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 Film Studies (with a study abroad year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Drama and Film Studies (with a Study Abroad Year) at the University of Sussex offers an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to studying two dynamic fields—drama and film. This program combines the study of dramatic arts with a deep dive into the history, theory, and production of cinema, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of both performance and visual storytelling. The inclusion of a study abroad year offers students the chance to gain global perspectives on both drama and film, enriching their academic experience and broadening their cultural horizons. This program is designed for students who wish to explore the intersection of drama and film, equipping them with the skills necessary for careers in theatre, film, media, and beyond.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Drama and Film Studies program integrates theory with practice, offering a rich blend of academic and creative modules. In the first year, students will engage in foundational modules covering essential topics such as Introduction to Theatre and Performance, Film History, and Film Analysis. The drama modules focus on building performance skills and understanding the role of theatre in society, while the film studies modules explore the evolution of cinema, key filmmakers, and film theory. In the second year, students deepen their knowledge with specialized modules such as Modern Drama and Theatre, Cinematic Narrative, and Global Cinema. The final year offers more advanced modules, including opportunities for independent research projects and practical drama productions. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning with opportunities to participate in theatre performances, film production projects, and screenwriting workshops. The program's diverse coursework is designed to develop students' critical analysis, creative abilities, and technical skills.
Research Focus: At the University of Sussex, both the Drama and Film Studies departments are renowned for their research excellence. The research focus within the Drama department includes contemporary theatre practices, performance studies, theatre history, and socially engaged theatre. Faculty members are involved in pioneering work that spans various performance styles and practices, including new media and interactive theatre. In the Film Studies department, research covers a broad spectrum, from film history and cinematic theory to the study of genre and national cinema. Research interests also encompass global cinema, documentary filmmaking, and new technologies in film production. Students are encouraged to engage with faculty-led research initiatives and can incorporate these insights into their studies, whether through academic research or practical projects.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, ensuring that students gain practical experience alongside their academic learning. The Drama and Film Studies program has strong links with the film industry, theatre companies, and media organizations, providing students with valuable opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative projects. The program includes guest lectures, workshops, and masterclasses led by professionals working in theatre, film production, and media. These industry connections provide students with insights into current trends, as well as access to networking opportunities and career advice. Students also benefit from the university's proximity to London, one of the world’s leading hubs for both theatre and film, enhancing their exposure to industry professionals and opportunities. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for students to develop portfolios of short films, screenplays, and theatrical productions, which are essential for future job prospects.
Global Perspective: A key feature of the BA (Hons) Drama and Film Studies program is the opportunity to spend a study abroad year in a partner university abroad. This immersive international experience enhances students’ understanding of global cinema, international theatre traditions, and the ways in which drama and film intersect across different cultures. The study abroad year allows students to experience different artistic and cultural perspectives, which broadens their knowledge and deepens their appreciation of the diversity of performance and filmmaking styles worldwide. Students return with a global perspective that is increasingly valued by employers in the media, entertainment, and cultural industries. The global perspective gained through this year abroad helps students navigate the interconnected nature of today’s creative industries, where understanding diverse cultural contexts is crucial for success.
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 Film Studies (with a Study Abroad Year) from the University of Sussex are equipped with a wide array of skills that open doors to diverse career opportunities in the creative industries, media, film, theatre, and education. The program’s blend of academic study and practical experience, along with the international exposure gained through the study abroad year, positions graduates to work in various dynamic and evolving sectors.
Film and Television Production: The combination of film theory, cinematic history, and practical production skills makes graduates well-suited for careers in film and television production. Graduates can pursue roles as producers, directors, production assistants, scriptwriters, or cinematographers. They may work for film studios, TV networks, or streaming platforms, contributing to the production of films, documentaries, TV shows, or web content. The program’s emphasis on screenwriting and film analysis provides graduates with a strong foundation to contribute to creative content across different media platforms.
Theatre and Performance: Graduates are also well-prepared for careers in the theatre industry. With the program's focus on drama performance, theatre history, and contemporary theatre practices, graduates can pursue roles as actors, directors, theatre producers, stage managers, or dramaturgs. They may work in regional theatres, West End productions, community theatre, or even experimental theatre. Graduates can also take on roles in performing arts administration, working in areas such as fundraising, event coordination, and audience engagement.
Screenwriting and Creative Writing: For graduates with a passion for writing, the program’s focus on film narrative and dramatic writing provides strong preparation for a career in screenwriting or creative writing. Graduates can work as scriptwriters for film, television, or online content, creating original stories, developing characters, and structuring scripts. Additionally, graduates can pursue careers as novelists, poets, or playwrights. The creative writing skills developed in the program can be applied in various contexts, including literary magazines, theatre companies, and production houses.
Film Criticism and Journalism: Graduates with strong analytical and writing skills can pursue careers in film criticism, journalism, and media reporting. They can write for film publications, magazines, or websites as film critics or entertainment journalists. Graduates may also work in broadcast media as film reviewers, television critics, or content creators for media outlets, such as radio, television networks, or streaming platforms. The combination of film theory and practical production knowledge makes graduates particularly well-suited for roles where they can analyze and critique films, television shows, and other media content.
Arts and Cultural Management: The program also prepares graduates for careers in arts management and cultural administration. Graduates can work as arts managers, event coordinators, or cultural producers, managing and promoting film festivals, theatre productions, cinema events, and art exhibitions. They may work for organizations such as film studios, theatre companies, cultural institutions, or nonprofit arts organizations. This career path often involves organizing events, managing budgets, liaising with artists and performers, and overseeing day-to-day operations of arts organizations.
Media and Broadcasting: The skills acquired through the program’s emphasis on film production, writing, and media analysis are valuable for careers in media and broadcasting. Graduates can pursue roles as producers, content creators, or media planners for television, radio, or online media outlets. The study abroad year also exposes students to international media practices, which is beneficial in a globalized industry. Graduates can contribute to the development of creative content, including documentaries, news programs, advertising, and social media campaigns.
Public Relations and Communications: The strong communication, writing, and storytelling skills developed during the program make graduates suitable candidates for careers in public relations (PR), communications, and marketing. Graduates may work as PR specialists, communications officers, social media managers, or branding consultants for theatre companies, film studios, corporations, or media agencies. Their ability to craft engaging narratives is highly valued in promoting films, events, or artistic projects to the public.
Education and Teaching: Many graduates of the BA (Hons) Drama and Film Studies program pursue careers in education, either as secondary school teachers or as lecturers in higher education institutions. Graduates can teach drama, media studies, or film studies in schools, colleges, or universities. They can also pursue teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) positions abroad, using their skills in communication and storytelling to teach English through drama and film. The program also prepares graduates for roles in youth theatre education or film and drama workshops, where they can inspire the next generation of performers and filmmakers.
Freelancing and Consultancy: Graduates may also pursue freelance opportunities in various creative fields, including acting, writing, directing, or producing. Freelancers can work across a variety of industries, including theatre, film, television, and advertising. Additionally, some graduates may choose to offer consultancy services in film production, script development, or theatre management. Freelancers enjoy flexibility and a diverse range of projects, often collaborating with independent filmmakers, small theatre companies, and production agencies.
Nonprofit and Community Work: Graduates with a passion for social change and community engagement may find fulfilling careers in nonprofit organizations or community arts initiatives. They can work as community theatre directors, film educators, or arts outreach coordinators, using their skills in drama and film to support underserved communities. The program also prepares graduates to use film and performance as tools for social change and advocacy, working in nonprofit organizations that focus on social justice, cultural education, and community development.
