This subject area covers a range of possible courses and areas of study, including the study of acting, the building of sets, the production of shows and the writing and directing of plays. If you’re passionate about the theatre and everything that comes with it, you may be perfectly suited to a degree in theatre and dramatic arts.
Find dramatic studies courses.
What do you need to get on a theatre & dramatic arts degree?
The ranges of entry requirements for theatre & dramatic arts are as follows:
- UCAS points: 48 – 153
- A-levels: AAB – EE
- Scottish Highers: AAABB – BCC (Advanced Highers: AAB – ABB)
- BTEC Nationals: DDD – PPP
- International Baccalaureate: 32 – 24
Good subjects to have studied include essay-based subjects, humanities subjects and drama-based subjects. Unis will also often want you to have some experience, e.g., work experience at a theatre company, involvement in community drama projects or participation in school or college productions.
Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.
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What theatre & dramatic arts degrees can you study?
Degrees in theatre & dramatic arts include:
- BA Theatre and Drama
- BA Theatre Design and Production
- BA Drama and Creative Writing
- BA Performance in Musical Theatre
- BA Lighting Design
Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.
What topics does a theatre & dramatic arts degree cover?
Common modules for theatre & dramatic arts include:
- Fundamentals of acting
- Dramatic technique
- Playwriting
- Staging
- Theatrical interpretation
- Writing and directing
- Production
- Building sets
What do you learn studying a theatre & dramatic arts degree?
Studying a theatre & dramatic arts degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:
- Acting techniques
- Directing techniques
- Knowledge of how to produce a play
- Industry knowledge
More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:
- Critical thinking
- Innovation
- Project management
- Team working
- Communication
- Research
- Attention-to-detail
- Confidence
- Public speaking
- Body language
- Working in groups
- Self-awareness
- Creative thinking
- Independent thinking
What professional accreditations can you get with a theatre & dramatic arts degree?
Courses may be accredited by the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) or Conservatories UK.
What can you do with a theatre & dramatic arts degree?
Theatre & dramatic arts graduates often find a lot of competition for work. However, there are lots of interesting and exciting work possibilities out there, like:
- Actor
- Production assistant
- Director
- Playwright
- Runner
- Arts and culture administrator
- Set designer
- Teacher or lecturer
- Stage manager
- Theatre manager
Check out our careers guides here.
Where to study theatre & dramatic arts?
Check the latest ranking of unis offering drama courses by the Complete University Guide.
How long is a theatre & dramatic arts degree?
A theatre & dramatic arts degree usually takes three years to study. However, some unis will give the option of an integrated foundation year or a placement year, which will increase the course to four years.
How will you be assessed?
Theatre & dramatic arts courses usually involve assessment through:
- Exams
- Coursework
- Group work
- Performances
- Peer assessments
- Dissertation
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Your options for further study include:
- MA Theatre Studies
- MA Theatre Education and Applied Theatre
- MA Theatre Design
- MA Drama and Theatre Education
What alternatives are there to a theatre & dramatic arts degree?
Not sure if a theatre & dramatic arts degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects: