Drama BA (Hons)

• Overview

  The Drama BA (Hons) programme offers a unique opportunity to study Drama through both practical and theoretical modules, which exposes students to a wide cross section of the multitude of career pathways in the fields of Drama, Theatre and Performance. At each year level, there are several opportunities to collaborate through scene studies, devised theatre, ensemble productions and staged readings of student work.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  Course

  Highlights

  • Take part in public facing performances.
  • Guaranteed paid internship.*

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Apply Now Open Days

  
• Course Details

  The Drama programme prepares students with a practical toolbox of methodologies and approaches to theatre-making in order to situate themselves within the diverse career pathways within the fields of Drama, Theatre and Performance.

  The programme is designed around the practical study of live theatre and performance underpinned by theoretical and historical contexts, which provides all students with a career outlook that might consider an academic career through further study. At the centre of the programme’s practical learning is the development of a collaborative, imaginative, reflexive and critically engaged mind-set. The programme aims to establish an ethos and approach to creative practices built on professionalism, rigor, empathy and commitment.

  This programme appeals to students interested in pursuing careers related to performance, directing, devising, performance writing, dramaturgy, technical design, producing and curating live events, as well as pursuits related to education and other socially engaged arts practices.

  Methods of Learning

  We will teach you the links between practice and theory through practical workshops, lecture seminars, theatre visits, masterclasses, individual tutorials, specialist supervision rehearsal and production. The teaching approach we take will vary to suit the nature and content of the module.

  The Drama team’s innovative strategies in teaching encompass practical and theoretical approaches, and performance styles from a range of historical and cultural perspectives. We also bring a range of visiting guest artists from the industry to collaborate on projects and deliver specialist workshops.

  Schedule

  The programme begins with a welcome week at the beginning of each academic year, usually in the third or last week of September. Applicants are advised to note and to confirm the start date for their year of entry in their formal letter of admission.

  Students experience approximately 12 to 16 hours of contact time with tutors per week. Additionally, students are required to attend unsupervised rehearsal lab time scheduled in studios to complete collaborative tasks for practical modules. Assignments vary from individual tasks to highly collaborative projects, requiring students to manage their time and work rigorously outside of the formal tutor-led contact time.

  Assessments

  The assessment strategy (60% practical / 40% written) is designed to emphasise professional practice as students develop their collaborative, critical thinking and time management skills; All practical assessments involve ‘Continuous Assessment’ through a ‘Professionalism and Collaboration’ mark, placing an equal emphasis on process and product.

  Project-based practical assessments include a critical self-reflection component in the form of a reflective essay or a viva voce.

  Stage One

  In year one, students receive a broad-based foundation to becoming a Drama practitioner, establishing a core training in Performance Skills; a theoretical and historical spine in Histories and Cultures, and rudimentary design and tech skills in Technologies for Performance. Learning across all modules is brought together in Creating Theatre where the class becomes an ensemble and develops skills in improvisation and devising, working collaboratively on a tutor-led production presented to the public at the end of the year.

  Stage Two

  In year two, the remit of the programme expands and becomes more specialized in modules such as ‘Writing for Performance’ and ‘Actor and Text’ where the crafts of Directing, Acting and Playwrighting are explored in both theory and practice. Learning Through Drama, brings students scope into the realm of socially engaged work, specifically teaching and arts education. Students are engaged in a year-long focused research endeavor developing a full-length new work developed in Specialist Study, and produced through the Professional Practice module, for a public audience at the end of the year.

  Stage Three

  In year three, the skills from years one and two are the foundation for a more independently driven course of study. Students bring their learning across the programme together in the Adaptations module, forming companies to create and produce a new work,  while gaining experience in producing work within small-scale and fringe theatre contexts.

  The scope of their studies in ‘Learning Through Drama’ is expanded in ‘Socially Engaged Performance’ to consider a range of performance contexts outside of the theatre space. Independent Research Project empowers students to follow their own investigative path through a research project that culminates in a mock conference style presentation.

