BA Film and Television / Drama and Theatre

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Aberystwyth University

Program Overview

The BA Film and Television / Drama and Theatre at Aberystwyth University offers a dynamic blend of practical and theoretical study across film, television, and theatre. It suits creative students eager to explore everything from mainstream and experimental media to contemporary theatre practices, preparing them for careers across the creative industries.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students begin by building a solid foundation in both film and theatre. Core modules like Making Short Films, Studying Film, and Theatre in Context 1 introduce practical skills and critical understanding of media and performance. Optional modules such as Site-Specific Performance Project and Studio Theatre Project allow students to explore diverse performance contexts and develop their own creative projects.

Year 2:
This year focuses on refining practical abilities and broadening theoretical knowledge. Core and optional modules, including Acting for Camera, Shakespeare in Performance, and Creative Documentary, help students combine performance and production skills with analytical study. Students engage in collaborative projects and more complex media practices, preparing for independent creative work.

Year 3:
The final year emphasizes professional preparation and specialization. Students tackle advanced modules like Theatre Production Project, Work in the Film & Television Industries, and Creative Studio, culminating in a major independent project. This year allows students to consolidate their skills, develop a personal portfolio, and gain industry-ready experience.

Focus Areas: Film production, television studies, theatre performance, directing, media theory, digital culture.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will demonstrate technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, critical analysis, and professional readiness in both media and performing arts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Industry partnerships with BBC, BAFTA Cymru, Tribeca Film Festival, and Tinopolis support real-world experience.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Aberystwyth University is recognized for strong creative arts programs with excellent graduate employability and industry links.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Aberystwyth University, students pursuing BA Film and Television / Drama and Theatre gain hands-on, practical experience that complements their academic learning. From day one, the program emphasizes developing both creative and technical skills through real-world projects, guided by experienced practitioners and internationally recognized researchers. Students work with industry-standard tools and equipment, in professional studios and rehearsal spaces, preparing them for careers in film, television, theatre, and broader creative industries. The university’s strong links with key industry partners, including the BBC, BAFTA Cymru, and international film festivals, further enhance opportunities for applied learning.

Students engage in experiential learning through a range of immersive activities, including:

  • Access to professional cameras, sound equipment, and editing labs for film and television production.

  • Use of industry-standard software such as Avid for editing and post-production.

  • Work in professional TV studios, postproduction suites, cinema, grading, and dubbing facilities.

  • Practical theatre training in three rehearsal studios, two large digitally equipped studios, and costume and wardrobe facilities.

  • Participation in site-specific performance projects, devised theatre, and acting workshops.

  • Collaboration with peers on group projects and productions, integrating theory with practice.

  • Opportunities for internships and work placements through industry partnerships with organizations like Tribeca Film Festival, Fiction Factory, Tinopolis, and S4C.

  • Field trips and masterclasses at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of Wales’ largest arts venues, offering screenings, talks, and exhibitions.

  • Access to the National Broadcast Archive of Wales and university libraries for research and creative inspiration.

  • Possibility of study abroad or international exchange programs, expanding practical experience in diverse cultural and professional contexts.

This combination of professional facilities, real-world projects, and industry engagement ensures students graduate with both a strong portfolio and the practical skills required to succeed in creative media and performing arts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Future Progression & Opportunities:

Graduates from Aberystwyth University’s BA Film and Television / Drama and Theatre leave with a versatile portfolio of skills in media production, performance, and creative arts, ready to step confidently into the creative industries. Many find rewarding roles across film, television, and theatre: typical positions include Film/TV Producer, Theatre Practitioner, Scriptwriter, and Media Content Developer. These careers are supported by a strong network of university resources and industry links:

  • University Services: Aberystwyth’s Careers Service offers tailored advice, internships, and networking opportunities, including mentoring from industry professionals.

  • Employment Stats & Salaries: Graduates enjoy strong employability, with competitive starting salaries in media and arts sectors, often enhanced by practical experience gained during the course.

  • Industry Partnerships: Connections with BBC, BAFTA Cymru, Tribeca Film Festival, Tinopolis, and Edinburgh International Film Festival provide invaluable real-world exposure and networking before graduation.

  • Accreditation Value: The program’s blend of theory and practice ensures recognized qualifications that hold long-term value across media and performing arts sectors.

  • Graduation Outcomes: Graduates progress into creative industries roles or related fields, equipped with both practical skills and critical understanding of media and theatre.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate studies such as MA Film and Television, MA Theatre Studies, or specialized programs in Media Production and Performance, further enhancing expertise and career prospects in both academic and professional creative fields.

Program Key Stats

£19,190
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


94 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

BBB - CCC
3.0 - 3.2
30 - 26
75

N/A
N/A
6.5
93

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Film Director
  • TV Producer
  • Screenwriter
  • Actor
  • Cinematographer
  • Film Editor
  • Production Designer
  • Sound Designer
  • Stage Manager
  • Theatre Director
  • Casting Director
  • Script Supervisor
  • Set Designer
  • Lighting Technician
  • Media Content Creator

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