The BA Drama and Film Studies at the University of Manchester blends the excitement of theatre with the art of film and television studies, giving students a dynamic understanding of performance and screen media. It’s ideal for creative, curious students who want to explore both practical and analytical aspects of drama and film while developing strong critical and communication skills.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
In the first year, students immerse themselves in foundational aspects of drama, theatre, and film. Core modules such as Introduction to Drama, Film Studies I, and Performance Practices help students understand the historical, cultural, and technical elements of both stage and screen, setting a strong base for creative and analytical work.
Year 2:
During the second year, students deepen their engagement with both theory and practice. Modules like Film Studies II, Contemporary Theatre, and Screen Performance encourage students to analyse narrative, character, and visual storytelling while experimenting with performance and production techniques.
Year 3:
In the final year, students have opportunities to specialise and showcase their skills. The Independent Project, Advanced Film Analysis, and Practical Theatre Production modules allow students to pursue their own creative or research interests, preparing them for careers or postgraduate study in the creative industries.
Focus Areas:
Drama, Theatre, Film Studies, Television, Performance, Screen Analysis, Production
Learning Outcomes:
Students will gain critical and creative skills in analysing drama and film, practical experience in performance and production, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively across stage and screen contexts.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Not specified on the official course page.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Manchester is widely recognised for its high-quality teaching and research; it consistently ranks among the top UK universities for employability and student satisfaction.
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Studying BA Drama and Film Studies at the University of Manchester offers an exciting mix of theory and practice, equipping you for a creative and rewarding career in the arts. The program focuses on hands-on experience, giving you the chance to work on practical projects, collaborate with peers, and explore professional-standard facilities.
As you move through the course, you can shape your learning around your own interests, choosing from a wide range of units that deepen both your practical and theoretical understanding of stage and screen.
Key Experiential Learning Opportunities:
John Thaw Studio Theatre: A versatile, fully equipped performance space with seating for 150, perfect for rehearsals and live performances.
Workshops and Rehearsal Rooms: Specialized areas for practical training, including sound and video-editing suites, to help you refine your technical skills.
Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall: An acoustically designed auditorium with seating for up to 350, ideal for larger performances and events.
Lenagan Library: A dedicated performing arts library offering an extensive collection of resources to support your studies.
Collaborative Projects: Work in teams on projects that reflect real-world scenarios, building your teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Film Screenings and Analysis: Attend screenings and participate in discussions to enhance your understanding of film history and theory.
Internship Opportunities: Gain valuable industry experience and build professional networks through internships and placement opportunities.
These immersive experiences are designed to give you the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive worlds of drama and film. Whether your passion lies in performance, production, or critical analysis, the University of Manchester offers a supportive and inspiring environment to help your talents flourish.
🎠Future Progression & Opportunities
Graduates of the BA Drama and Film Studies program are well-equipped to step into exciting and varied careers within the creative industries. Many alumni go on to roles such as:
Theatre Practitioner
Film Critic or Journalist
Broadcast Media Producer
Drama Educator or Facilitator
These roles build on the program’s strong foundation in performance, screen studies, and critical analysis, allowing graduates to bring creativity and insight to every project they take on.
🔧 University Support & Industry Connections
Career Services: Offers personalized guidance, workshops, and networking opportunities to help students confidently navigate the job market.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like Theatre in Prisons, Manchester Museum, and Contact Theatre give students hands-on experience and a real-world perspective on the creative industries.
Placement Opportunities: Students have the chance to spend a semester abroad in countries such as Sweden, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or Singapore, broadening their horizons and global experience.
Accreditation: As part of the Faculty of Humanities, the program ensures a strong academic foundation and is widely recognized within the field.
📊 Graduate Outcomes
Employment Rate: High, with graduates successfully finding roles in theatre, film, television, and education.
Salary Expectations: While this varies by role and experience, the program’s close industry links often give graduates an edge in career growth and earning potential.
Further Academic Progression: Many graduates continue their studies with postgraduate programs in areas such as Film Studies, Creative Writing, or Screenwriting, deepening their expertise and expanding future opportunities.
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