Programme summary for BA (Hons) Theatre Studies
One of the essential questions that Theatre Studies asks is ‘what is theatre?’. By addressing this question, you will engage in both a theoretical and practical understanding of the cultural significance of theatre, providing you with a solid foundation for a professional career in the theatre and performing arts industry.
Our Theatre Studies programmes form an integral part of our Institute of Performing Arts Development. The programmes have a strong emphasis on creative practice as a tool both for learning and for the development of discrete skills, giving the programmes a distinctive flavour.
About the programme
Theatre studies is a relatively new academic discipline now offered in many universities around the world. This degree supports the study and research of all subjects relating to theatre,
including drama and performance. One of the essential questions asked is “What is theatre?” By addressing this question you engage in both a theoretical and practical understanding of
the cultural significance of theatre.
Programme structure
All students follow a core programme throughout the degree in World Theatre at each level. Practical performance is at the heart of the degree and in each year students will be involved in productions or performances as a result of the modules they follow. In the first year, students gain an introduction to world theatre and develop a range of critical skills that enable them to view performance and engage in argument at university level. Students are also introduced to two performance techniques for their assessed performances – storytelling and monologue. In the second year, students continue with skills development in both acting and devising theatre where the collaborative practices are developed towards making a whole-group performance piece. In the second semester, students are joined by students from Columbia College, Chicago where their continue in an exciting environment alongside their American counterparts. In the third year, students undertake an extended placement with a theatre company or arts organisation, develop a final piece of theatre practice for public performance and write a dissertation on an area of theatre studies of their choosing.
This Single Honours degree follows the modular structure common to all programmes at UEL. There is an optional semester abroad in the second year of the degree and the programme presents a balance between practical projects and theoretical analysis.
Level One/Year One
- Study Skills
- World Theatre 1
- Performance Lab
- Production Processes
- Anthropology of Carnival
- Interdisciplinary Project
- University Wide Option
Level Two/Year Two
- World Theatre 2
- Acting Processes
- Arts Management
- Contemporary Performance: Drama
- University Wide Option
- Performing the Archive
- Theatre for Children
- University Wide Option
- Study Abroad
Level Three/Year Three
- Thesis/Project or short Dissertation
- World Theatre 3
- Off the Page: Writing for Performance
- Performing Arts Placement
- Solo Performance
Career opportunities
Graduates go on to careers such as acting, teaching, TV/radio journalism, law, advertising, marketing, broadcasting, technical work, design, music, arts administration, publicity, scriptwriting, film-making or further training in drama- related fields.
You can combine Theatre Studies with a range of other subjects as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include Theatre and Film Studies, and Theatre Studies and Creative Writing.
Support
All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the programme. We also provide extensive support for students through residential/student finance advice/careers advice/study skills development/ and IT/learning resources. A wide variety of professional artists will be involved in the delivery of the programme. Skills labs and study support are available on the Docklands Campus. Students in receipt of Disabled Students’ Allowance are allocated a specialist Learning Support Assistant and additional ICT support dependent upon an assessment of their needs. The programme is connected to a network of professional artists, working theatres and organisations. Students are given support both prior to and during their semester abroad by both subject specialists and UEL’s International Office. While abroad, students will be assigned a link tutor in order to ensure they adjust to their new environment in a positive and productive way.
Admission
The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered. Applicants will be invited for interview and will be asked to participate in a drama workshop with other candidates.
Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for Level 1 may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 120 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent.
We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with of world theatre. Applicants will be invited for interview.
Overseas Qualifications
The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
Apply online Theatre Studies (BA (Hons))
