BA English and Drama

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA English and Drama at the University of Exeter brings together the study of literature with practical performance experiences, allowing you to explore stories, texts, and creative expression from different perspectives. This interdisciplinary course is ideal for students passionate about theatre, performance, and literature, helping you develop skills in acting, directing, critical analysis, collaboration, and creative practice for careers across the arts, media, education, and cultural industries.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to the core principles of English literature and drama while building your analytical and creative skills. You will study modules such as Performance Analysis, The Creative Actor, Beginnings: English Literature before 1800, and Rethinking Shakespeare, helping you understand theatrical techniques, performance approaches, literary interpretation, and the development of dramatic works.

Year 2

In your second year, you will explore more advanced areas of drama, theatre practice, and literary study while developing your own creative approach. Modules such as Writing for Stage, Screen and Across Media, Acting Shakespeare, Popular Performance Practices, Applied Drama: Touring, Directing and Facilitating, Audiences, Participation, Immersion, and Creative Producing: People, Culture and Collaboration allow you to build practical performance skills, explore different forms of theatre-making, and understand the relationship between texts, audiences, and creative industries.

Year 3 (Optional Study Abroad or Employment Experience)

If you choose the four-year pathway, your third year can be spent studying abroad at an international partner university or gaining professional experience through an Employment Experience placement. These opportunities allow you to experience different cultural environments, develop professional skills, and apply your creative abilities in real-world settings before completing your final year.

Final Year

In your final year, you will undertake advanced independent work through modules such as Dissertation, Creative Writing Dissertation, or Dissertation by Collaborative Project. You can also specialise through modules including Acting for Screen, Applied Drama: Community, Participation and Co-Creation Projects, Physical Performance: Actor, Director, Maker, Creative Industries Management: Representation and Cultural Value, and Theatre Now! – Key Issues, Current Practices, allowing you to refine your creative practice and explore contemporary performance.

Focus areas

English literature, drama studies, performance analysis, acting, theatre practice, Shakespeare studies, creative writing, screen performance, directing, applied drama, creative industries, storytelling, literary criticism, cultural studies, collaborative performance.

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced skills in literary analysis, performance, research, communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. You will learn how to interpret texts, create and evaluate performances, collaborate within creative teams, manage projects, and apply your knowledge across theatre, media, education, publishing, and cultural organisations.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA English and Drama develops valuable skills in creativity, communication, leadership, teamwork, research, and project management that are highly relevant to the creative industries and wider professional sectors. Although the programme does not have a specific professional accreditation, it provides strong preparation for careers in theatre, performance, media, education, publishing, arts management, and cultural organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter supports students in developing career-ready skills through research-led teaching, practical experiences, and opportunities to engage with creative industries. The programme helps students build transferable abilities in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, preparing them for a wide range of future career pathways.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA English and Drama programme at the University of Exeter provides a practical and creative learning environment where students develop their skills through performances, workshops, collaborative projects, and research activities. By combining English studies with hands-on drama practice, students gain experience in acting, directing, performance-making, storytelling, and creative production while using specialist facilities and resources. The programme encourages students to experiment with different forms of expression, work with others, and build the confidence and professional skills needed for careers in the creative industries.

Students gain practical experience through specialist facilities, creative projects, and industry-focused learning opportunities:

Work in professional-standard performance spaces and production facilities designed for rehearsals, performances, sound, lighting, scenic design, and multimedia projects.
Access dedicated Drama facilities at the Streatham Campus, including six fully equipped studios with stage lighting and sound systems, additional rehearsal and teaching spaces, sound studios, a video and multimedia studio, costume and props stores, and set construction workshops.
Develop practical performance skills through studio-based learning in modules such as The Creative Actor, Performance Analysis, Acting Shakespeare, Acting for Screen, and Physical Performance: Actor, Director, Maker.
Use specialist theatre equipment and digital production tools to explore areas such as lighting, sound design, video production, and creative performance techniques.
Take part in collaborative group projects, workshops, and studio activities where students create performances, share ideas, and develop teamwork and communication skills.
Gain experience in producing and managing creative work through modules such as Creative Producing: People, Culture and Collaboration and Applied Drama: Touring, Directing and Facilitating.
Use digital media facilities, including video production resources and multimedia equipment, to explore screen performance, digital storytelling, and creative projects.
Access the Digital Humanities Lab, which supports creative and research projects through specialist digital equipment and resources.
Explore literature, theatre, and cultural history through the University of Exeter’s Special Collections, which provide access to valuable archives, manuscripts, and research materials.
Use the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum to explore connections between drama, literature, film, and visual culture through one of the UK’s leading collections of film-related materials.
Gain professional experience through the optional Employment Experience pathway, allowing students to apply their creative and communication skills in a workplace environment.
Develop independent research and creative abilities through final-year projects such as Dissertation, Creative Writing Dissertation, or Dissertation by Collaborative Project.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BA English and Drama from the University of Exeter prepares graduates with a strong combination of creative, analytical, communication, and teamwork skills that are valued across many industries. By bringing together literary study and practical drama experience, the programme helps students develop the confidence and abilities needed for careers in theatre, media, publishing, education, marketing, and arts management, with roles such as Actor, Theatre Producer, Arts Administrator, Journalist, Communications Executive, and Creative Project Coordinator.

The programme supports your professional development by helping you gain practical experience, build industry connections, and develop skills that employers value:

Receive dedicated career support through Exeter’s Career Zone, which offers personalised guidance, CV and application support, interview preparation, employer events, career resources, and advice to help students explore different career opportunities.
Gain professional experience through the Employment Experience pathway, where you can complete a workplace placement in the UK or overseas and apply your creative, communication, and organisational skills in a professional setting.
Develop highly valued skills in communication, creative thinking, teamwork, leadership, research, problem-solving, project management, and presenting ideas effectively to different audiences.
Benefit from strong graduate outcomes, with 85% of English graduates in or due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation according to HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey data.
Explore career opportunities across creative industries, performing arts, education, publishing, journalism, marketing, and cultural organisations.
Build professional experience through practical performances, studio projects, collaborative productions, and creative activities that develop skills relevant to theatre, media, and arts organisations.
Learn from experienced academics and benefit from Exeter’s strong creative environment, including professional-standard performance spaces, production facilities, and opportunities to engage with theatre and cultural projects.
Develop a flexible skill set that remains valuable across different sectors, with expertise in storytelling, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Strengthen your career profile through opportunities to participate in performances, workshops, student-led creative projects, and activities connected with the wider arts community.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA English and Drama, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes that allow them to specialise in areas such as theatre, performance, creative writing, literature, film, cultural studies, and education. Possible progression routes include MA Theatre Practice, MA English Literary Studies, MA Creative Writing, MA Film and Screen Studies, MA Arts and Cultural Management, and teacher training qualifications such as PGCE, helping graduates develop advanced expertise for careers in research, performance, teaching, and the creative industries.