academy; Foundation Apprenticeship; UWS Next Steps to University module; Top-Up; LEAPS; A levels: BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points); Access to HE; BB; T Level: Full T Level with Grade P (A* - C); Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H3H3H3 (102 UCAS Tariff points); International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma; 24 points, including 3 subjects at Higher Level; Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP); Access to Humanities (BBB); Year 2: SQA Advanced Highers; BBB (128 UCAS Tariff Points); A-Levels; BBB (120 UCAS Tariff Points); T Levels: Full T Level with Grade M in relevant subject (120 Tariff points); HNC: Acting & Performance; Musical Theatre; Theatre Arts; Dance; Performance; Year 3: HND: Acting & Performance; Musical Theatre; Theatre Arts; Dance; Performance with B in Graded Unit; English language: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no sub-test below 5.5. UCAS code W401.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scottish: cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*) Source

International applicants: GBP 16,275 a year (2026/27). International (all other EU plus Non-EU): per year of study Source

Intake: Ayr: September

Duration: 4 years full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.uws.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-course-search/drama

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