Program Overview

Theatre Arts BA (Hons)

Course Description

This theatre arts programme will develop your theatre and performance skills such as acting, directing and devising for your career as a professional theatre artist. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase your work and you may be involved in performances regionally, nationally and internationally.

Study Options

• Full-time: 3 Years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 112 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: W442
• Start date: September
• Location: Derby Theatre

Course Details

What You Will Study

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Core Modules

• Performance Practice 1: Acting Skills
• Devising 1: The Creative Process
• Analysing Performance
• Spotlight on Industry Practice
• Technical Theatre and Design

Module Details

Performance Practice 1: Acting Skills

This module will focus on developing some of the key skills necessary for the performers work, such as ensemble, voice, physicality and movement, script analysis and character development. Through a series of workshops, you will develop your vocal and physical potential, and experiment with various methods of script analysis, character analysis and development.

How You Will Learn

This Theatre Arts programme involves a combination of practice-led, studio-based exercises and lecture or seminar activity. There will be major performance projects, study of devising strategies, case studies and analysis of movements and practices in the 20th and 21st centuries. You will learn through workshop presentations, rehearsal strategies, directing and dramaturgy, new theatre writing and contemporary performance practices. The work will be underpinned by research, academic criticism and the professional production programme of Derby Theatre. You will carry out coursework that will be subject to academic criticism both written and practical.

Who Will Teach You

• Dr Phil Green, Programme Leader

Careers

Students from this discipline area regularly go on to successful careers in film, television and theatre industries for example as actors, directors, theatre crew, teachers, artistic directors of their own theatre companies and other arts professionals. Alternatively, many students go on to postgraduate study and employment in a wide variety of professions like marketing or public relations.

Notable Graduates

• Danny Hendrix, Graduate of Theatre Arts and actor in the National Theatre touring production of War Horse
• Simon Stephens, Director (Theatre) - Brit School
• Adam Buss, Chief Executive – Derby Quad
• Janthi Mills, Executive Director - Hull Truck Theatre
• Richard Gerver, Inspirational Business Speaker
• Rachel Delooze, Actress
• Angharad Jones & Laura Ford, Artistic Directors of Fifth Word Theatre Company
• Cara Nolan, Theatre director
• Ben Redfern, Actor/Choreographer
• Amber Taylor, Stage Manager
• Daniel David, Director/Actor

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 112
• A Level: BBC
• T Level: Merit
• BTEC: DMM
• GCSE: Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Correct clothing for practical classes - if not already owned £20 - £30
• There will be occasions when you will be expected to attend exhibitions, screenings, performances and festivals. You will need to budget for these over each academic year
• Additional course related publications (approx. costs £100)
• Specialist software/hardware (costs up to £1500)
• Final year project costs (costs determined by student £200-£600)
• Travel for work placement opportunities (costs will vary dependant on location)

How to Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University
• International students: Apply through our online application portal or through one of our trusted local representatives

Discover Uni

• 95% of students say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 100% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 80% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

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