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All the world’s a stage: studying drama gives you the chance to find your spotlight, gain confidence and turn every moment into a great performance.

Drama, as an expressive subject, offers a different perspective into the human experience through the art of performance. It will enhance your understanding of theatrical techniques, storytelling, and the collaborative process of creating compelling narratives.

Beyond the stage, drama offers invaluable skills to open up many career paths. Graduates can use their creativity, adaptability, and communication prowess in fields such as film and television production, advertising, public relations, and event management.

As well as the obvious careers, the understanding of human emotions and perspectives becomes a valuable asset in roles ranging from teaching and counselling to corporate training and leadership development. So whether commanding the spotlight as an actor or working behind the scenes in production and management, drama offers a great foundation for a fulfilling career journey.

The impact you could make
  • Perform on stage and on screen, bringing a range of characters to life – whether to entertain or as a platform for social commentary.
  • Have the ability to engage with the world creatively to promote cultural understanding.
  • Use drama-based theories to impact education and community development.
  • Inspire and support young people as a drama teacher or therapist, helping them express themselves in an alternative manner.
What you could study
  • Acting techniques
  • Theatre history
  • Play analysis
  • Directing
  • Design and technical theatre
  • Performance studies

Study options

Options to study in this field include:

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Example module
“I really enjoyed learning about verbatim theatre; I think it's fascinating to learn about the fusion of fact with fiction in a theatrical sense. I also loved learning about narrative within film – it's a module that taught me so much about storytelling.”
Second year drama with film student, Royal Holloway, University of London
Example project
“I enjoyed working on the screen acting module with different individuals on my course. It gave me space to work through different challenges.”
Second year acting student, Falmouth University

Subjects it's useful to have studied first

Some drama courses will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
English
Performing arts
Theatre studies
Media studies
Hard skills you'll develop
  • Master acting techniques including character development, emotional expression. and physical embodiment
  • Experience in technical aspects of theatre production
  • Analyse scripts to understand dramatic structures
Soft skills you'll develop
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Adaptability and creativity
  • Empathy
  • Emotional intelligence

Careers: Where it can take you

Find out more about your career prospects from studying drama. The following information is based on a typical drama role, like an actor or entertainer.
Average salary
£29,639
Up to £53,219
Available jobs
13,789 vacancies in the past year
6.36% growth over next eight years

What is a… theatrical trend translator?

So you've studied drama, mastered the art of expression, and now you're a theatrical trend translator. Your job is to take the drama from the stage to the streets, turning everyday life into a dynamic performance.

Whether it's advising fashion designers on styles, helping corporations infuse creativity into their presentations, or curating immersive experiences for unconventional events, your honed skills bring a touch of drama and magic to the ordinary. 

Getting in: Entry requirements

Find out more about what you'll need to study drama. 

Average requirements for undergraduate degrees

Entry requirements differ between provider and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from drama applicants.

Audition and interview
A levels
BBB – BCC
Vocational
BTEC DDM – DMM
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Scottish Highers
AABB

The Expert View

The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre
For those who the performing arts is a viable and valuable career option, CDMT advocates strongly for secure access to, and support for, professional vocational training to secure the pipeline of performers and teachers upon who the future of the creative sector depends.

Explore further

Go deeper into topics around drama with the following:

 

  1. Actors on Actors series

    Get behind the scenes with Hollywood's best actors in conversation with their peers – think Cillian Murphy and Margot Robbie discussing working with world-class directors and their acting process.

  2. Join your local theatre group

    Get real-life acting or behind the scenes experience by joining local aspiring actors, performers, and organisers. 
  3. Keep up-to-date

    Get the latest industry news from The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre.
78% of students
studying drama would recommend the subject to others
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)

Application advice

Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter, our application advice will help you get ahead in your drama journey.
  • Have you been involved in any amateur productions?
  • Have you always had a knack for keeping people entertained and engaged in conversation with you?
  • Do you have a flair for storytelling and a fantastic imagination?
  • Maybe you love a bit of theatre and feel inspired every time you go to a production.
  • How are your critical thinking skills? Can you give some examples of how you’ve developed?
  • Are you culturally aware and able to empathise with people easily?
 

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