Drama and Theatre / International Relations

Why study BA Drama and Theatre / International Relations at Aberystwyth?

• The department of International Politics is ranked in the top 40 in the world for academic reputation. (QS, 2017).
• The department of Theatre, Film and Television is vibrant and creative space where drama, theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide.
• You will be taught in the world’s first department of international politics, founded in 1919 after the end of World War I to help the world understand the world.
• You will be taught and mentored by lecturers who are enthusiastic, committed in providing you with an outstanding and dynamic learning environment.
• As a student on this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in the renowned ‘Crisis Games’; a three day role playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvre, developing negotiation and communication, critical thinking, team work, and problem-solving skills.
• You will also be able to take advantage of the prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, enabling you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer. During this time you will write reports and speeches, undertake research projects, and respond to constituency issues. There may be further opportunities for you to get involved in elections and various international issues.
• The Department of International Politics is also home to Interstate, the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom, providing a unique opportunity for you to publish your work (particularly advantageous if you wish to progress to postgraduate study) or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team. Stimulating student societies foster a strong sense of community within the department, offering a programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball.
• The Department of Theatre, Film & Television studies has superb facilities and resources for practical work: three fully-equipped performance studios, a television studio and gallery, an analogue film laboratory, a sound recording studio, editing and grading suites, a cinema, three large well equipped rehearsal rooms, costume and wardrobe facilities, a dedicated scenography studio in the centre of town, the surrounding landscape: a resource for creative inspiration. Students also benefit from our close links with Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest arts centres in Wales, which regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work.
• Both departments offer a number of degree schemes and modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh. Check out our module tab for further information.

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.

Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.

What are our graduates doing now?

Graduates from our department have pursued careers in:

• the civil service
• security services
• governmental research departments
• acting and performing
• script writing
• set design
• public affairs
• education
• social research.

What job opportunities are there for me while studying at University?

Employability is embedded across our teaching. We teach our students to aim for the career they want, not the job that they can get. Getting involved in as much as you can will look good on your CV and there is plenty of opportunity to take part in all sorts of career boosting activities at Aberystwyth University. As a student on this course, you can take part in the Parliamentary Placement scheme, join the interstate team, and throw yourself into performances of all kinds to get real-life experience.

Studying for this degree in Drama and Theatre / International Relations will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:

• the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
• effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• the ability to work independently
• time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
• self-motivation and self-reliance
• team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement
• research skills.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying?

Go to the Aberystwyth University Careers Service page to find out about the various opportunities on offer.

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

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 and always encourage us to do more and explore further.

Jemma Rowlston

The Department of International Politics has provided me with a new-found understanding of the world through modules on issues surrounding concepts of globalisation and the lives of women in the Third World. With experts in so many fields it is great having such an approachable set of tutors. My three years here at Aberystwyth have been educational as well as enjoyable and I would recommend studying here to anyone.

Hannah Mitchell