Undergraduate

Drama

Four Drama students perform on a dark stage. Each has a microphone, and above them is a portrait picture of themselves.
Two Hull Drama students in costume perform on stage. They are both looking off into the near distance.
One student in costume while another student measures her dress in the costume department of the Gulbenkian Centre.
Drama production of 'The Birds'. One student in feathered crown holds a lightning bolt, another in pink dress and tiara.

Look around

When you join Hull, you join a close-knit community of like-minded performers, producers, designers, writers, technicians and theatre makers.
You’ll take part in at least two major productions each year. And you’ll get the chance to form a small theatre company in your final year.
Inside our Gulbenkian Centre, you’ll find studio performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, design studios, and even a costume department.
Tap into our close links with leading arts organisations and theatre companies, including Hull Truck, Middle Child and New Diorama.
Each week, you learn on the job. We teach you how to be a well-balanced theatre maker, while you develop your talents in a specialism you love.
Four Drama students perform on a dark stage. Each has a microphone, and above them is a portrait picture of themselves.
Two Hull Drama students in costume perform on stage. They are both looking off into the near distance.
One student in costume while another student measures her dress in the costume department of the Gulbenkian Centre.
Drama production of 'The Birds'. One student in feathered crown holds a lightning bolt, another in pink dress and tiara.
Donald Roy Theatre
Drama & Music - Drama & Theatre Practice

Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • September 2024

Typical offer

What does this mean?

As one of the oldest Drama departments in the UK, we’ve shaped the academic study of theatre and performance. At Hull, you not only learn about the theatre. You learn on the job, by making theatre.

This is a place – and a University – with a strong commitment to the performing arts. Being a Drama student here means being a member of a thriving creative community.

You join a close-knit group who performs, creates, communicates and engages with a variety of audiences. And you develop your talents in an area of drama you love. All while performing in world-class, Grade II-listed facilities.

  • Grade II-listed

    theatre and studios

  • Industry links

    with global arts organisations

  • 3rd in the UK

    for Teaching Satisfaction 1

  • 3rd oldest

    department for drama in the UK

  • World-class

    400-seat performance venue

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

As well as exploring the theories behind performance, you learn on the job in ensemble settings and practical projects. We teach you how to be a well-balanced theatre maker, while you develop your talents in a specialism you love. Whether it's as a performer, designer, creative technician, producer, writer or teacher.

You get exclusive access to our Gulbenkian Centre: a purpose-built theatre with studios and workshop areas. Every week, you get the chance to make theatre. From classical to experimental, by way of digital, educational and participatory performance. You also take part in at least two major productions each year. And you form a small theatre company in your final year.

You can tap into our close links with arts organisations, too. Like leading theatre companies Hull Truck, Middle Child and New Diorama. As well as Davy and Kristin McGuire, and our artists-in-residence The Roaring Girls. And we’ll continue to support your career even after you graduate. Our artist-in-residence opportunities and regular networking events are always open to our alumni.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Introductory Performance Techniques

Develop practical and theoretical skills in theatre making. You'll work with your peers to create short devised performances, responding to plays from classical, Renaissance and contemporary theatre.

Compulsory•20 credits

Production Project

In this module you will be introduced to the processes and expectations of production practice and will have an opportunity to shape your first production to meet consolidate the experience you have gained before coming to University.

Compulsory•20 credits

Safe Working Practices

Develop competency in specialist areas of theatre production. You'll explore safe working practices and technical possibilities so you can get the most out of our performance spaces.

Compulsory•20 credits

Introductory Production Technique

This module builds your skills in areas of specialism like lighting, sound, stage management, design and scenic construction, wardrobe, and theatre and performance technologies.

Compulsory•20 credits

Approaches to Theatre 1

Looking at plays from different periods and historic cultures, you'll explore theatre in discussions and performance workshops. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Approaches to Theatre 2

This module loosely follows on from Approaches to Theatre 1, exploring play texts theoretically and practically with a view to a particular theme. 

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Theatre Practice: Research and Development

How should I plan for a major creative project? In this module you will bring together specialist skills that you have developed in techniques modules with culture making skills that you have looked at in Performance Perspectives modules to propose and plan a production project that you will complete next semester.

Compulsory•20 credits

Theatre Practice: Production

In this module you'll work with other students to create a fully resourced production project, in line with the proposal that you developed in the Research and Development module.

Compulsory•20 credits

Performance Perspectives: Making Meaning

What intellectual and conceptual skills do we need to develop to become well rounded creative practitioners? How is meaning made in performance? You will consider how theatre communicates with audiences by constructing meaning. You’ll focus on making meaning in performance and how theatre practitioners construct meaning.

