BA (Hons) Drama and Creative Writing
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- WW84
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Drama and Creative Writing work together to craft powerful stories, invent new forms of expression, and engage audiences and readers in rethinking the world around them. Whether on page, stage or screen, we learn about ourselves and others, discover new ways of living, and we have the chance to change lives and impact the world.
The Drama and Creative Writing degree at UEA offers you the opportunity to study in two brilliant departments, including the longest-established and most prestigious Creative Writing department in the UK. You’ll be taught by artists, writers, and researchers. You’ll learn how to write, how to bring your writing to life, and how to think about the arts and the world.
You’ll take modules in both disciplines, studying innovative playwrights, writing, and theatre practices from around the world. You’ll learn the art of writing, including for stage and screen, the craft of theatre-making, and how critical thinking leads to rigorous and powerful work. You’ll have the opportunity to study all kinds of creative writing, with a particular focus on writing for theatre, cinema, television, and radio. Alongside this, you'll be exploring the contemporary practice, criticism, and history of dramatic writing and performance. Your writing will be enriched by an awareness of theatrical and literary traditions from around the globe.
You’ll work in our professional Drama Studio, benefiting from our highly regarded student-run Minotaur Theatre Company and gaining even more performance, technical, and scriptwriting experience. Studying in Norwich means you’ll have access to a rich arts scene, including Norwich Theatre, Norwich Arts Centre, UEA Live, and the National Centre for Writing.
Your degree could take you into a career in the creative industries, as a writer or working in theatre, film, and radio. Or you might choose to take your collaborative, creative and critical skills into a host of other professions or into business.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You have the option to apply to study abroad for one semester of your second year. Studying abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you’ll develop confidence, adaptability and an understanding of drama and writing in another cultural context. At UEA, you’ll also be surrounded throughout your degree by the many students we welcome from around the world to study with us.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
Year One
Your first year sets up a conversation between writing, doing, and thinking which continues throughout your degree. On the Drama side, you'll begin your training in technical theatre, which will allow you to work independently in the Drama studio throughout your degree. Alongside this, you'll develop your on-stage skills through actor-training, exploring different acting techniques, and will encounter theatre and performance practices from around the world. On the Creative Writing side, you'll begin by testing out the possibilities of different forms, including prose, poetry and script. You'll then proceed to explore genre, experimentation and collaborative writing, working with your peers to produce new work for new audiences.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Year One
Teaching
You'll begin your development as a writer in workshops led by a member of our world-famous creative writing team. Your Drama tutors combine a wealth of practical experience in all kinds of performance with deep academic knowledge of the history, theory, and contemporary practice of theatre. Practical workshops in technical theatre and performance will underpin your development on the stage. You'll get to grips with plays and performance in drama seminars – where you might find yourself workshopping parts for performance in order better to understand them!
If you’d like to get a sense of what sorts of texts and performances you might study in your first year, take a look at our list of suggested (but entirely optional) reading for incoming students for Drama and for Creative Writing!
Independent Learning
You'll spend time doing everything from reading plays and writing your own work to rehearsing parts for the stage, all while benefitting from our student-run theatre company, Minotaur, where you can gain even more experience in practical performance or get a chance to turn your own original scripts into productions.
Assessment
Year One
Assessment
Our BA Drama and Creative Writing modules don’t have written exams (apart from one technical theatre test). As a creative writer, in the first year you'll be led through a series of writing exercises and discussions to help you produce short creative pieces in different forms, including script, prose and poetry. The technical theatre skills you're developing will be assessed through tasks such as making a 3D model of a set, designing a costume, or placing mics on a soundstage. Your performance work will be graded, as will elements of your contribution to classes and creative processes.
Feedback
You're given constant feedback on your practical work, helping you to deepen your craft as a performer. You'll receive feedback on your writing from your tutors and your peers in workshops. Feedback on assessed work will be returned within 20 working days, after it has been carefully marked and moderated. As your first year does not count toward your overall degree result, it's the perfect time to experiment and take risks.
Structure
Year Two
In your second year, you will learn about theatre and the creative industries, the range of work done in theatre both within and outside of traditional theatre buildings, and how theatre is funded, programmed, and advertised. You’ll extend and refine your creative writing skills, learning how to write for stage, radio, film, and television, or tackling poetry or prose writing in dedicated workshops. You’ll also continue to hone your dramatic work by taking modules to build your performance skills for stage and screen, or by trying your hand at directing or devising. You can also choose to study modules in journalism or publishing, or in literary, film or cultural criticism, or opt to do a short-term work experience placement.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Year Two
Teaching
Your creative work will now be taken to the next level through the 'workshopping' process (pioneered in the UK by UEA), where you'll get feedback on your writing from your peers under the direction of one of our creative writing tutors, and learn the art of offering constructive critique of your peers’ writing, too. You'll concentrate intensively on scriptwriting (for the stage, radio, TV, and film), prose or poetry. You'll have a wealth of opportunities to make your own theatre with the support of our staff, experimenting with different directorial theories, developing skills in devising performance, or delving into popular performance or filmmaking. If you choose to produce work for the screen, you'll be supported by a well-regarded independent filmmaker.
