Program Overview

Theatre Arts with Foundation Year 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: 4 Years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 72 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: W444
• Start date: September
• Location: Derby Theatre

Course Structure

Foundation Year

• The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Creative Studies
  • Creative Technologies
  • History and Theory of Creative Practice
  • Creative Arts Skills
  • Negotiated Project

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • Devising Strategies
  • Case Studies and Analysis of Movements and Practices in the 20th and 21st centuries
  • Workshop Presentations
  • Rehearsal Strategies
  • Directing and Dramaturgy
  • New Theatre Writing and Contemporary Performance Practices

Year 3

• Core modules:
  • Professional Work Experience
  • Professional Work Experience within Derby Theatre or partner organisations
  • Public Performances across your years of study and in a variety of venues

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching is through a combination of practice-led, studio-based exercises, workshops, performances and lecture or seminar activity.
• Assessment is through a range of methods including written coursework, presentations, creative portfolios, assessed rehearsals, practical workshops and public performance.

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: Actor
• 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: 72
• A Level: DDD
• T Level: Pass
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £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 depending on location)