Compulsory•20 credits

Performance Perspectives: Contexts and Criticism

What intellectual and conceptual skills do we need to develop to become well rounded creative practitioners? What use is context and criticism if you are only interested in making performance? Examine frameworks for understanding performance from a range of perspectives. You'll explore theatre historiography, cultural theory, sociopolitical analysis and aesthetics.

Compulsory•20 credits

Intermediate Technique

Develop your skills and understanding in one of the following production areas: scenography; stage management; play and scriptwriting.

Compulsory•20 credits

Exploratory Practices 1

This module focuses on the skills for developing a production, including textual and thematic context, practical methodology, creative concept, planning and time management.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Making Performance: Research and Development

Work independently to bring together specialist skills that you have developed in techniques modules with culture making skills that you have looked at in Performance Perspectives modules to propose and plan a production project that you will complete next semester.

Compulsory•20 credits

Making Performance: Production

Are you ready yet? It’s time for your final large scale show. In this module you'll work independently to produce a fully resourced production project, in line with the proposal that you developed in the Research and Development module. It’s your final rehearsal for your career in the creative industries.

Compulsory•20 credits

Dissertation (Drama)

Broaden your understanding of theatre and performance in an area of your own interest.. You'll design and engage with research in your area, supervised by a member of staff.

Compulsory•20 credits

Advanced Technique

Refine and develop your core area of production practice. You'll develop advanced skills of design/management and finish your continuing professional development portfolio, preparing you for the world of work.

Compulsory•20 credits

Exploratory Practice 2

Through experimental practice, you’ll come to understand a range of range of styles and techniques connected to developing individual and collaborative theatre skills.

Compulsory•20 credits

Performance Perspectives: Approaching Audiences

What intellectual and conceptual skills do we need to develop to become well rounded creative practitioners? Consider how theatre of different eras, genres, locations and aesthetics has approached audiences, and how the relationship between audience and performance can function.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Playlist

Pavel Drábek

Course Overview 1 min

Drama Department Tour

Course highlight 1 min

James Graham

Graduate story 1 min

Life on campus

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

From directing plays to working on virtual theatre resources, our staff are active in the industry.

They bring their passion, energy and experience into everything you learn. And they’ll always encourage you to pursue your own creative ideas and interests.

See more academics for this subject
Pavel Drabek
Featured academic

Professor Pavel Drabek

Pavel set up and led the Ensemble Opera Diversa, a Czech professional music and opera company. He’s written and translated for the opera, theatre and the radio, mostly collaborating with composer Ondrej Kyas.
Professor Andrew King
Featured academic

Professor Andrew King

Professor King is the Head of the School of the Arts since 2017. He previously led the music subject area and has led major research projects in the areas of online music education and psychological wellbeing.

Take a look at our facilities

Gulbenkian Centre

Our Gulbenkian Centre is home to the most flexible theatre space at any European university. Inside, you’ll find studio performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, design studios, and a costume department.

The Anthony Minghella Studio

The Anthony Minghella Studio is an experimental-teaching and theatre-production space. Complete with a sound and light control room, most of our productions take place here.

Donald Roy Theatre

Our students take ownership of this space, becoming responsible for every element of a production. This helps you to become the performer you want to be.

Middleton Hall

The centrepiece at our world-class cultural venue is a 400-seater concert hall. A versatile space which is regularly used as a theatre and surround-sound cinema.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Look around

Look around

Look around

Drama Gulbenkian Centre Foyer Box Office
Drama Minghella Studio
Donald Roy Theatre
Middleton Hall Auditorium
Hull graduate, Carys Tavener, stands smiling for the camera while walking through the bohemian Humber Street.

Future prospects

Our students go on to work for some of the world’s most prestigious theatres and companies: The Royal Court Theatre, the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Opera House, the Bouffes du Nord in Paris, and more. Many go into broadcasting for the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky.

100% of our graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.2

Our alumni are illustrious. James Graham OBE, Olivier Award-winning playwright, graduated from Hull in 2003. His writing credits include This House (National Theatre), Sherwood (BBC One), and Brexit: The Uncivil War (Channel 4). Other Hull graduates include theatre director Marianne Elliott, and musical director Martin Lowe, as well as David Byrne, artistic director of London’s New Diorama Theatre.

Watch

See Carys' story
University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

You may also be interested in…

Course

BA (Hons) Acting
  1. The Guardian University Rankings 2024.
  2. (Drama) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2020/21, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2023.

 

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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