Independent Learning
As you work with greater confidence both in the theatre and at the writer’s desk, you'll naturally work with greater independence in both realms. This might mean deepening your collaborations with your peers or making solo projects that showcase your development as a writer.
Assessment
Year Two
Assessment
Your creative writing will flourish as you produce more substantial pieces, such as scripts for stage, radio, or screen (around 20-30 minutes in length), pieces of prose (a 1250-word short story or longer 2000-word narrative), or a portfolio of poetry. You might write essays on books, performances or plays. You'll continue to be assessed on your practical drama work in all its forms, whether that's acting, directing, technical theatre, or collaborative work.
Feedback
Your creative writing will be deepened by your immersion in the workshop environment, where you receive feedback from your peers and learn to give feedback on their work, an enormously valuable skill in many careers. Your practical work is constantly enriched by your drama tutors' feedback during rehearsals, and you'll continue to receive advice on 'formative' writing, too, from both your creative writing and drama tutors.
Structure
Year Three
By your final year, you’ll have found your voice as a writer. You will continue to refine your writing, focusing on prose, poetry, or script, or exploring creative work in the media industries. You’ll also have the chance to write a creative dissertation, in which you produce a substantial piece with one-to-one support from a tutor. Alongside this you can choose from a range of exciting Drama options,throwing yourself into production, exploring the intersection of identity and performance, learning about experimental and bold practice, or honing your work as an actor.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 90)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Year Three
Teaching
Your journey as a writer can be developed through a creative writing dissertation, in which you'll work one-on-one with a member of our creative writing team as you plan, develop, and write a more extended project. You can choose to spend the whole second semester of your third year working as part of a near-professional theatre company. You'll be led by a member of our core Drama teaching team and mentored by professionals in stage management, costume design, set building, movement, and marketing.
Independent Learning
You'll spend much of your own time writing in the forms that have come to matter to you the most. You'll collaborate with drive and passion with your peers in either the final-year production or on projects in each of your modules. You will be doing research and spending time in rehearsal, developing your independent skills in understanding and making theatre, and independently developing your voice as a writer.
Assessment
Year Three
Assessment
In your final year, you have the opportunity to produce a substantial piece of work that truly reflects the writer you’ve become, whether that’s a 60-page script or a collection of stories or poems. You’ll also write a reflective self-commentary on your creative process. In your Drama modules, you’ll be assessed on performances or your technical work.
Feedback
You'll work with members of our creative team, receiving regular feedback on your progress. As well as constant advice on your practical drama work as it develops, you'll receive full written feedback on your work, as well as regular feedback on formative written work for all your modules.
Employability
After the Course
Some graduates go into careers in film, drama, radio, and scriptwriting, as writers, developers, agents, casting directors, or artistic directors of their own companies. Recent graduates from our drama degrees include the actor Matt Smith (famous for his portrayal of Doctor Who and his leading roles in The Crown and House of the Dragon), the presenter of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg James, and the playwright Tom Morton-Smith (whose 2015 play Oppenheimer was performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company). For others, this degree is a stepping-stone towards careers in the arts, media, publishing, politics, charities, and NGOs, teaching, and the commercial sector. Read about our graduate Alasdair’s journey from studying Drama and Creative Writing at UEA to becoming a digital PR manager!
Our award-winning Careers Service is here to support you in launching your career by advising with CV writing, internships, and much more. Every year we run an event, Working with Words, which gives current students the chance to meet and hear from successful UEA alumni from across the creative industries.
UEA also has its own in-house student publishing project, Egg Box, along with many other exciting initiatives that give you opportunities to turn your love of writing and performance into a foundation for your future career.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Scriptwriting
- Theatre and film
- Journalism
- Media
- Teaching
- Publishing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
Contextual: BBB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Contextual: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BA Drama with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to provide a sample of their creative writing: we ask for around 5-7 pages of work, which can be on any subject and in any genre of the candidate's choice. Most choose to send poetry, prose, or a mixture of the two.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
AAB
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to provide a sample of their creative writing: we ask for around 5-7 pages of work, which can be on any subject and in any genre of the candidate's choice. Most choose to send poetry, prose, or a mixture of the two.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: