Drama and Theatre / History,BA

Why study BA Drama and Theatre Studies / History at Aberystwyth?

• The Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies is a vibrant and creative department where drama and theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide.
• History has been taught in Aberystwyth since 1872, making the Department of History and Welsh History at Aberystwyth University the oldest in Wales and one of the foremost in Britain.
• Across both disciplines, you will have the opportunity to discover a unique combination of creative and critical approaches.
• In the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies, you will be mentored and taught by our excellent teaching staff with a wide range of expertise in research and professional theatre-making.
• The department of History and Welsh History prides itself on offering innovative, research-based teaching that is designed to develop your transferable skills in areas such as analysis, interpretation and communication, and prepares you for a wide range of careers.
• As a student on this course, you will benefit from our departmental connections with key industry partners, such as National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. This will provide you with a range of opportunities to network and establish professional connections before graduating.
• You will have access to the superb facilities and resources for practical work that are available in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies: three rehearsal studios, each with flexible technical facilities; 2 large professionally-equipped studios with digital lighting rigs controlled via ETC Congo and Strand Lighting consoles, Yamaha and Soundcraft PAs, Sanyo AV systems and Strand lighting and two NXAMP; and costume and wardrobe facilities.
• Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest Arts Centres in Wales, is situated on the campus and regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work.

Our Staff

All academic staff at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies are research active and/or involved in Knowledge Transfer projects and have either relevant academic qualifications at doctoral level or equivalent professional experience and expertise.

Staff in the Department of History and Welsh History are active researchers and experts in their field of History. Most are qualified to PhD level and hold PGCHE. To find out more about our staff, please visit our departmental staff page.

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

What can I do with a Drama and Theatre / History Studies degree?

One of our notable and esteemed alumni is Alex Jones who is currently the longest running female presenter on the One Show. During her time at Aberystwyth University, Alex Jones studied Drama and Theatre Studies.

Many of our students have been successful in obtaining employment in these fields:

• acting and performing
• directing
• designing
• script writing
• teaching and education
• arts administration
• marketing
• management
• public relations.

What skills do I gain from this degree?

Employability is embedded in all of our activities.

Students in Drama and Theatre Studies gain the following valuable skills that are sought after by employers. These include the ability to:

• work effectively in group settings to develop, rehearse and produce live events
• apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations
• research, evaluate and organise information
• structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations and using a variety of means
• work independently and with others
• effectively organise your time and deploy your skills
• listen to and make use of critical advice
• be self-motivated and self-disciplined
• use a range of information technology skills and resources
• be entrepreneurial in developing cultural projects.

Heritage sector student placements

The Department of History and Welsh History has strong links with the heritage sector, and an established portfolio of student placements. In the past, students have spent up to three weeks at the National Library of Wales (including Welsh-medium opportunities), the Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historic Monuments of Wales, and the Society of Antiquaries of London. These placements provide the opportunity for ‘hands-on’ experience and insights into the heritage sector, and are valuable additions to your CV.

International opportunities

Aberystwyth University offers you the opportunity of a lifetime to study, volunteer or work in another country, for an academic year, a single semester or a few weeks during your holidays. Explore other cultures, challenge yourself and gather experiences which will help with your career. Time spent exploring a new culture can sharpen your interpersonal skills, improve your language ability, and broaden your international mindset. Find out where you can go.

Alumni mentoring and graduate talks

The eMentoring Scheme will enable you to make contact with past graduates in a range of careers within a safe and supportive environment, offering you the chance to find out how they progressed into their current roles and what insights they can offer you as you think about your next steps.

What other work experience opportunities exist whilst studying?

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department.