The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements
Drama, Theatre and Acting
BA (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
W401
Start dates
September 2022 / September 2023
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: 6 years
Department
UCAS Tariff Points
104
Overview
BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Acting is an exciting hybrid course that combines the conservatoire-style study of acting and performance with the academic study of post-Renaissance drama as text.
You'll learn through an exciting and eclectic mix of theoretical and practical modules, and examine contemporary pieces that deal with political and social issues like:
- LGBT rights
- race
- mental health
- social unrest and more.
With its strong employability focus, the course prepares you for many careers in theatre and the arts. You will be partly taught at the Old Fire Station, a professional theatre in the centre of Oxford. This enables you to develop hands-on, practice-based skills in all aspects of theatre production both on and off the stage. You'll also take a compulsory work placement module and gain employment skills, including:
- communication
- self-presentation
- interpersonal skills.
You'll emerge with valuable insight into the theatre arts industry, along with the practical skills and confidence to start your career.

How to apply
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 104
A Level: BCC
IB Points: 29
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.
Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.
Application process
Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time international applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
You’ll learn through a blend of acting, directing, performance, discussion, reading and writing. You’ll learn in a working theatre, developing performance and production skills that are directly relevant to a career in theatre arts.
You’ll also examine theatrical movements and conventions - considering elements like:
- dramatic form
- practical staging
- key historical events
- political issues
In your first year, you’ll explore acting and performance, including physical theatre. You’ll study dramatic works and theatre practitioners. And you’ll be able to learn about technical theatre as well.
In your second year, you’ll start shaping your degree around your interests. You might explore directing or devising, or build specialist technical theatre skills. You’ll explore modern British theatre, as well as Renaissance tragedies and comedies. And you’ll take up a work placement in the creative industries or related sectors.
In your final year, you’ll specialise. You’ll carry out an advanced performance project. And you’ll be able to research an area of theatre you’re passionate about.

Learning and teaching
Your learning will take place in the classroom, our on-campus Drama Studio and in a working theatre. Some of your on-stage and technical modules will take place at The Old Fire Station, an arts centre in the heart of Oxford. In this environment, you’ll get to grips with the workings of a real theatre - developing crucial knowledge and experience.
The Old Fire Station works in partnership with Crisis, together aiming to end homelessness in Oxford. And you’ll have opportunities to get involved with the theatre’s work.
Back on campus, you’ll explore dramatic works and theory in a seminar environment. Classes are small and supportive - and you’ll get to know your course mates and tutors well.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
You’ll be assessed through a mix of written and practical assignments - including
- essays
- performance projects
- technical skills work
- presentations
Your assessments will help you build the strong communication and collaboration skills that employers expect. Your coursework will also strengthen your critical thinking skills - helping you to thoughtfully stage scripts and confidently create original shows.
Study Abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Oxford Brookes. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
After you graduate
Career prospects
This course will prepare you for a career in theatre either on or off-stage. You’ll graduate with confident performance skills. You'll have strong capabilities in theatre production - like operating light and sound, and working in different performance spaces. You’ll have an understanding of arts administration. And you’ll have experience working alongside professional theatre technicians.
You’ll also develop highly transferable skills that are sought by employers. You'll be an expert communicator, strong collaborator and you'll be able to solve problems. This means you’ll be well-prepared to step into persuasive industries - like PR, marketing and digital media.
And your compulsory work placement will build up your CV. You’ll graduate with relevant creative arts experience - in competitive fields like publishing, media, heritage and arts education.
Free language courses
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Related courses
Information from Discover Uni
Full-time study
Part-time study
Programme Changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.