This is a challenging degree that will open your mind and broaden your horizons. It combines performance and theory with contextual study, and is suitable for anyone who enjoys drama and wants to learn more about it. It will show you how drama has developed over time as an art form, and how it is used today in its own unique way to reflect on and explore important questions in contemporary society.

The course will give you a broad understanding of this art form as a whole, including many of the practical skills required in the world of theatre, and will also give you an understanding of how drama can reflect and influence society.

It encourages you to enhance your critical understanding of the rhetorical and per-formative aspects of literary texts by developing your awareness of performance practices. You will be involved in debates about the nature and purpose of performance, as well as topics such as language, gender, the body and the audience. You will learn about the planning, development, execution and evaluation of performances, and will also get to understand drama it in its many and varied forms in both past and contemporary contexts.

Graduates will receive a thorough grounding in the subject and this will help to widen their career options in a highly competitive field. Their education will leave them well prepared to pursue jobs or continue further training in drama-related fields. Graduates can follow related careers as performers, directors, enablers / facilitators, drama workers, drama therapists, teachers/ lecturers, arts development officers and community workers.

Drama degree course overview

On this course some modules are mandatory whilst others are optional, with programmes  constantly evolving to reflect changes in the field of study. Students will explore the field through practise and research, and by following curriculums that are a package of practical, creative, contextual, and theoretical approaches to the study of drama. During classes you will be introduced to modern theatre practises, and research the greats of acting, playwriting and directing. Visiting practitioners will also be involved in leading workshops and delivering lectures.

Throughout the course students are encouraged to think and create work independently as much as possible. Towards the end of the degree, students should be able to develop an area of expertise based on their own interests and apply those competencies that they have learned in a number of student-led independent learning projects.

Assessment can vary according to the type of module you are taking, and can include performances, portfolios of writing, written reflections, presentations, essays, examinations and other projects of various kinds.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a Drama Degree 

  • The History of Drama and Theatre
  • Acting and Directing
  • Shakespeare in Society
  • Greek drama
  • Modern Drama
  • Arts, Media and British Culture
  • Community Theatre
  • Film Studies
  • Introduction to Drama as Therapy
  • Creative Writing
  • Directing
  • Drama Studies and English
  • Contemporary Theatre in Britain
  • Live Art
  • Moving
  • Reading Performance
  • Film Writing
  • Musical Theatre Exploration
  • Performance Research

Students will learn about

  • Dramatic genres from different times and cultures
  • Character development
  • Stagecraft
  • Script writing
  • Theatre design
  • Renaissance drama
  • Naturalism
  • Contemporary performance art
  • Time management
  • Presentation
  • Modernism and Post-modernity

Students will learn how 

  • Drama and theatre can be therapeutic.

Drama personal statement

Below is a drama personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Drama personal statement example 

“I possess confidence, self discipline, superb self-presentation skills and an ability to constructively handle criticism. All of these traits are essential for the successful study of acting, drama and theatre.

Basically I have chosen to study drama because it alone uniquely combines my long standing interests, which are firstly the study of dramatic performance and its application in theatre, film, education and therapy. Secondly it will allow me a opportunity for personal exploration, and thirdly it is a subject that I really enjoy.

I have always liked going to professional performances, and I find being able to see lots of contemporary theatre really exciting. I want to understand and appreciate the diverse nature of drama and theatre studies, from studio-based work to site specific performances, live art and installation.

I am also attracted to this course because I am confident that after graduating I will have access to a huge range of employment opportunities. Although I realise that this degree will not guarantee me a place in the limelight, I believe it can open the doors to many other equally rewarding careers. The course will help me to develop a rich repertoire of transferable skills in collaboration, communication, and innovative thinking which will prepare me for all kinds of employment and industries. All of these are particularly sought after qualities in industries such as the arts, business, media, or journalism.

Recently I have worked as a volunteer with a local arts theatre, where I was involved in programmes and events put together for community groups in schools, hospitals, clinics, hospices, homes, arts centres and theatre venues. It was a thriving and supportive environment where staff and managers worked closely together in being creative, attending various plays, collaborating on productions and forming a close-knit community and support network where ideas were shared and opinions discussed freely. Overall this experience helped me to develop academically and professionally in terms of problem solving, presenting, analysing, articulating, and organising.

At college where I studied drama, I found myself surrounded by tutors who had a profound commitment to teaching in the truest sense of that word. I really enjoyed my time there, as the study material was really interesting and the lecturers were always willing to help. Having enthusiastic and approachable teaching staff meant that I always felt able to discuss a point without feeling uncomfortable, and this made classes interesting rather than a struggle. I also benefited from the lively and supportive research community within the drama department, regularly discussing my work with people who became both my colleagues and my friends. I left college with superb grades and with an ability to work under pressure, and balance extensive study commitments with written and practical assessments.

Along the way I have developed excellent research skills, which are vital for looking into characters and roles. My learning approach is active, participative and reflective, and on top of this I have self-belief and the ability to work well with others. I feel I can bring my already extensive wealth of knowledge and experience to your course.

Choosing which university to study at was a very difficult decision. I eventually settled on your university partly because I was very impressed by all the help and information I received from your staff whilst making my university choice. I would also like to say that after attending various open days I found your campus and its tutors to be the most friendly and inviting. Your degree courses provide an exciting opportunity to study in a high quality environment, and to be taught and guided by staff with up-to-date, practical knowledge of the key areas of drama and theatre. I feel your university is fully committed to the personal development of its students, and for me it would be an honour to study there.”

 

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