On this degree, you will study what theatre has been, explore what it is, and imagine all that it can be. Through an innovative combination of theory and practice, you will develop your skills as a theatre-maker and creative thinker and prepare yourself for work in the creative industries and beyond. The integrated year in professional practice will enable you to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting whilst at the same time develop some key contacts in preparation for your time after graduation. Theatre asks questions and opens up experimental spaces for things to unfold and happen, all in the excitement of the shared time. Supported by internationally-recognised staff with a wide range of expertise, on this degree you will experiment with texts, practices and production work and encounter a wide range of historic and contemporary theatre forms, from scripted drama to site-specific performance and from Shakespeare to experiments in new media.
Students in Drama and Theatre gain the following valuable skills that are sought after by employers. Your year in professional practice will give you great insight into the industry and put you ahead of other like-minded graduates who may not have had the opportunity to undertake relevant work experience during the degree.
In your first year you will discover:
Contemporary approaches to studio-based and site-based theatre-makingKey historical moments, practices and methods in drama and theatreThe analysis of drama, theatre and performance. In your second year, you will explore:Contemporary theatre-making through practical, historical and theoretical approachesFull-scale theatre productionActing techniques for stage and screenDirectors' theatre and modern European dramaShakespeare in performanceTheatre and contemporary societyNew media performance.
In your third year, you will undertake your year in professional practice.
In your final year, you will have the opportunity:
To create independent creative workTo undertake a major research project and engage in the advanced theoretical studyTo extend your skills in ensemble and solo production projectsTo develop your entrepreneurial skills in producing and curating cultural eventsTo write your own play scriptTo study specialist modules that may address: space, place and landscape, performance and philosophy, performance, politics and protest, theatre, gender and sexuality, performance and architecture, new music theatre, and contemporary British and Irish drama.
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 performingDirectingDesigningScriptwritingTeaching and educationArts administrationMarketingManagementPublic Relations.