Programme summary for BA Theatre Studies (International)
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.
The Theatre Studies International degree also offers you the option of a semester in the USA, through our exchange partnership with Columbia College in Chicago. Participants from Columbia also join our programme for a semester at Level Two, making the degree truly international in terms of its makeup as well as its scope. Theatre Studies is offered on a part-time, as well as a full-time basis.
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 where the focus of practical modules is to embed contemporary approaches to theatre-making within students' own performance work.
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. All second-year single-honours students will spend their second semester at Columbia College in Chicago where their studies in theatre and acting continue in an exciting new 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 a 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
- World Theatre 1
- Study Skills
- Theatre Skills
- Reading Performance
- Shakespeare on Film
- Anthropology of the Carnival
- Design & Production
Level Two/Year Two
- World Theatre 2
- Arts Administration
- Story & Myth
- Acting Process
- Level Three/Year Three
- Semester abroad
Level Three/Year Three
- World Theatre 3
- Dissertation
- Off the Page
- Performing Arts PlacementSolo 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. While studying in Chicago, students are supported by Columbia College's International Office and will be assigned a personal tutor and student 'buddy' in order to facilitate a smooth transition into their new environment.
Admission
There are a limited number of places for the Theatre Studies (International) programme. Only students who successfully complete the first 3 semesters (at the first attempt) of the Theatre Studies programme will be considered for the International route.
The Selection process will start in Semester A of Level 2.
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 (International) (BA)
View full specification Theatre Studies (International) (BA)
