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Undergraduate

Drama and Performance Practice BA (Hons)

University of Gloucestershire

What is Drama and Performance Practice BA (Hons)?

From classical acting to TV acting, physical theatre to contemporary digital performance, you’ll experience the full range of theatre practice on this performance focused and creative degree.

Our Drama and Performance Practice BA (Hons) course scored 90% for teaching in the National Student Survey 2023.

Based in the purpose-built Performing Arts Centre, this course combines theory through practice in preparation for performance, incorporating sessions on:

• acting for the stage,
• acting for TV and film,
• devising and improvisation skills,
• working with digital media,
• stage and film combat.

You’ll be taught by tutors who have worked in TV, Film and with the Royal Shakespeare Company and visiting lecturers from the BBC and theatre. They bring their extensive knowledge to exciting modules.

Develop skills in acting for the stage and for the camera, classical performance, directing, and making your own work through devising and collaboration. The course has pathways for the professional actor, drama practitioner and teacher.

You’ll perform at professional theatres and site-specific venues such as Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre and Hailes Abbey. You’ll have an opportunity to take a show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and there are optional international study trips to New York and Berlin to see shows and undertake professional workshops.

Study style

Your skills will be nurtured within a vibrant performance community. Practical classes run alongside interactive lectures where you’ll develop your skills in presentation and academic writing as well as gaining an understanding of theatre and film history and cutting-edge development.

The modules focus on learning techniques and theory through practical experience, so performances are built into your study at each level to continually develop your acting skills.

We work in collaboration with the Film and TV courses so you’ll build a portfolio of your work during your studies. The academic programme is supplemented by specialist workshops and theatre visits.

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Entry requirements

    • 96 – 120 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.

      Entry to this course is by interview. Check out our Interview Guide to learn what to expect and help you prepare.

    • We welcome applicants with a pass in a relevant Foundation or Extended Diploma (Level 3 or 4).

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
Sep 2024 Oxstalls, Gloucester W400 £9,250 £16,600
Sep 2025 Oxstalls, Gloucester W400 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply**

Discover our promises

Careers

This engaging course will allow you to explore the realms of drama and performance, and is perfect for individuals with aspirations in theatre, film, and performance art.

Whether you dream of becoming a theatre director, performance artist, or drama educator, this course offers the necessary skills and experiences to unlock your potential. You will have the opportunity to delve into various aspects of performance, including acting techniques and stage direction, in a supportive and dynamic learning environment.

Our strong partnerships with local theatres and performance groups provide real-world experiences that enhance your educational journey. This course is thoughtfully designed not only to teach the fundamentals of drama but also to encourage you to express your unique artistic voice.

Graduates of this program are thoroughly equipped to make a positive impact, entertain, and inspire audiences, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the classroom.

Learn from leading actors and directors

Recent guests include: Mark Powell, artistic director of Sixth Sense Theatre who focused on issue-based theatre; Paul Milton, creative director at the Everyman Theatre who shared acting expertise; and Sean Gleeson, BBC director, who coached acting techniques for television and film.

Gain experience through live theatre performances

Work within theatre settings including Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre and Gloucester’s King’s Theatre, with professional directors, designers and technicians. Present site-specific productions in venues like the Wilson Art Gallery, the historic Blackfriars Priory and the National Trust’s Croome Park.

Achieve a stage combat certificate

Under the tuition of Tom Jordan, fight director for film, TV and the Royal Shakespeare Company, you will build your skills for hand-to-hand and weapon combat using character and scripts to inform your process. You’ll achieve an industry-recognised British Academy Stage Combat Certificate.

Trips and experiences

You’ll perform regularly at professional venues such as Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre, and you’ll have the opportunity to take a show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

There are optional international study trips to New York and Berlin to see shows and undertake professional workshops and talks. A special feature of the course is site-specific performance work where you will create theatre for historic buildings like Blackfriars Abbey in Gloucester, or at the National Trust’s Croome Court.

Placements

As part of your course you can gain valuable experience on an optional placement year.

  • Duration – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
  • Location – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
  • Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
  • Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
  • Placement support – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

"The lecturers have opened my mind"

“The lecturers have opened my mind to lots of different types of performance and given me the confidence to be a versatile actor.”

Bradley Sargeant, Drama & Performance Practice student

"I’ve toured the world with the Actors Touring Company and been nominated for an Olivier Award."

“I’ve acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Royal National Theatre, as well as touring with my own company as artistic director and performer before becoming artistic director of the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham for 10 years. I’ve worked as an actor, director, writer, practitioner and theorist. I am passionate about drama and the process of creating work with young people and building their understanding of the theory and power of performance through practice. This is a crucial part of my delivery and ethos as a lecturer.”

Sue Colverd, Principal Lecturer in Drama, Performing Arts and Production

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