BA Drama and Film & Television Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Drama and Film & Television Studies at the University of Exeter brings together the creative worlds of performance, theatre, film, and television, allowing you to explore how stories are created, performed, and experienced by audiences. This course is perfect for students interested in acting, theatre-making, screen media, and creative industries, offering a blend of practical training and critical study to help you develop as a confident creative professional.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In your first year, you will develop a strong foundation in both Drama and Film & Television Studies through practical performance training and the study of screen cultures. You will explore modules such as Performance Analysis, The Creative Actor, Major Debates in Film Theory, and Interrogating Screens, helping you understand performance techniques, film language, media industries, and the relationship between audiences and screen content.

Year 2

Your second year gives you the opportunity to develop your creative practice and specialise in areas that match your interests. You may study modules such as Writing for Stage, Screen and Across Media, Acting Shakespeare, Popular Performance Practices, Applied Drama: Touring, Directing and Facilitating, and Approaches to Acting and Contemporary Performance Making, while continuing to explore important developments in film and television.

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 placement. These opportunities allow you to expand your global outlook, develop workplace skills, and gain valuable experience before completing your final year.

Final Year

In your final year, you will focus on advanced creative and independent research projects through modules such as Dissertation or Creative Film Dissertation. You can further specialise through options including Acting for Screen, Physical Performance: Actor, Director, Maker, Applied Drama: Community, Participation and Co-Creation Projects, Creative Industries Management: Representation and Cultural Value, British Screens, Film Audiences, Perspectives on Animation, and Cinema in the Anthropocene.

Focus areas

Drama performance, acting, directing, theatre-making, film theory, television studies, screen cultures, scriptwriting, creative production, audience studies, digital media, creative industries, contemporary performance, film criticism, media analysis.

Learning outcomes

Develop practical skills in performance, theatre-making, and screen media production while gaining the ability to analyse films, television, and performance from cultural and historical perspectives. You will build creativity, research ability, communication skills, teamwork experience, and the confidence to develop original ideas for the creative industries.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The programme combines academic learning with practical creative experience through performance projects, screen studies, collaborative work, and optional Employment Experience or Study Abroad opportunities. While the course does not have a specific professional accreditation, it provides industry-relevant skills and experience suited to careers across theatre, film, television, and the wider creative sector.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter provides strong employability support through its Career Zone, offering careers advice, internship opportunities, employer events, volunteering opportunities, and skills development programmes. The university’s strong reputation with graduate employers helps students build connections and prepare for careers across creative and professional industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Exeter, the BA Drama and Film & Television Studies program is designed to immerse students in hands-on, practical learning that goes far beyond the classroom. Here, you’ll develop your performance, directing, and creative skills through public performances, community projects, and collaborative work. The program also provides in-depth exploration of film and television history, analysis, and production, ensuring that students graduate with both creative and critical expertise. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, innovative tools, and diverse opportunities to engage directly with the industry:

Performance Studios and Theatres: Practise acting, directing, and stagecraft in professional-standard studios and theatre spaces.
Film and TV Production Facilities: Use high-quality cameras, editing suites, and sound equipment for practical filmmaking and television projects.
Community and Public Performances: Gain experience in live productions and outreach events, helping build confidence and real-world skills.
Group Projects and Collaborative Work: Work in ensembles and production teams to develop teamwork, creative problem-solving, and project management skills.
Digital Tools and Software: Access industry-standard software for editing, sound design, and visual effects to create polished media content.
Research and Learning Resources: Utilize the University of Exeter Library and departmental resources for in-depth study of film, television, and theatre.
Field Trips and Industry Exposure: Participate in visits to cultural institutions, production studios, and festivals to understand the professional landscape.
Expert Staff and Mentoring: Learn from academics and practitioners with extensive experience in theatre, film, and television.

This hands-on approach ensures that every student graduates with a portfolio of practical work, industry-relevant experience, and a deep understanding of the global media landscape.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA Drama and Film & Television Studies program at the University of Exeter are well-prepared to enter the creative and media industries, with many securing roles that leverage both their practical performance skills and critical understanding of film and television. Typical career paths include Film or TV Production Assistant, Content Writer, Media Researcher, and Digital Marketing Specialist:

University Services: Exeter’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service offers tailored workshops, internships, and one-on-one guidance to help students transition into the creative industries.
Employment Stats & Salary: Around 80% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months, with starting salaries in the creative sector typically ranging from £22,000 to £28,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from partnerships with local theatres, film production companies, and media organisations, providing real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The degree is recognised by key industry bodies, enhancing credibility for roles in media, performance, and cultural sectors.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates go on to roles in theatre, film, television, media analysis, and digital content creation, with opportunities to freelance or join established creative teams.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can continue their studies through postgraduate programs such as MA Film Studies, MA Drama, or Media and Communication degrees, opening pathways into research, teaching, or specialised industry roles.