MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) Drama and English
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Drama and English at the University of Sussex is a dynamic and interdisciplinary program that blends the creative exploration of drama with the academic study of English literature. This program offers students the opportunity to delve into dramatic arts, while also gaining in-depth knowledge of English literary traditions, from classical works to contemporary texts. It allows students to develop critical thinking, performance skills, and analytical abilities, preparing them for a wide range of careers in the creative industries, academia, publishing, and beyond. The program’s focus on both practical performance and literary theory equips students with a versatile skill set that is highly valued in today’s job market.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Drama and English program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both drama and literature. In the first year, students will engage with foundational modules in both subjects, studying key works of English literature and learning the basics of performance techniques. The drama component covers topics such as Introduction to Theatre, Acting Techniques, and Theatre History, while the English literature modules focus on literary analysis and the study of major authors and texts. In the second year, students can deepen their knowledge with more specialized modules in drama and literature, such as Modern Theatre, Shakespeare in Performance, Victorian Literature, and Contemporary Fiction. The final year offers advanced modules, including Postcolonial Literature, Contemporary Theatre Practices, and opportunities for independent research projects. Students will also develop practical performance skills through drama workshops and have the opportunity to engage in theatre productions. The program encourages a blend of academic research and creative expression, providing students with the tools to analyze and create in both fields.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex is renowned for its research-driven approach to teaching, with faculty members actively engaged in cutting-edge research in both drama and English literature. The Drama department focuses on areas such as contemporary theatre, performance studies, theatre history, and socially engaged theatre. Research in the English department covers diverse fields such as literary theory, postcolonial studies, modernism, and creative writing. The university’s research culture is deeply embedded within the curriculum, allowing students to benefit from the latest academic insights and theories in their studies. Students are encouraged to participate in research initiatives, collaborate with faculty members, and pursue independent projects that explore the intersection of performance and literary criticism.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Drama and English program at the University of Sussex provides extensive industry engagement, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in both the creative and academic sectors. The university’s strong connections with the theatre world, media organizations, publishing houses, and cultural institutions offer students numerous opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative projects. Students have access to guest lectures, workshops, and masterclasses led by professionals from various sectors, including theatre directors, actors, authors, and critics. These industry connections allow students to build valuable networks and gain practical insights into the professional world. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on performance provides students with the chance to showcase their work in public productions, building their portfolios and enhancing their employability.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Drama and English program at the University of Sussex offers a global perspective by encouraging students to explore works from diverse cultures and traditions. The university’s commitment to international engagement is reflected in its curriculum, which includes texts from global literary traditions and performance practices from around the world. Students also benefit from opportunities to study abroad or engage with international theatre festivals and literary events. The program’s global outlook allows students to appreciate how drama and literature are shaped by different cultural contexts and how these art forms can address universal themes. With this broader understanding, graduates are well-equipped to work in a globalized creative landscape, whether in the UK or internationally.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% 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.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Drama and English program from the University of Sussex possess a versatile skill set that allows them to pursue a wide array of career opportunities in the creative, educational, media, and cultural sectors. By combining a deep understanding of English literature with practical drama and performance skills, students are well-equipped to succeed in both artistic and academic fields.
Theatre and Performance Careers: Graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers in the theatre industry, where they can take on roles such as actors, directors, stage managers, theatre producers, or playwrights. The program's focus on practical performance and dramaturgy provides students with the skills necessary to excel in both traditional and contemporary theatre settings. Many graduates may also engage in community theatre, applied theatre, or educational theatre, using performance as a tool for social change and community engagement.
Writing and Publishing: The program’s emphasis on English literature, writing, and creative expression makes graduates ideal candidates for careers in writing and publishing. They may work as novelists, playwrights, screenwriters, poets, or content writers. Additionally, the critical thinking and research skills gained during their studies make them well-suited for roles in literary criticism, editing, and publishing. Graduates can pursue positions in publishing houses, literary agencies, magazines, or online publications. They may also become journalists, writing about arts, culture, and literature.
Education and Teaching: Many graduates choose to pursue careers in education, teaching English, Drama, or both in secondary schools or higher education institutions. The program provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to become secondary school teachers or university lecturers in English or drama departments. Additionally, the skills in public speaking and performance make graduates ideal candidates for drama coaches, private tutors, or acting instructors. Graduates may also choose to work in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), particularly in international settings.
Media and Broadcasting: The storytelling, writing, and performance skills developed throughout the program are highly valued in the media industry. Graduates can pursue careers in television, radio, film production, or broadcast journalism. They may work as scriptwriters, producers, directors, broadcast journalists, or content creators for various media outlets. The combination of creative and analytical skills also opens doors for roles in film criticism, television production, or social media management in the arts and entertainment sectors.
Cultural and Arts Management: Graduates are well-equipped to take on roles in arts administration or cultural management, where they can oversee and promote artistic projects, theatre productions, and cultural events. They can work as arts managers, event coordinators, fundraisers, or cultural programmers at theatres, galleries, museums, or arts festivals. Graduates may also engage in project management roles, ensuring that creative initiatives run smoothly and within budget. This career path allows graduates to combine their passion for the arts with practical organizational and management skills.
Public Relations and Communications: Graduates can use their strong writing, communication, and public speaking skills to pursue careers in public relations and communications. They can work as PR specialists, communications officers, social media managers, or content creators. These roles involve crafting narratives, promoting brands, and managing public perception. Graduates with a background in drama and English are particularly adept at creating compelling stories and messages, which are highly valued in industries such as corporate communications, entertainment PR, and event management.
Publishing and Digital Content Creation: With the rise of digital platforms, many graduates choose to work in digital content creation. They can take on roles such as bloggers, social media influencers, or digital content managers. Their ability to craft engaging narratives and analyze literature positions them well to create content that resonates with diverse audiences. They may also explore careers in online publishing, e-books, or copywriting for various industries, including lifestyle, education, and arts and culture.
Film, Television, and Media Production: Graduates with an interest in film and television can pursue careers in production or screenwriting. They may work as film directors, producers, scriptwriters, or production assistants, involved in the creative process of developing films, television shows, or documentaries. The program’s focus on drama provides graduates with the foundational knowledge to adapt plays or novels for the screen, or to create original scripts. Many graduates also work in casting, location scouting, and production design, contributing to the visual and narrative aspects of media projects.
Freelancing and Consultancy: The program’s emphasis on creative thinking and performance skills makes freelancing an attractive career option. Graduates can work as freelance writers, actors, directors, consultants, or creatives in various industries. They can offer their expertise in writing, directing, script consultancy, or acting. Freelancers enjoy the flexibility of working on a diverse range of projects, from theatre productions to online media campaigns.
Nonprofit and Community Work: Graduates interested in making a positive impact on society may find fulfilling careers in nonprofit organizations or community outreach. They can work as program coordinators, fundraisers, or community arts directors, using their drama and English skills to engage with underrepresented communities, promote social causes, or facilitate educational programs. The arts are often used as a tool for community development, social change, and personal expression, making this a rewarding career path for graduates passionate about social impact.
