BA (Hons) Drama with a Language

The BA (Hons) Drama with a Language program at the University of Sussex offers a unique interdisciplinary education, combining the study of dramatic arts with the mastery of a modern foreign language. This distinctive course enables students to cultivate their creative performance skills while developing linguistic proficiency and intercultural competence. Students engage deeply with acting, performance theory, and dramatic literature while studying a language such as French, Spanish, Italian, German, or Mandarin. The program is ideal for those seeking to broaden their artistic and communicative horizons, preparing them for international careers in the arts, education, or global cultural industries.

Curriculum: The curriculum for BA (Hons) Drama with a Language is thoughtfully designed to nurture both dramatic talent and language skills. In the first year, students undertake foundational modules in acting techniques, performance analysis, and dramatic forms, alongside intensive language training suited to their existing proficiency level. As they progress, students delve into more specialized areas of drama such as devised theater, directing, and contemporary performance practices while advancing their language fluency through cultural, historical, and literary studies. By the third year, students often have the opportunity to study abroad, immersing themselves fully in a language-rich environment. Final-year modules include professional practice in drama, advanced language projects, and a major dissertation or creative performance piece that reflects their interdisciplinary learning.

Research Focus: The University of Sussex is renowned for its vibrant research environment, particularly in the fields of drama, performance, and modern languages. Faculty members are active researchers exploring areas such as theater and social change, performance in intercultural contexts, multilingualism in performance, and digital media in the arts. Students benefit from being part of a scholarly community that values critical inquiry, practice-based research, and innovation in the arts. Research is often integrated into coursework, and students are encouraged to develop independent research or creative projects that align with contemporary global issues and artistic trends.

Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Drama with a Language program places strong emphasis on real-world engagement with the creative industries. Students have the chance to participate in professional workshops, public performances, and internships with theaters, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. Sussex’s close proximity to London—one of the world’s foremost centers for theater, film, and cultural exchange—offers unparalleled access to industry networks, performance venues, and global arts events. Language skills further enhance employability, enabling students to work on international projects or with multinational organizations in the cultural sector.

Global Perspective: International outlook is at the heart of the BA (Hons) Drama with a Language at Sussex. The program not only fosters fluency in a second language but also cultivates a deep understanding of different cultures through both linguistic and dramatic study. Students explore global performance traditions, world cinema, and international theater movements, broadening their appreciation of the arts beyond a purely English-speaking context. Opportunities to study abroad provide immersive cultural experiences, allowing students to refine their language skills and engage with diverse artistic communities. Graduates emerge with a rich intercultural awareness and the ability to navigate the increasingly globalized world of performance, media, and arts management.

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.

The BA (Hons) Drama with a Language program at the University of Sussex prepares graduates for a wide range of exciting and diverse career opportunities in the arts, culture, education, and international industries. By combining the study of drama and performance with proficiency in a modern foreign language, graduates are uniquely positioned to excel in roles that require both creative and linguistic skills. 

International Arts and Cultural Management: Graduates with expertise in both drama and a foreign language are highly sought after in the arts and cultural management sector. Their ability to navigate between cultures and languages makes them ideal candidates for positions in international arts organizations, festivals, and cultural exchange programs. Graduates can pursue roles in managing international theater companies, organizing global arts festivals, or working with museums and galleries that engage with diverse cultural audiences. Their language skills allow them to work seamlessly in international settings, coordinating between artists, audiences, and cultural institutions across borders.

Theater and Performance: For those with a passion for the stage, the BA (Hons) Drama with a Language program provides a solid foundation for a career in theater and performance. Graduates can pursue careers as actors, directors, dramaturgs, or stage managers in national and international theater companies. The program’s emphasis on both practical performance and language proficiency enables students to work in multilingual productions, collaborate with global theater networks, and perform in theaters around the world. The global nature of the training allows graduates to engage with diverse forms of performance, including non-English language theater.

Film and Television Production: The combination of drama expertise and language proficiency positions graduates well for careers in the international film and television industries. They can work in roles such as film production, scriptwriting, film direction, or international distribution. Graduates with strong linguistic skills are especially valuable in international film collaborations, where they can work with teams in various countries, translate scripts, or adapt content for different cultural markets. The cross-cultural awareness gained from studying a language enhances the ability to understand global audiences and create compelling international content.

Language and Drama Education: Graduates of the BA (Hons) Drama with a Language program are well-prepared to teach both drama and foreign languages. With their dual expertise in performance and language, they can pursue teaching careers in schools, colleges, or universities. They may teach drama, language, or both, depending on their specialization. Additionally, some graduates may choose to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) abroad, leveraging their cultural understanding and language skills to engage students in immersive learning environments. The program also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue further qualifications to teach at higher educational levels.

Translation and Interpretation: The language component of the program equips graduates with the necessary skills to work as translators or interpreters, especially in the creative industries. Graduates can work on translating scripts, plays, or film subtitles, ensuring that the nuances of the original performance are preserved in the target language. Interpreters in international conferences, arts festivals, or cultural exchange programs also benefit from this program’s emphasis on linguistic fluency and cultural context. Graduates can work for global arts organizations, translation agencies, or as freelance professionals in both drama and language sectors.

International Journalism and Media: Graduates who are interested in writing and reporting may pursue careers in international journalism, particularly in the cultural and entertainment sectors. With language skills and a deep understanding of global performance and cinema, they can report on international theater festivals, film premieres, and cultural movements. Graduates can work as cultural correspondents, film critics, or journalists covering global arts events for magazines, newspapers, online publications, or broadcast media. The ability to navigate multiple languages and cultural contexts allows them to provide unique insights and analyses for diverse international audiences.

Digital Media and Content Creation: In today’s digital age, graduates with skills in drama, language, and creative content creation are well-positioned for careers in online platforms. They can work in producing, directing, or writing content for YouTube channels, podcasts, streaming platforms, or social media. Language proficiency allows them to target and engage with international audiences, while their drama expertise helps in crafting engaging and creative narratives. Some graduates may also create multilingual content, reaching broader global audiences and collaborating with international creators on digital projects.

Arts Therapy and Drama Therapy: For those interested in the intersection of drama and therapy, the BA (Hons) Drama with a Language program offers the potential to pursue a career in arts therapy or drama therapy. Graduates may work in hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, or community centers, using drama techniques to support therapeutic outcomes. Language skills can be especially useful in multicultural environments, allowing graduates to engage with clients from diverse linguistic backgrounds and provide more inclusive, accessible therapeutic services.

Freelance and Entrepreneurial Ventures: Graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset may choose to create their own projects or businesses within the creative industries. They may start their own theater companies, film production firms, or language-based consulting services. The interdisciplinary nature of the BA (Hons) Drama with a Language program equips graduates with the skills to manage creative projects, understand cultural markets, and engage audiences in innovative ways. The combination of drama and language proficiency allows graduates to create unique cross-cultural performance experiences or content.

International NGOs and Cultural Diplomacy: For those interested in working in the non-profit sector, particularly in cultural diplomacy or international development, the language and performance skills gained in this program are invaluable. Graduates can work with international NGOs, governmental bodies, or cultural diplomacy organizations, organizing cross-cultural projects, facilitating international dialogue through arts programs, or working on global initiatives that use theater and language to foster understanding between different cultures.