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, Theatre and Performance
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Performance at the University of Sussex offers a dynamic and creative environment for students passionate about the performing arts. Designed to nurture both critical understanding and practical skills, the program blends traditional theatre training with contemporary performance practices. Students explore a wide range of theatrical forms, from classical plays to experimental productions, preparing them for diverse careers in acting, directing, dramaturgy, and beyond. The course emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the development of a strong personal artistic voice.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Performance at Sussex is both comprehensive and flexible. In the first year, students are introduced to foundational concepts, including acting techniques, performance analysis, and theatre history. Modules like "Performance Histories" and "Introduction to Theatre Practice" lay the groundwork for advanced studies. As students progress, they engage with specialized topics such as contemporary performance, devising theatre, directing, and scenography. Practical workshops are central to the learning experience, complemented by critical theory classes that encourage intellectual engagement with performance. In the final year, students complete a major performance project or dissertation, showcasing their creative and academic skills.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex is renowned for its strong research culture, and the Drama, Theatre and Performance program is no exception. Academic staff are active researchers and practitioners whose work spans areas such as political theatre, feminist performance, digital and immersive theatre, and intercultural performance. Students benefit from being part of a vibrant research community, with opportunities to engage in practice-as-research projects, attend guest lectures, and participate in conferences and symposiums. The research-led teaching approach ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge ideas and practices shaping the future of the performing arts.
Industry Engagement: One of the program’s strengths is its strong connection with the theatre and performance industry. Students have access to a wide network of professional practitioners, including actors, directors, playwrights, and producers, who regularly deliver workshops and masterclasses. The university collaborates with leading arts organizations and theatres in Brighton, London, and beyond, offering students opportunities for internships, placements, and live projects. These real-world experiences are invaluable for building professional networks and gaining hands-on industry knowledge before graduation.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Performance program at Sussex takes a truly global view of theatre and performance. Students study a diverse range of performance traditions from around the world, reflecting the international and intercultural nature of contemporary theatre. The curriculum encourages critical engagement with global issues such as migration, identity, politics, and climate change through performance. Moreover, the University of Sussex’s strong emphasis on internationalization provides opportunities for students to participate in study abroad programs, enhancing their global understanding and broadening their creative horizons.
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.
The BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Performance at the University of Sussex provides students with a comprehensive set of skills that prepare them for a wide array of careers in the creative industries and beyond. Combining academic learning with practical experience, this program equips graduates with the artistic, technical, and professional competencies needed to succeed in diverse fields. From performance arts to media and education, the career prospects for graduates are extensive and varied.
Performance Careers (Actor, Performer, Dancer): Graduates of this program can pursue careers as professional actors, dancers, or performers in a variety of settings including theatres, film, television, and live performance. The hands-on training in acting, performance skills, and stage presence provides a solid foundation for entering competitive roles in the performing arts industry. Many graduates also explore careers in experimental theatre, physical theatre, or multimedia performance.
Theatre Production and Direction: For students interested in the creative process behind the scenes, the program offers pathways into theatre production, directing, and stage management. Graduates may work as assistant directors, stage managers, production assistants, technical directors, or lighting and sound designers. These roles are integral to theatre companies, festivals, and cultural institutions, where effective coordination, creative vision, and technical expertise are essential.
Arts Management and Administration: The BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Performance program also equips students with the managerial and organizational skills needed for careers in arts management. Graduates can pursue roles such as arts manager, events coordinator, marketing and publicity officer, or production manager within theatres, galleries, museums, or cultural festivals. The program’s blend of practical experience and leadership development prepares students to thrive in the administrative side of the creative industries.
Playwriting, Scriptwriting, and Dramaturgy: For those with a passion for writing, the program offers the foundation to become a playwright or scriptwriter. Graduates can pursue careers as playwrights, screenwriters, or dramaturgs, crafting original works for theatre, film, and television. The knowledge gained in dramatic theory and creative writing provides graduates with the tools to create compelling narratives and engaging scripts that resonate with audiences.
Teaching and Education: Graduates can enter the field of education, teaching drama or theatre studies at various educational levels. Many choose to work as drama teachers in secondary schools or drama instructors at primary levels, while others pursue further qualifications in education to teach in higher education settings. The skills gained in creative thinking, communication, and performance are valuable assets in any teaching environment.
Applied Theatre and Community Arts: The BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Performance degree offers opportunities for graduates to apply their skills in real-world contexts through applied theatre. Graduates can work as applied theatre practitioners or facilitators in diverse settings such as community centers, prisons, hospitals, and youth organizations. These roles involve using theatre to facilitate social change, promote personal development, and engage communities in creative activities.
Media, Film, and Television Careers: Graduates from this program also have the skills and experience to pursue careers in the media and entertainment sectors. With transferable skills in communication, storytelling, and creative thinking, graduates can work as script editors, production assistants, film or TV researchers, and content creators. The combination of performance theory and practical experience also positions graduates to enter the world of television production, media planning, or digital content creation.
International Careers and Global Arts Engagement: As the program encourages a global perspective on theatre and performance, graduates are well-prepared to work in international settings. This could include roles with global arts organizations, international theatre festivals, or cultural institutions. The opportunity to engage with international theatre traditions and global performance practices provides a distinct advantage for those looking to pursue careers abroad or in international collaborations.
