Theatre Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Our BA Theatre Studies gives you the chance to study in one of the most vibrant and exciting theatre cities in the world. Throughout your degree, your study of theatre history, theory and practice will be rooted in the here and now of London theatre today. You will also have the option to minor in one of the following five areas of study to gain a BA Theatre Studies with:

• Arts Management
• Creative Writing
• English
• Environmental Studies
• Film and Media Studies.

Why choose this course?

• Taught by world-leading academics and award-winning theatre makers, this course puts you at the heart of central London's dynamic arts and culture scene.
• You will visit the world’s most exciting theatre institutions, attend cutting-edge performances, and learn to analyse them within the context of global theatre history and contemporary theatre theory.
• You will gain access to knowledge, skills and networks that will support your future career in the creative industries including through a suite of professional development option modules.
• You will design your own approach to the interdisciplinary study of theatre with the flexibility to pursue your interests and professional ambitions. You can choose one of five secondary disciplines to help increase your employability across the creative industries.

What you will learn

You will study the history of theatre from Ancient Greece to today. You will explore the significance of theatre as a mode of entertainment, a method of social engagement and a forum for self-expression. You will consider questions relating to the role of the audience, the social impact of cultural policies, and histories and legacies behind the development of theatrical forms like political theatre, Ancient Greek theatre, live art and Christmas pantomimes.

This course does not offer you actor training. Instead it offers you the chance to follow your passion gaining an in-depth understanding of the role of theatre within a broader study of arts, culture, history, theory and practice. With its interdisciplinary focus, this degree is ideal if you have a keen sense of your own curiosity and an enthusiasm for all things theatre and performance

How you will learn

In weekly lecture-seminars you will learn about key histories and concepts analysing live and recorded performances from London's contemporary theatre repertoire. You will also engage in collaborative theatre making using practice-based methods to explore the theories and ideas that inform the most urgent issues of our time.

In your final year you will follow your individual artistic and academic interests to develop an independent research project, either an academic dissertation, original performance or creative project presentation, that will help prepare you for next steps along your career path.

This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Find out everything you need to know about Foundation Years.