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If you are looking for an exciting, diverse and challenging programme combining theory and practice, then our Drama and Theatre Studies degree is for you. Our degree is designed to empower you to develop your skills and capacities as a theatre-maker and creative thinker, supported by internationally-recognised staff with a wide range of expertise. You will look beyond historic and established forms to explore what drama, theatre and performance can be now and in the future.
Across the four years of the degree, we will engage you in a process of investigation and questioning that extends your critical and creative capacities and builds your practical skills. You will encounter and explore a wide range of contemporary theatre practices, from scripted drama to site-specific performance and from Shakespeare to experiments in new media.
Studying Drama and Theatre Studies at Aberystwyth will prepare you for a variety of careers in the creative arts and beyond.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
90% overall student satisfaction for the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies (NSS 2020).
98% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months, 4% more than Creative Arts and Design graduates nationally (HESA 2018*)
Overview
Why study Drama and Theatre Studies at Aberystwyth?
You will be taught and mentored by staff who possess a wealth of expertise in research and/or professional theatre-making
You will take part in two performance or production projects each year
You will be part of a vibrant and exciting department where drama, theatre, film, media, scenography and theatre design collide
You will benefit from our connections with key industry partners, such as National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru
You will have access to superb facilities and resources for practical work: 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
We have close links with Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest arts centres in Wales, which 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.
Modules
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.
The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.
The first year is regarded as the foundation year. During this period, you will be introduced to the core components and themes in Drama and Theatre Studies.
In your second year you will discover:
Contemporary approaches to studio-based and site-based theatre-making
Key historical moments, practices and methods in drama and theatre
The analysis of drama, theatre and performance.
In your third year, you will explore:
Contemporary theatre-making through practical, historical and theoretical approaches
Full-scale theatre production
Acting techniques for stage and screen
Directors' theatre and modern European drama
Devised performance
Shakespeare in performance
Theatre and contemporary society
New media performance.
In your final year, you will have the opportunity:
To create independent creative work
To undertake a major research project and engage in advanced theoretical study
To extend your skills in ensemble and independent production projects
To write your own play script
To study specialist modules that include: space, place and landscape, contemporary theatre in Wales, theatre, gender and sexuality, performance and architecture, musical theatre dramaturgies, 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 course, 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.
