BA DRAMA
BA DRAMA
Our professionally equipped 200-seat Drama Studio will be at the centre of your Drama degree at UEA. You'll have the keys to this amazing space, giving you the chance to control everything in your own productions, from performance and staging to costume, lighting and sound-design. You'll have similar opportunities to immerse yourself in practical stagecraft to those on offer in a Drama School.
Your Drama degree doesn't only offer a practical training ground.
At UEA, you’ll encounter an astonishing array of drama and a wealth of performance styles, from naturalism to non-Western traditions. You’ll engage with major theoretical and directorial approaches, from Aristotle to Artaud, from Stanislavsky to physical theatre and you might examine the use of theatre and performance – by the State, by oppositional groups, by political activists and by theatre and performance practitioners – to solidify or challenge structures of power.
Everything you're learning will deepen your practical work in the theatre. Our drama seminars offer you unrivalled opportunities to master theoretical approaches to dramatic writing through your own practical performances. As you get inside the words of plays in the seminar room, you'll become better able to release their energies in your own performance. Each year, you will bring everything that you’ve learned together in a major practical project and will undertake a wide variety of applied drama work. You’ll also have the chance to study on placement with a professional company or venue (which may include TV, radio and film, as well as theatre). This will build not only your experience and confidence but also your contacts book.
You'll also benefit from our highly regarded student-run Minotaur Theatre Company, which gives you the chance to gain valuable additional performance, technical and scriptwriting experience.
About
Offering an exhilarating immersion in all aspects of theatre, this course combines a firm grounding in acting, directing, and practical stagecraft with the thoughtful and inventive study of plays themselves. You’ll master dramatic traditions from across time periods and all around the world, and you'll draw on that knowledge to enrich your own experience in the theatre.
Throughout your degree, you'll be supported by UEA's unique combination of academic experts on theatre and performance, as well as practising theatre directors and world-leading scriptwriters. Once you graduate, your degree will open the doors of the theatre world to you – or you might choose to take all the skills you've learnt to any number of careers across the creative industries and beyond.
Our BA Drama is ranked in the top 25 for Drama, Dance and Cinematics by 'The Complete University Guide 2022', and in the top 30 by 'The Guardian 2021'.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
You have the option to apply to study abroad for one semester of your second year. Study abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you will develop confidence and adaptability and will have the chance to deepen your understanding of drama while learning about another culture. At UEA, you will also be surrounded 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.

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After the Course
Some of our drama graduates go into careers in drama, film or radio. Recent graduates from our drama degrees include the actor Matt Smith (famous for his portrayal of Doctor Who and his leading role in Netflix's The Crown) and the presenter of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg James. For others, the degree is a stepping-stone towards careers in the arts, media, publishing, politics, charities, NGOs, teaching and the commercial sector. Our 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 drama into a foundation for your future career.
Career destinations
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Theatre and film
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Journalism
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Media
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Teaching
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Finance
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Publishing

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Assessment for Year 1
Our BA Drama modules do not have written exams. Each module has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
You’ll experience two forms of assessment: your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed; and you'll produce written pieces of coursework. This coursework can take many forms, ranging from a critical essay to a portfolio of scriptwriting, a reflection on your own practice, or a piece of creative criticism (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning). Modules can involve both kinds of assessment: you might be observed performing and then write reflectively about your own performance.
Assessment for Year 2
Our BA Drama modules do not have written exams. Each module has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
You’ll experience two forms of assessment: your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed; and you'll produce written pieces of coursework. This coursework can take many forms, ranging from a critical essay to a portfolio of scriptwriting, a reflection on your own practice, or a piece of creative criticism (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning). Modules can involve both kinds of assessment: you might be observed performing and then write reflectively about your own performance.
Assessment for Year 3
Our BA Drama modules do not have written exams. Each module has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
You’ll experience two forms of assessment: your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed; and you'll produce written pieces of coursework. This coursework can take many forms, ranging from a critical essay to a portfolio of scriptwriting, a reflection on your own practice, or a piece of creative criticism (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning). Modules can involve both kinds of assessment: you might be observed performing and then write reflectively about your own performance.
Assessment for Year 1
Our BA Drama modules do not have written exams. Each module has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
You’ll experience two forms of assessment: your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed; and you'll produce written pieces of coursework. This coursework can take many forms, ranging from a critical essay to a portfolio of scriptwriting, a reflection on your own practice, or a piece of creative criticism (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning). Modules can involve both kinds of assessment: you might be observed performing and then write reflectively about your own performance.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
Our BA Drama modules do not have written exams. Each module has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
You’ll experience two forms of assessment: your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed; and you'll produce written pieces of coursework. This coursework can take many forms, ranging from a critical essay to a portfolio of scriptwriting, a reflection on your own practice, or a piece of creative criticism (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning). Modules can involve both kinds of assessment: you might be observed performing and then write reflectively about your own performance.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
Our BA Drama modules do not have written exams. Each module has its own assessment; your final degree classification is made up of the marks you receive in your second and third years.
You’ll experience two forms of assessment: your practical work in acting, performance and directing will be observed; and you'll produce written pieces of coursework. This coursework can take many forms, ranging from a critical essay to a portfolio of scriptwriting, a reflection on your own practice, or a piece of creative criticism (where your own creative writing embodies the critical ideas you’ve been learning). Modules can involve both kinds of assessment: you might be observed performing and then write reflectively about your own performance.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB including Drama/Theatre Studies/English Literature or BBC including Drama/Theatre Studies/English Literature with an A in the Extended ProjectBTEC
DDM in an Arts/Humanities subject (usually Performing Arts) accepted. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services or Business AdministrationScottish highers
AABBB including Drama, Theatre Studies or English LiteratureScottish highers advanced
CCC including Drama, Theatre Studies or English LiteratureIrish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3 including Drama, Theatre Studies or English LiteratureAccess course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 including an English Literature or Theatre Studies at MeritEuropean Baccalaureate
75% overall including 70% in an English Literature or Drama and Theatre studiesInternational Baccalaureate
31 points including HL 5 English or Theatre StudiesGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including speaking, listening, reading and writing) at the following level:
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
Interviews
If your application tells us that you're capable and enlivened by your chosen course, we will invite you to a one-to-one online workshop with an academic. This is a chance to meet us, discuss the course and work on a monologue from a play you love, giving you a taste of what it would be like to study Drama here at UEA. You'll be asked to prepare a monologue of your choice that you enjoy, so that you can work on it together with an academic. We'll also talk about your current studies, extra-curricular interests and the theatre that excites you.
Gap year
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.
Intakes
This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees can be found here.
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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.

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How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
Further Information
Please complete our Online Enquiry Form to request a prospectus and to be kept up to date with news and events at the University.

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