BA

Drama and Theatre

BA Drama and Theatre Code W40F

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Key Facts

W40F

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course Length

    4 Year

Further details on entry requirements

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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.

Course 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.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Academic Skills Foundation 1 * IC07620 20
Academic Skills Foundation 2 * IC07720 20
Foundation - Dialogue GS00120 20
Foundation in Liberal Arts GS00220 20
Information in a Post-Truth World GS01120 20
Learning Experience GS00320 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Theatre in Context 1 TP11020 20
Theatre in Context 2 TP11320 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Site-Specific Performance Project TP11420 20
Studio Theatre Project TP11120 20
Greek and Roman Epic and Drama CL10120 20
Making Short Films 1 FM11520 20
Movements in Film History FM11120 20
Studying Communication FM10720 20
Studying Film FM10120 20
Studying Media FM10620 20
Studying Television FM10220 20
Writing Continuing TV Drama FM17320 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Directors' Theatre: Staging Modern Drama TP21820 20
New Media Performance TP23820 20
Theatre and Contemporary Society TP20420 20
Acting for Camera TP25920 20
Acting: Process and Performance TP21220 20
Devised Performance Project TP21620 20
Theatre Design Project TP22620 20
Theatre Production Project TP24940 40

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Musical Theatre Dramaturgies TP39020 20
Performance and Architecture TP33420 20
Place, Space and Landscape TP32820 20
Theatre, Gender and Sexuality TP33120 20
Ensemble Performance Project TP35520 20
Independent Production Project TP38140 40
Independent Research Project TP36040 40
Playwriting TP33340 40

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

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

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?

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.

What 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. 

Course Content

What will I learn?

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.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

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

BTEC National Diploma:

International Baccalaureate:

European Baccalaureate:

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 applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma. 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 are studying a qualification not listed on this page, please get in touch with the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further advice. For further information, contact ug-admissions@aber.ac.uk

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