BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth and Drama

Liverpool Hope University's BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth and Drama program provides students with a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding childhood and youth development through the lens of drama and theatrical practices. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students to work with children and young people in educational, community, and theatrical settings.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth and Drama program integrates modules from both childhood and youth studies and drama, offering students a comprehensive understanding of childhood development and the creative potential of drama in supporting learning and development. Core modules may include child development theories, sociological perspectives on childhood, drama in education, applied theatre practices, and creative arts therapies. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical workshops, and experiential learning opportunities, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to engage children and young people creatively and effectively.

Research Focus: Liverpool Hope University emphasizes research-led teaching, and students in the BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth and Drama program are encouraged to engage in research projects that explore the intersection of childhood studies, drama, and creative arts therapies. Research topics may include the use of drama in supporting children's emotional wellbeing, the impact of participatory theatre on youth empowerment, or the role of drama in promoting inclusive education for children with diverse needs. Through these research projects, students develop critical thinking skills, research methodologies, and the ability to apply research findings to practice.

Industry Engagement: The university maintains strong connections with industry partners in the fields of education, theatre, and community arts, providing students with opportunities for internships, work placements, and collaborative projects. Students in the BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth and Drama program have the chance to gain practical experience and insights through placements in schools, theatres, community organizations, or arts-based charities. This industry engagement ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the job market and can apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges in working with children and young people through drama.

Global Perspective: Liverpool Hope University promotes a global perspective in the BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth and Drama program, recognizing the universal nature of childhood experiences and the diverse cultural contexts in which drama and creative arts therapies are practiced. The curriculum includes modules on international perspectives on childhood, cross-cultural approaches to drama education, and global issues affecting children and young people. Additionally, students have opportunities for international study exchanges, fieldwork experiences, and collaborations with peers from different cultural backgrounds, enabling them to gain insights into global issues and develop intercultural competence.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

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 80, with at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 17 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59 with no individual score below 51.
• 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.

Liverpool Hope University offers various scholarships and financial support options to international students, recognizing their academic excellence and potential. These scholarships aim to make higher education more accessible and affordable for international students. 

International Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international undergraduate and postgraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. The scholarship is worth up to £2,000 and is awarded based on academic merit.

Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international undergraduate students who have achieved exceptional academic results. The scholarship is worth up to £3,000 and is based on academic performance.

Partnership Scholarships: Liverpool Hope University has established partnerships with various institutions worldwide. Through these partnerships, international students may be eligible for specific scholarships or fee reductions when applying to Liverpool Hope University. 

Country-Specific Scholarships: Liverpool Hope University offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application process.

External Scholarships: Liverpool Hope University encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by governments, organizations, and foundations in their home countries or other sources. The university provides guidance and support to students in identifying and applying for these external scholarships.

It is important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships may vary from year to year.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth and Drama program at Liverpool Hope University have a wide range of career opportunities available to them in the fields of childhood and youth development, education, drama, and creative arts therapies. 

Drama Educator: Graduates can work as drama educators in schools, colleges, or community organizations, delivering drama-based programs and workshops to children and young people. They use drama techniques to support learning, creativity, and personal development, and may specialize in areas such as applied theatre, theatre in education, or drama therapy.

Youth Theatre Facilitator: Graduates may pursue careers as youth theatre facilitators, leading drama groups or theatre projects for young people in community settings. They provide opportunities for self-expression, collaboration, and performance, empowering young people to explore their identities, voice their concerns, and develop their artistic skills.

Play Therapist: Graduates with additional training in play therapy can work as play therapists, using drama and creative arts techniques to help children express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. They support children facing emotional difficulties, trauma, or behavioral issues to develop coping strategies and resilience.

Child and Family Support Worker: Graduates can work as child and family support workers, providing practical and emotional support to children and families facing challenges such as poverty, domestic violence, or parental illness. They offer advocacy, advice, and signposting to relevant services, and may work in settings such as schools, social services, or non-profit organizations.

Drama Therapist: Graduates with specialized training in drama therapy can work as drama therapists, using drama techniques to support individuals of all ages facing mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, or communication difficulties. They facilitate therapeutic processes, promote self-awareness and emotional expression, and empower clients to work towards positive change.

Primary School Teacher with Drama Specialism: Graduates can become primary school teachers with a specialism in drama, teaching children aged 5-11 and incorporating drama techniques into their teaching practice. They use drama to enhance learning across the curriculum, develop students' communication and confidence, and create engaging and inclusive classroom environments.

Secondary School Drama Teacher: Graduates may pursue careers as secondary school drama teachers, teaching drama as a specialist subject to students aged 11-18. They deliver curriculum content, plan and direct school productions, and support students in developing their performance skills, creativity, and understanding of theatre arts.

Arts Administrator: Graduates can work as arts administrators for theatres, arts organizations, or cultural institutions, coordinating drama programs, events, and outreach activities for children and young people. They manage budgets, liaise with artists and stakeholders, and promote access to the arts for diverse audiences.

Community Arts Coordinator: Graduates may work as community arts coordinators, organizing drama-based projects and events for children and young people in community settings such as libraries, youth centers, or cultural hubs. They engage with local communities, develop creative partnerships, and facilitate opportunities for participation and cultural exchange.

Researcher/Educational Consultant: Graduates can pursue careers as researchers or educational consultants, conducting research on topics related to childhood development, drama education, or creative arts therapies, and providing advice and consultancy services to schools, arts organizations, or government agencies. They contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field and inform evidence-based practices and policies to support children and young people through drama and creative arts.