  Professional Practices 2 challenges students to situate themselves more specifically within the field, identifying specific career pathways of interest by pursuing their own Work-Based Learning placement and developing a portfolio of materials (i.e. CV variations, bio, personal statement, online profile).

   

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Employability

  The Professional Practice modules in Years 2 and 3 place an emphasis on a range of practical skills related to searching for, applying and interviewing for jobs, and the assessment strategy is tailored to the developing career goals for each student

  The combination of Learning Through Drama (at Year 2) and Applied Performance (at Year 3) introduces students to a variety of socially engaged context for theatre practitioners to work within, from Theatre-in-Education to Drama Therapy to applied work in Hospitals, Prisons and Homeless Shelters.

  The core teaching team delivers the programme in collaboration with industry professionals who engage students as Associate Lecturers and Guest Artists on specific modules, specialized workshops and enhancement activities such as ‘Changing Futures’ week and Theatre field trips.

• Careers and Events
  • The Northampton Employment Promise.

    *We promise to secure paid experience for you, if you need it.

    We work with employers to understand what they’re looking for and we’re confident that if you follow one of our structured awards, as well as committing to your studies you’ll be in a competitive position when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.

    We’re so confident, that we promise to secure a paid 3-6 month internship for you, if you need it. Find out more about the Northampton Employment Promise, including how it works and who is eligible.

    
  • Open Days

    See for yourself

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying at The University of Northampton.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    This rigorous and comprehensive programme provides an excellent foundation for entry into the competitive professional and academic field of drama. Our Drama course prepares you for a broad range of careers. Some of our past students have become:

    Teachers, youth theatre facilitators, directors, stage managers, dramaturges, writers, theatre journalists, community arts administrators, practitioners, FE and HE lecturers.

    You will graduate from this course with valuable transferable skills, giving you the opportunity to find work outside the arts at managerial level. If you want to carry on along the academic route, you could go on to study an MA or PhD.

    
• Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be BCC at A-Level or DMM. Some experience of practice and theories in the field of drama, theatre and performance is highly recommended. All qualified applicants will be invited to an audition workshop and interview which is required for entry.

  Foundation Framework Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation programme is normally DEE at A Level and MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.

  For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Contacts

  Course enquiries
  study@northampton.ac.uk

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Online enquiry form

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3
  • Foundation

  • Performance Skills (40 Credits)
    Module code: DRA1020

    Core Module Y
  • Technologies for Performance (20 Credits)
    Module code: DRA1018

    Core Module Y
  • Histories and Cultures of Theatre (40 Credits)
    Module code: DRA1022

    Core Module Y
  • Creating Theatre (20 Credits)
    Module code: DRA1023

    Core Module Y

  • Specialist Study (20 Credits)
    Module code: DRA2001

    Core Module Y
  • Professional Practice (40 Credits)
    Module code: DRA2030

    Core Module Y
  • Actor and Text (20 Credits)
    Module code: DRA2002

    Core Module Y
  • Writing for Performance (20 Credits)
    Module code: DRA2032

    Core Module N
  • Learning Through Drama (20 Credits)
    Module code: DRA2034

    Core Module Y

  • Adaptations in Drama (40 Credits)
    Module code: DRA4001

    Core Module Y
  • Drama Independent Research (20 Credits)
    Module code: DRA3030

    Core Module Y
  • Professional Practices 2 (40 Credits)
    Module code: DRA3031

    Core Module Y
  • Socially Engaged Performance & Applied Practices (20 Credits)
    Module code: DRA3033

    Core Module Y

  • Investigations into your Subject Area 1: Arts (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN010

    Core Module Y
  • Investigations into your Subject Area 2: Arts (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN013

    Core Module Y
  • Investigation into your Subject Area 3: Changemaking (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN016

    Core Module Y

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  The Drama Teaching team and Visiting lecturers have a range professional experience and continue to develop their practice in many contexts which links the Programme to a wider network of artists, researcher, theatre companies, schools and specialized programmes, locally, nationally and internationally.

  The opportunity to study on Drama as a Joint Honours student leads to a rich and diverse combination of students studying alongside one another, intertwining perspectives and knowledge gained on other courses. In addition, the Foundation and HND programmes further diversify the perspectives, interests and career outlooks of the student body, which in turn reflects the multitude of careers and specialties that may be pursued in the wider field of Drama.

