BA

Drama and Theatre / History

BA Drama and Theatre / History Code WV41 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

WV41

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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A joint honours degree in Drama and Theatre with History allows you to combine your interest in drama, theatre and performance with the study of history. You will benefit from the expertise of lecturers in both departments and develop key skills such as critical thinking, analysis and communication. When studying Drama and Theatre, you will explore the vast possibilities of theatre, engage with both practice and theory and develop as a creative thinker. In History you can choose to study medieval through to modern history and focus on a broad geographical spread from Britain and Europe to Asia and beyond. This degree brings together theory and practice in both fields allowing students to produce and take part in theatrical productions and examine key texts, as well as exploring archival treasures and deciphering historical artefacts.

Course Overview

Why study BA Drama and Theatre Studies / History at Aberystwyth?

  • The Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies is a vibrant and creative department where drama and theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide.
  • History has been taught in Aberystwyth since 1872, making the Department of History and Welsh History at Aberystwyth University the oldest in Wales and one of the foremost in Britain.
  • Across both disciplines, you will have the opportunity to discover a unique combination of creative and critical approaches.
  • In the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies, you will be mentored and taught by our excellent teaching staff with a wide range of expertise in research and professional theatre-making.
  • The department of History and Welsh History prides itself on offering innovative, research-based teaching that is designed to develop your transferable skills in areas such as analysis, interpretation and communication, and prepares you for a wide range of careers.
  • As a student on this course, you will benefit from our departmental connections with key industry partners, such as National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. This will provide you with a range of opportunities to network and establish professional connections before graduating. 
  • You will have access to the superb facilities and resources for practical work that are available in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies: three rehearsal studios, each with flexible technical facilities; 2 large professionally-equipped studios with digital lighting rigs controlled via ETC Congo and Strand Lighting consoles, Yamaha and Soundcraft PAs, Sanyo AV systems and Strand lighting and two NXAMP; and costume and wardrobe facilities.
  • Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest Arts Centres in Wales, is situated on the campus and regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work.
Our Staff

All academic staff at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies are research active and/or involved in Knowledge Transfer projects and have either relevant academic qualifications at doctoral level or equivalent professional experience and expertise.

Staff in the Department of History and Welsh History are active researchers and experts in their field of History. Most are qualified to PhD level and hold PGCHE. To find out more about our staff, please visit our departmental staff page.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

What can I do with a Drama and Theatre / History Studies degree?

One of our notable and esteemed alumni is Alex Jones who is currently the longest running female presenter on the One Show. During her time at Aberystwyth University, Alex Jones studied Drama and Theatre Studies. 

Many of our students have been successful in obtaining employment in these fields:

  • acting and performing
  • directing
  • designing
  • script writing
  • teaching and education
  • arts administration
  • marketing
  • management
  • public relations.

What skills do I gain from this degree?

Employability is embedded in all of our activities.

Students in Drama and Theatre Studies gain the following valuable skills that are sought after by employers. These include the ability to:

  • work effectively in group settings to develop, rehearse and produce live events
  • apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations
  • research, evaluate and organise information
  • structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations and using a variety of means
  • work independently and with others
  • effectively organise your time and deploy your skills
  • listen to and make use of critical advice
  • be self-motivated and self-disciplined
  • use a range of information technology skills and resources
  • be entrepreneurial in developing cultural projects.

Heritage sector student placements

The Department of History and Welsh History has strong links with the heritage sector, and an established portfolio of student placements. In the past, students have spent up to three weeks at the National Library of Wales (including Welsh-medium opportunities), the Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historic Monuments of Wales, and the Society of Antiquaries of London. These placements provide the opportunity for ‘hands-on’ experience and insights into the heritage sector, and are valuable additions to your CV.

International opportunities

Aberystwyth University offers you the opportunity of a lifetime to study, volunteer or work in another country, for an academic year, a single semester or a few weeks during your holidays. Explore other cultures, challenge yourself and gather experiences which will help with your career. Time spent exploring a new culture can sharpen your interpersonal skills, improve your language ability, and broaden your international mindset. Find out where you can go.

Alumni mentoring and graduate talks 

The eMentoring Scheme will enable you to make contact with past graduates in a range of careers within a safe and supportive environment, offering you the chance to find out how they progressed into their current roles and what insights they can offer you as you think about your next steps.

What other work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three-year degree scheme.

In your first year you will discover:

  • Introductory modules in making, thinking and studying
  • Contemporary approaches to studio-based and site-based theatre-making
  • Modernity and the making of Asia
  • New methods and periods
  • The First World War and Britain
  • Key historical moments, practices and methods in drama and theatre
  • The analysis of drama, theatre, and performance.

In your second year, you will explore:

  • Contemporary theatre-making through practical, historical and theoretical approaches
  • Full-scale production work
  • Acting, directing and dramaturgy, devising, and designing
  • European History
  • Germany and Nazism
  • The development of modern European Theatre
  • Shakespeare in contemporary performance
  • Theatre and contemporary society
  • The British Empire
  • New Media and performance writing.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity:

  • To create independent creative work
  • To undertake a major research project and engage in the advanced theoretical study
  • To extend your skills in ensemble and solo production projects
  • Gender in History
  • British Society and the French revolution
  • Science, Religion, and Magic
  • Stalin and Russia
  • To develop your entrepreneurial skills in producing and curating cultural events
  • To write your own play script
  • To study specialist modules that may address: space, place and landscape, performance and philosophy, performance, politics and protest, theatre, gender and sexuality, performance and architecture, new music theatre, and contemporary British and Irish drama.

How will I be taught?

  • You will be taught through practical workshops, small-group seminars, lectures, production projects, and group-based project work.
  • Our teaching is frequently mixed-mode, interrogating theory through practical investigation and practice through the lens of various theoretical perspectives.
  • You will be assessed through formal and performed essays, written and practical examinations, critical and creative portfolios, practical productions, seminar presentations, and group activities.
  • You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree scheme, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You are free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

Student Testimonials

The wide range of module choices paired with the wide variety of drama societies means we can easily be prepared for any area of drama and theatre practice. The academic and practical elements are brilliant, allowing us to either focus on one or the other and/or ground ourselves in the theory in order to better our practical exploration. The staff are always friendly and enthusiastic, always encouraging us to do more and explore further.

Jemma Rowlston

Studying History at Aberystwyth has been brilliant. The ability to pick modules and cater to my tastes has allowed me to pursue what I want. If I want to study Russia I can. Alongside this the great teaching staff have a wealth of experience and knowledge who provide excellent teaching. I can approach them very easily and they are willing to give me the time and support I need. I also feel able to ask for help with essays and advice on what to read and research. Reading is key as a historian and both the Hugh Owen Library and the National Library of Wales is a great resource for getting books. In my two years of studying history I have not once regretted my choice, and going into my third year I cannot wait. Connor Lambert

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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