BA (Hons) Drama (Including Foundation Year)

The BA (Hons) Drama program at the University of Essex provides a comprehensive education in drama, covering a range of theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. The course is designed to help students develop their creative and analytical skills, as well as their knowledge of the history and practice of drama. The foundation year is an integral part of the program, providing a supportive environment for students to build their confidence and skills before progressing to the honors degree. Throughout the program, students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated drama studio and performance spaces. The course is taught by experienced academics and practitioners, with strong industry connections, providing students with valuable opportunities for networking and career development.

Additional Information

The University of Essex has a strong reputation for drama and performance studies, with a long history of producing talented actors, directors, and playwrights. The department is home to a range of research centers and groups, including the Essex Drama Centre and the International Theatre Institute. Students on this program will have access to a range of resources and opportunities, including workshops, masterclasses, and performances by visiting companies.

Discover Your Creative Potential at the University of Essex

The University of Essex is an excellent choice for students interested in drama and performance studies. The university has a strong reputation for producing talented actors, directors, and playwrights, with a range of research centers and groups dedicated to the study of drama. The department's location in Colchester provides easy access to London's vibrant theatre scene, as well as a range of other cultural and creative opportunities. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that students from all backgrounds can feel supported and valued on the program.

Our four-year BA Drama (including the foundation year), will be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entrance requirements for the three-year version of this course and you want a program that increases your subject knowledge as well as improves your academic skills in order to support your academic performance.

This four-year course includes a foundation year (Year Zero), followed by a further three years of study. During your Year Zero, you study three academic subjects relevant to your chosen course as well as a compulsory academic skills module, with the additional English language for non-English speakers.

You are an Essex student from day one, a member of our global community-based at the most internationally diverse campus university in the UK.

After successful completion of Year Zero in our Essex Pathways Department, you progress to complete your course with our Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies.

With Drama at Essex, we offer a rich combination of practical workshops, critical seminars and lectures, and employability opportunities delivered by an experienced team of playwrights, directors, and actors, as well as leading academic theatre specialists.

UK and EU applicants:

All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you

think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course;

have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC);

are returning to university after some time away from education; or

are looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Standard offer:

Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels or equivalent.

Examples of the above tariff may include:

A-levels: DDD

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP

T-levels: Pass with an E in core

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

20 hours per week.