Drama

In year one we focus on an 'ensemble' of skills and lessons with a focus on developing students' knowledge and understanding of how drama, theatre and performance are made.

Students are introduced to techniques and approaches to performance in Theatre Acting in trimester 1 (T1) before creating original performance material in Devising Drama in trimester 2 (T2).

Supporting these practical modules are explorations of how the 'performer' is contextualised in drama and theatre traditions, as well as an introduction to modes of performance analysis.  

In year two lessons move towards the theme of  'audience' and provides opportunities for students to explore how theatre and performance are received by spectators.

Practice-led modules at this level explore dramaturgical forms, developing skills in critically examining performance.

For example, Contemporary Text and Dramaturgy requires close reading of play texts in relation to their historical and cultural context as part of the process of staging performance, utilising critical thinking and creative making skills.

Developing an understanding of a range of different theatrical forms is complemented with explorations of intermediality, through which students develop a critical appreciation of contemporary theatre and performance, and the role of identity as both makers and audience members.

Skills in using reception theory are further developed alongside key concepts in spectatorship in a range of contexts. 

In year three students develop practice through the realisation of a major production by student-led companies alongside practical skills development in applied theatre with a focus on social change.

On the theory side, students examine drama, theatre and performance through the lens of a wider theatre ecology.

By engaging with theatre making practices in a substantial way, students will understand the constituent components of 21st century performance industries.

For example, Making Theatre provides an environment in which students work collaboratively as company members to produce a live performance. The formation of theatre companies where students can explore their own creative interests and skills also acts as a vital opportunity to develop essentials skills for performance making through a critical lens and their final year research-led projects.

Optional modules are also available at this level, with potential for choosing content from related disciplines within Creative Arts & Media (e.g. Livestreaming).  

The final year provides an opportunity for students to consolidate their accumulated skills, knowledge, and experience through the realisation of a major creative project.

Working closely with the programme team and external industry practitioners, students will be mentored through a self-directed Major Drama Project. This module encapsulates learning from previous levels, producing work that can be used as a 'calling card' to the creative industries.

Accompanying this creative project is the Next Steps module which aims to build a professional portfolio as students look to launch their creative careers. For students wishing to undertake a substantial piece of written research, a Drama Dissertation option is available and would benefit students wishing to apply for postgraduate taught and / or research study.

The optional modules Advanced Theatre Practice and Community Arts Practice enable students to hone professional practice either as entry to the creative industries or in community arts settings.

Additionally, students can opt to take modules from other programmes in Creative Arts & Media. Year four therefore, offers bespoke pathways for students who will be supported in their transition from education to the workplace.

The BA (Hons) Performance course at BA (Hons) Drama at UWS is designed to equip the student to become a creative maker, a critical thinker and work ready.

Students are assessed in a variety of ways, including practical work, written portfolios, and presentations.

Study abroad options are available in year three, which offer an exciting opportunity to experience new cultures and environments, complementing your UWS learning experience in Drama.

Why not add language modules in BSL, French or Spanish to your studies which can count towards your degree or as extra modules? Go on! Broaden your horizons, extend your international perspective and enhance your CV.

Learn more about studying modern languages

Scottish Highers

• Standard Entry Requirements: BBBC (102 UCAS Tariff points) 
• Minimum Entry Requirements: CCC (63 UCAS Tariff points)
• Alternative Minimum Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points) PLUS successful completion of one of the following:
  • UWS Foundation Academy
  • Foundation Apprenticeship
  • UWS Next Steps to University module
  • Top-Up
  • LEAPS

A levels

• BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)

Access to HE

• BB

T Level

• Full T Level with Grade P (A* - C)

Irish Leaving Certificate

• H2H3H3H3 (102 UCAS Tariff points)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

• 24 points, including 3 subjects at Higher Level

Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP)

• Access to Humanities (BBB)

SQA Advanced Highers

• BBB (128 UCAS Tariff Points)

A-Levels

• BBB (120 UCAS Tariff Points)

T Levels

• Full T Level with Grade M in relevant subject (120 Tariff points)

HNC

• Acting & Performance
• Musical Theatre
• Theatre Arts
• Dance
• Performance

HND

• Acting & Performance
• Musical Theatre
• Theatre Arts;
• Dance
• Performance with B in Graded Unit

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR MOST COURSES

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.

General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• overall score 6.0
• no sub-test less than 5.5

Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see section below for more details).

SOCIAL WORK DEGREES

For our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work programmes, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:

• overall score of 7.0
• no sub-test less than 7.0

COMMON EQUIVALENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE QUALIFICATIONS

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission for both home/EU and international students for this programme:

• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): 176 overall; no sub-test less than 169
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): 176 overall; no sub-test less than 169
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English: ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests
• PTE Pearson Academic English: An overall score of 59 to 64 with no element below 59 (for programmes that require IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5). An overall score 65 to 75 with no element below 65 (for programmes that require IELTS 6.5 with no element below 6.0)

IELTS SCORE EXCEPTIONS (RESEARCH DEGREES, BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE DEGREES, NURSING & MIDWIFERY DEGREES WITH NMC REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, ETC.)

RESEARCH DEGREES

For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:

• overall score of 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0

HEALTH & MIDWIFERY AWARDS

For Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to, or require professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council, applicants are required to have an IELTS or Occupational English Test (OET)*.

For such courses, the IELTS score is as follows:

• overall score of 7.0
• score of at least 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and no less than 6.5 in writing

* Note that the Occupational English Test (OET) will now be accepted in addition to IELTS as proof of a Nurse's English Language Competence (Nursing & Midwifery Council, 2019).

BIOMEDICAL DEGREES

For our BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science programmes, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:

• overall score of 7.0
• no sub-test less than 6.5

CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:

• overall score of 5.0
• no sub-test less than 4.5

TOEFL IBT

TOEFL IBT*: 78; no sub-test less than:

• Reading: 17;
• Listening: 17;
• Speaking: 17;
• Writing: 17

* Please note that TOEFL is still acceptable for admission to this programme for both home/EU and international students.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use TOEFL to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level courses. We therefore still accept TOEFL tests taken in the last two years for admission to this programme.

WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (WASSCE)

West African Senior School Certificate of Education (WASSCE) including acceptance of WAEC Scratchcard*

• C6 or above in English

*UWS will accept a WAEC scratchcard confirming that an applicant has achieved C6 or above as evidence of meeting English language requirement from Nigeria if the student graduated within the last 5 years. After 5 years applicants would be required to provide the WAEC Certificate.

PRE-SESSIONAL COURSES

Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:

• 10 week pre-sessional - entry criteria UKVI IELTS 5.0 with no element below 4.5.
• 5 week pre-sessional - entry criteria UKVI IELTS 5.5 with no element below 5.5.
• English Language for University Study - entry criteria UKVI IELTS with score of 4.0 in all elements (10 month course), or 4.5 with no score below 4.0 (7 month course).

Find out more about our English language Courses.

Estimated cost per year of study.

• Theatre trips and associated travel (Mandatory, Years 1-4): £150

• Stationary (notepads, pens) (Optional, Years 1-4): £20
• Printing (Optional, Years 1-4): £20