Drama and Theatre Arts

With our own theatre and links to professional practitioners in Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, London and beyond, our undergraduate Drama and Theatre Arts course at the University of Birmingham combines theory and practice.

Whether your interest lies in Elizabethan drama, live art, British playwrights or theatre for young audiences, you will have the opportunity to experience a variety of drama and theatre before specialising in your favourite areas. During your time at the University of Birmingham, we will help you develop into a confident researcher and performer and to build a diverse and attractive professional profile. You will study alongside our staff, many of whom continue to practise in the creative industries, collaborating with professional artists from large-scale operas to site specific performances in caravans and igloos! There are also opportunities for student placements with the BBC Drama Village, which is based at our Selly Oak campus.

Why study this course?

Study, rehearse and perform in a professional setting – with its own library, study areas, studio spaces, design, lighting, sound and stage management work areas, as well as a professionally equipped 200 seat theatre, the Selly Oak Campus provides everything you need to get the most out of your degree.

Learn from and work with the experts – you will be taught by our research leading staff, many of whom continue to practise in the professional theatre industry, as all well working with visiting industry professionals throughout your programme.

Personalise your course to suit your interests and career path – whether you’re interested in studying or performing ancient or contemporary theatre or working front of house, in house or on stage, our wide variety of diverse modules will ensure your degree suits you.

Get on board with the bard – where better to study Shakespeare than in the town where he was born! Make use of our internationally renowned Shakespeare Institute based in Stratford-upon-Avon and collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company and take part in fun and interactive study trips, such as this choreography workshop with Movement Director Tom Jackson Greaves.
Join a successful alumni community – past graduates have forged careers in performance, directing, producing and marketing to name a few, for companies such as the BBC, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Rep and The RSC. Our Selly Oak Campus is also the location of the BBC Drama Village, who offer our students some exciting placement opportunities.

Engage with an active student and staff population – with DTALiT, the Department’s own creative community and a wide variety of Drama societies, including everything from musical theatre groups to societies who take their work to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, you’re sure to find something you want to get involved with. Plus, you can take advantage of Birmingham’s exciting theatre scene, from big establishments such as Birmingham Hippodrome to quirky institutions such as The Old Joint Stock and stimulating festivals such as Fierce and BE.

7th in The Guardian University Guide 2022

Top 100 in the QS World Subject Rankings 2022

First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the ‘Course detail’ tab on the University of Birmingham’s coursefinder web pages.