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BA (Hons) Theatre and Creative Writing

Birkbeck University of London, United Kingdom
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Course Overview

This innovative degree combines the study of theatre and creative writing, providing students with a unique blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. Students will learn about the history and theory of theatre, as well as how to write for different forms of performance, including plays, screenplays, and radio dramas. The course also covers the business side of theatre, including marketing, fundraising, and producing. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and practical projects, students will develop their skills in creative writing, playwriting, and drama production. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in theatre, film, and television, as well as related fields such as journalism, marketing, and teaching.

Additional Information

Students have the opportunity to attend performances at leading London theatres, including the National Theatre and the Royal Court. They can also get involved in Birkbeck's own theatre company, which produces shows throughout the year. The course is taught by experienced professionals who are active in the industry, providing students with valuable insights into the latest trends and practices.

Experience the Heart of London's Cultural Scene at Birkbeck University

Birkbeck is one of the top universities in London for theatre and performance studies, with a strong reputation for producing innovative and critically-acclaimed work. The university's location in central London provides easy access to numerous theatres, galleries, and cultural institutions, offering students a rich and diverse cultural experience. Birkbeck's commitment to excellence in teaching and research means that students can be confident they are receiving a high-quality education that will prepare them for a successful career in theatre or related fields.

Why You Should Study This Course

With this BA in Theatre and Creative Writing, you will investigate theatre as a live event, as dramatic text, and in its historical contexts. Based in the heart of central London’s vibrant cultural scene, you will develop your skills as a writer and learn from the expertise of our award-winning staff.

You will explore theatre histories and theories in depth, the ways in which it is possible to tell stories and experiment with the relationship between creative and critical writing.

You will get to grips with the craft of writing:

poetry

fiction

drama

for the screen.

Option modules across arts, literature, and theatre-making will enhance your developing writing practice, culminating in your final dissertation project. Throughout your degree, you will visit the world’s most exciting theatre institutions and analyze live and digital performances.

Graduates can pursue career paths in theatre, creative writing, journalism, education, media production, and the creative arts. Possible professions include:

author

journalist

arts administrator

charity officer

theatre director

higher education lecturer.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

General Eligibility

UCAS TARIFF POINTS

96-128 points (e.g. A-levels CCC-ABB)

The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

What You'll Study

1 Year 1

COMPULSORY MODULES:

  • Fiction Workshop 1

  • Storytelling: Narrative Archetypes, Forms, and Techniques

  • Theatre in London Now: Histories

  • Theatre making

2 Year 2

COMPULSORY MODULES:

  • Adaptations: Theories and Practices in Contemporary Performance

  • Narrative Methods

  • Theatre in London Now: Theories

  • Theories of Theatricality and Performance

OPTION MODULES:

  • Communities in Theatre and Performance (Critical Practice III)

  • European Drama and Theatre: Gods, Ideas, and Adaptations

  • Scriptwriting Workshop 1: The Essentials of Stage and Screen (The 30-Minute Script)

  • Telling the self

  • Tragedy

3 Year 3

COMPULSORY MODULES:

  • Independent Research Project in Theatre and Performance

  • Space and Performance

  • Theatre in London Now: Student Led Project: level 6

OPTION MODULES:

  • Fiction Workshop: The Contemporary Novel

  • Poetry Workshop 1

  • Poetry Workshop 2: The Open Page

  • Scriptwriting Workshop 4: The Television Drama (The 60-Minute Script)

Language Requirement

  • IELTS6.0
  • TOEFL78
  • PTE58
  • Duolingo79
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

Additional Information

This course is available: Part-Time, 4 Years (Course fee for local: 6935; Course Fee For International Students: 12015 )

Ready to get started?

For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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