Our Joint Honours in Education and Drama and Theatre is your opportunity to improve your critical faculties through the study of literary and dramatic texts, gain some practical experience of theatre-making and develop a critical and reflective understanding of learning and Education. On successful completion of this degree, students are eligible to apply for Post Graduate teacher training (PGCE) in Primary or Secondary education. Also, as long as you meet the entry requirements, you will be guaranteed an interview for Primary PGCE at Aberystwyth.
Why study BA Education / Drama and Theatre at Aberystwyth University?
It will give you an opportunity to explore core Education modules and combine the theory and practical elements of Drama and Theatre.
It is taught by professionals including theatre-makers and former teachers, as well as by leading researchers in the field.
You will have opportunities to improve your ability to work with others.
You will learn in an exceptional environment where there are state-of-the-art facilities.
The BBC Wales local studios are based in the heart of the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies.
You will benefit from the department's solid connections with the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine, Imitating the Dog and the Magdalena Project.
One of the largest Arts Centres in the UK is located on campus - the Aberystwyth Arts Centre
You will be able to take advantage of exciting exchange opportunities within Europe and internationally.
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.
Undergraduate lecturers in the School of Education are either qualified to PhD standard or are experienced practitioners in their field. All teaching staff currently possess, or are working towards, a recognised teaching qualification.
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.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
What career prospects exist for an Education with Drama and Theatre graduate?
On completion of this degree, you will be a strong candidate for these following sectors:
broadcasting
teaching and education (including SEN)
social care
nursing
speech therapy
social work
performing arts education
journalism
marketing and communications
local government
arts administration.
Employability is embedded across our teaching and throughout your degree you will be equipped with the essential skills that employers are seeking.
Transferable Skills
Studying for a degree in Education and Drama and Theatre studies 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
the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
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?
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.
Academic Employability Coordinator
From Year One developing your employability is our priority and to ensure we offer the right services we have a dedicated academic employability coordinator who liaises with our link careers adviser to tailor a package of careers education, employer exposure and individual departmental based support. This person liaises with the careers service and external organisations to make links and connections, which are fed through to students on a regular basis. These include opportunities for voluntary work and paid employment both during and after your studies. Departmentally you will have the opportunity to get involved in our annual student employability conference.
Student Mentoring Scheme
Our student mentoring scheme provides opportunities to both receive peer support but to also develop mentoring and coaching skills while supporting fellow students. This scheme is recognised by the University for its high skills value, and those who engage as mentors receive recognition on their graduate transcript.
Learning & Teaching
What will I learn?
The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three-year programme.
In the first year you may explore:
policies and current issues in Education
child development
learning in young children
the study of theatre.
You will also take part in studio projects.
In the second year topics include:
the psychology of learning and thinking
modern European drama
the relationship of the theatre with contemporary society.
In the third year you may study:
how learning and skills are evaluated and assessed
theatre, gender and sexuality
politics surrounding theatre and drama.
play-writing.
You will also work on an independent research project.
How will I be taught?
This degree is delivered through the medium of lectures, seminars, workshops all of which are designed to stimulate your academic interests.
You will be assessed through essays, exams, oral presentations, practical and creative work.
Student Views
I simply love my course because the topics we discuss are interesting and relevant to the world of childhood. The lecturers are very passionate about the subject which is also reflected in the varied ways of which we are assessed - we even had the opportunity to design our own game! Much more hands-on and realistic when working with children than a dry exam! Overall, my confidence in a variety of topics and my abilities have been strengthened which is always a good thing in any career. I would definitely recommend the course and Aberystwyth University to anyone who is interested in working with children, and I can assure that you are given great support by staff in any kind of academic situation!
