Theatre and Drama Studies BA (Hons)
Birkbeck, University of London
Key Course Facts
Course Description
Are you passionate about live performance and theatre practice? Would you like to study in central London, at the heart of the city’s vibrant theatre culture? BA Theatre and Drama Studies at Birkbeck will enable you to investigate the theatre in all its aspects: as live performance, as dramatic text, in its historical contexts, and through a range of practices and ideas that have informed the making and understanding of theatre.
Alongside academic explorations of theatre history, theory and practice, you will create new performance work as a group. Whether devised from scratch, play script, in response to a particular setting, or working under the directorship of a guest artist, your work will ask questions about the world we live in.
To complement your study of theatre, you can choose options in English literature, arts and humanities, creative writing and arts management. Throughout your degree, your work will be informed by visits to some of the world’s most exciting theatre institutions, asking questions about how theatre is presented in London now. BA Theatre and Drama Studies at Birkbeck does not offer actor training, but the chance to experiment with practices and ideas, to create theatre with a group of like-minded people, and to gain access to knowledge with world-leading academics and artists working in the theatre industry today.
Highlights
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In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), English Language and Literature at Birkbeck achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to producing research of the highest quality.
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You could be studying in a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and frequented by members of the Bloomsbury Group - now home to our School of Arts - and be taught by leading novelists, dramatists and artists. The building houses our own creative hub which includes the Peltz Gallery, the Gordon Square Cinema and a theatre and performance space.
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Based at the heart of one of the world's most exciting cities, we combine lectures, seminars and workshops with visits to theatres and other cultural and artistic institutions, and we frequently collaborate with leading arts, cultural, theatre and dance and performing arts organisations, allowing you to ground your studies in real-world practice. You will be able to attend events and seminars hosted by the Birkbeck Centre for Contemporary Theatre, enabling you to hear about and experience the latest research and practice from leading scholars and practitioners in the field.
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The School of Arts is an official partner of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. Opportunities for students have included a year’s free membership of the ICA, private views, discounts on all talks and events, free members' screenings and £3 cinema tickets on Tuesdays, up to 25% off ICA Artists' Editions and a monthly e-newsletter.
Salary
Salary of all UK Graduates of Drama
| 15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median salary | £17966 | £16476 | £20157 |
| 25-75 percentile range | £14890 - £22414 | £11970 - £21294 | £14870 - £25688 |
All Drama courses of UK
What You Will Learn
Programme content: As a student of Theatre and Drama Studies, BA (Hons) you will study the following course modules.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Grading & Study Time
Assessment Methods
Study Time Distribution
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Qualification requirements
Access to Higher Education Diploma in humanities units.
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES If you need extra support before starting an undergraduate degree, we offer a BA Theatre and Drama Studies with Foundation Year degree, which provides two extra years of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete the Foundation Year, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. ALTERNATIVE ENTRY ROUTES Credits gained on certain Certificates of Higher Education may be considered towards the degree.
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
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- 6.5
- Mphil / PhD
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Theatre and Drama Studies, BA (Hons).
Costs
Tuition Fees Theatre and Drama Studies BA (Hons)
| England UK | £6935 | year 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | £6935 | year 1 |
| Scotland | £6935 | year 1 |
| Wales | £6935 | year 1 |
| International | £10920 | year 1 |
Additional fee information
Average student cost of living in London
| Rent | £518 |
| Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
| Supermarket shopping | £81 |
| Clothing | £35 |
| Eating out | £33 |
| Alcohol | £27 |
| Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
| Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
| Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
| Transport within city | £17 |
| Self-care / sports | £20 |
| Stationary / books | £13 |
| Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
| Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
| Insurance | £51 |
| Other | £95 |
| Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
How to apply
Application deadline:
January 1, 2024
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Possible Entry Points:
- year 1 (Default entry point)
University Rankings
Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.
See all university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London
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About Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.
Where is this programme taught
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