BA in (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) offers a BA (Hons) in Drama and Contemporary Performance, an innovative program designed to explore the intersection of theatre, performance art, and contemporary culture. This dynamic course provides students with opportunities to develop their creative and practical skills while critically engaging with current social, political, and cultural issues. Over the course of four years, students participate in practical workshops, theoretical seminars, and performance projects, preparing them for careers in theatre, performance art, education, and related fields.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance program at MMU is diverse and interdisciplinary, covering a wide range of topics and approaches to performance. Students study acting techniques, physical theatre, devising, directing, and scriptwriting, gaining practical experience in creating and performing original work. They also explore critical theory, performance studies, and cultural studies, examining the historical and theoretical contexts of contemporary performance practices.

Research Focus: Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to fostering research excellence in the field of drama and contemporary performance. The Drama and Contemporary Performance program encourages students to engage in research projects exploring innovative performance techniques, experimental forms of theatre, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Faculty members are actively involved in research initiatives, contributing to advancements in areas such as performance art, immersive theatre, and community-based theatre practices.

Industry Engagement: MMU's Drama and Contemporary Performance program emphasizes industry engagement to prepare students for careers in theatre, performance, and related fields. Students benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and masterclasses conducted by professional actors, directors, and performance artists. The university also facilitates placements and internships with theatre companies, arts organizations, and educational institutions, allowing students to gain practical experience, build professional networks, and showcase their talent to potential employers.

Global Perspective: In today's globalized world, a global perspective is essential for success in the field of drama and contemporary performance. MMU's program integrates global perspectives throughout its curriculum, exposing students to diverse cultural traditions, performance styles, and artistic practices from around the world. Students have the opportunity to study international theatre movements, participate in international exchanges, and collaborate with artists and scholars from different cultural backgrounds, broadening their horizons and enhancing their understanding of global performance cultures.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at MMU are typically required to have a minimum academic qualification of 65% or above in their previous studies. This may vary depending on the specific course and country requirements.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88, with at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 17 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 59.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Scholarships provide opportunities for talented students to pursue their studies at Manchester Metropolitan University. 

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The scholarship offers a partial tuition fee waiver of up to £5,000.

International Undergraduate Scholarships: MMU offers a range of undergraduate scholarships for international students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees, with values ranging from £2,000 to £5,000.

Country-Specific Scholarships: MMU offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and provide financial assistance to support students from specific geographic areas.

Sports Scholarships: MMU recognizes the achievements of talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and sporting aspirations. These scholarships provide financial support and additional training opportunities for student-athletes.

External Scholarships and Funding: MMU also encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by governments, organizations, and foundations in their home countries. The university provides guidance and support in accessing external funding options.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.

Graduates of Manchester Metropolitan University's BA (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance program possess a diverse skill set and are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in the performing arts, education, and related fields. 

Actor/Performer: Graduates can pursue careers as professional actors or performers, working in theatre, film, television, and other performing arts mediums. They audition for roles, rehearse scripts, and perform on stage or screen, bringing characters to life through expressive movement, voice, and emotion.

Director/Choreographer: Those with strong leadership and artistic vision can work as directors or choreographers, shaping and guiding the creative process of theatrical productions or performance pieces. They conceptualize productions, coordinate rehearsals, and collaborate with actors, designers, and technicians to realize their artistic vision.

Theatre Producer/Manager: Graduates can work as theatre producers or managers, overseeing the planning, financing, and logistical aspects of theatrical productions. They liaise with creative teams, secure funding, manage budgets and schedules, and promote productions to audiences and stakeholders.

Drama Teacher/Educator: Those passionate about education can pursue careers as drama teachers or educators, teaching drama and theatre arts in schools, colleges, universities, or community organizations. They develop curriculum, facilitate workshops, and inspire students to explore their creativity and express themselves through performance.

Community Arts Practitioner: Graduates can work as community arts practitioners, using drama and performance as tools for social change and community engagement. They collaborate with communities, organizations, and local authorities to develop and deliver participatory arts projects, workshops, and events that address social issues and promote wellbeing.

Arts Administrator/Manager: Those with organizational skills can work in arts administration or management roles, overseeing the operations of theatres, arts organizations, or cultural institutions. They manage budgets, coordinate programming, and handle marketing, fundraising, and outreach efforts to support the arts community.

Drama Therapist/Counselor: Graduates can specialize in drama therapy or counseling, using drama and performance techniques to facilitate personal growth, healing, and self-expression. They work with individuals or groups in therapeutic settings such as hospitals, schools, prisons, or mental health clinics, addressing emotional, social, or psychological issues.

Entertainment Industry Professional: Those interested in the entertainment industry can pursue careers in areas such as casting, talent management, production coordination, or event planning. They work behind the scenes to support the creation, promotion, and execution of live events, performances, or media productions.

Arts Journalist/Critic: Graduates can work as arts journalists or critics, writing reviews, articles, or commentary on theatre, performance, and cultural events for print, digital, or broadcast media outlets. They analyze performances, interview artists, and contribute to cultural discourse and public dialogue about the arts.

Freelance Artist/Entrepreneur: Those seeking flexibility and autonomy can work as freelance artists or entrepreneurs, creating and producing their own original work or collaborating with other artists and organizations on independent projects. They have the freedom to explore experimental forms of performance, develop their artistic voice, and engage with diverse audiences.