  Special course features include

  • highly qualified and dynamic staff with professional practical experience
  • opportunities for vocational placements
  • friendly and supportive atmosphere

  Facilities available include

  • links with professional theatre companies including the prestigious Royal and Derngate theatre, small theatres and practitioners
  • a technical unit in the Acting and Drama Subject area where students may borrow equipment
  • a huge resource library with the latest volumes on drama, theatre, performance and multi-media and a designated academic librarian
• Further Studies
  • Changing Futures Week

    Industry trips and tricks

    Our annual Changing Futures Week is an exciting event and an excellent opportunity for our students to explore the potential of their course and understand where their university experience can lead them beyond graduation. It offers a unique chance to network with high profile industry professionals from the arts, TV, film, fashion and more.

    Take a look at the 2016 Changing Futures Week video, which highlights just some of the creative industry guests who attended to share knowledge and insights with students about the reality of working and life after university.

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  Foundation: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Additional Costs

  The course runs 2-3 theatre trips each year; the university covers the cost of the ticket but students are required to cover their own transportation (which has traditionally been within Northampton and to/from London)

  All books on curriculum are available from the library but students are encouraged to purchase their own copies of plays for practical work; and students will also incur printing costs for scripts, posters, programmes when producing work.

  Student productions have small nominal budgets used at the discretion of staff. However, students will at times purchase their own costume pieces, props or design supplies; but they are encouraged to work with the resources that are available to them within the university (i.e costume, prop, set stock and technical equipment).

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module
  Foundation: £6,600 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900
  Foundation: £12,900 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Additional Costs

  The course runs 2-3 theatre trips each year; the university covers the cost of the ticket but students are required to cover their own transportation (which has traditionally been within Northampton and to/from London)

  All books on curriculum are available from the library but students are encouraged to purchase their own copies of plays for practical work; and students will also incur printing costs for scripts, posters, programmes when producing work.

  Student productions have small nominal budgets used at the discretion of staff. However, students will at times purchase their own costume pieces, props or design supplies; but they are encouraged to work with the resources that are available to them within the university (i.e costume, prop, set stock and technical equipment).

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500
  Foundation: £9,800 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  Sir Thomas White Scholarship

  The Sir Thomas White scholarship will support and acknowledge an academically gifted student, with the proviso that the selection panel is confident that there is…

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

  Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

• Foundation

  Course information

  The Foundation Study Framework offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for Drama we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Drama programme which includes a Foundation Study Framework Year. The Foundation Study Framework will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

   

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

   

  Course Structure

  In your first year of study on the four year Drama you will study three 40 credit modules that form the Foundation Study Framework. These are:

  Investigations into your subject 1 – Academic & Investigation skills.

  Introduces the concept of research and provides the tools of how to do it, with short assessment tasks involving identifying resources and describing how they would be used.

   

  Investigations into your Subject 2 – Employability and Professional Context. Provides a framework and opportunity to start relating research to own practice and employability – making connections.

   

  Investigations into your Subject 3: Changemaking, Introduction to Social Innovation.

  Focuses specifically on the generation and development of ideas around our social development aspirations.

  Upon successful completion of these modules, you will progress to Stage two Drama.

  Typical timetabled week of study

  Foundation Study Framework teaching will be a combination of lectures, seminars and/or workshop based sessions. Each module involves a teaching contact time of 12 hours per week and you are also expected to engage in approximately 12 hours of independent study, to support your learning experience.

  Foundation study will help you to build a solid understanding of the study skills and general theoretical and practical aspects that will underpin Drama. Throughout all stages of your programme you will also be supported by a Personal Academic Tutor, to guide you through the learning experience and help you make informed study choices.

  Foundation study will enable you to acquire the necessary study skills to succeed in higher education, as well as developing your understanding of key subject concepts delivered through taught sessions, tutorials and online support.

  Visit our Foundation Framework page to learn more.

  Read more

*Course data provided by Unistats