University of Bristol United Kingdom

BA Theatre and Performance Studies

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Bristol invites you to explore the dynamic world of performance, from its historical roots to its contemporary manifestations. This undergraduate degree is ideal for aspiring theatre makers, critics, and cultural commentators who wish to understand how performance shapes and reflects society. You will delve into key areas such as analysing performance, understanding dramatic texts, and the practical skills required for pitching and producing theatrical work. This course offers a comprehensive grounding in performance studies, preparing you for a future where creative insight and critical engagement are highly valued.

This full-time, on-campus programme is structured over three years, offering a blend of theoretical study and practical application. You will engage with units covering 'Performance Histories' and the 'Politics of Performance', alongside opportunities to develop your creative practice through modules like 'Devised Performance' and 'Applied Theatre'. In your final year, you will undertake a significant independent study, choosing between a dissertation, a performance project, or a practice-as-research project. You will graduate with a versatile skillset, ready for diverse career paths within the creative industries, cultural heritage, education, or further postgraduate study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA in Theatre and Performance Studies program offers a comprehensive exploration of theatrical and performance practices. Across three years, students engage with core modules in analysing and making theatre, reading drama, and pitching productions. Subsequent years delve into performance histories, the politics of performance, and a wide array of optional units covering diverse topics from applied theatre to specific historical periods and dramatic genres, culminating in a significant independent or project-based research component.

1 Year 1 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Analysing Performance Mandatory
Pitching Productions Mandatory
Making Theatre Mandatory
Reading Drama Mandatory
20 CP From Bristol Futures, UWLP or Faculty Wide Units Optional
Principles of Economics Optional
World in Crisis? Optional

2 Year 2 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Performance Histories Mandatory
Politics of Performance Mandatory
Performing the Archive Optional
Clowning Through History Optional
Site-Specific Performance Optional
Applied Theatre Optional
Age of the Actress Optional
Popular Performance Optional
Devised Performance Optional
Interpreting Plays Optional
Choreography for Theatre Optional
Revenge Tragedy Optional
Shakespeare Optional
Gender, Desire and the Renaissance Stage Optional
20 CP From Bristol Futures, UWLP or Faculty Wide Units Optional

3 Year 3 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Performance Project Optional
Practice-as-Research Project Optional
Research Project Optional
Professional Development in Theatre and Performance Optional
Independent Study: Extended Essay Optional
Independent Study: Practice-as-Research Project Optional
Independent Study: Dissertation Optional
Independent Study: Performance Project Optional
Shakespearean Tragedy: Textual and Literary Criticism Optional
Theatre and Theatricality in Russian Society Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,308.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,308.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,308.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 126,924.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,285.00 - USD 2,164.00
Food & Groceries USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,402.00
Transport USD 355.00 - USD 693.00
Utilities & Bills USD 10,471.00 - USD 13,967.00
Estimated Total USD 11,874.00 - USD 16,062.00

Living cost estimates are based on Clifton campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising Finance & OperationsAnimation & Visual EffectsCreative & ContentEvent Promotion & ManagementGaming & Interactive MediaMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMuseums & Cultural HeritageMusic & Performing ArtsSocial Media & Community ManagementSocial Media & Content Strategy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

sony interactive entertainment

Why Study BA Theatre and Performance Studies at University of Bristol

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Bristol in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Theatre and Performance Studies at University of Bristol

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for degree courses.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For TOEFL, the overall score must be 95 with specific listening, reading, speaking, and writing scores. IELTS requires an overall score of 7, while PTE needs an overall score of 71.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Theatre Producers, Performance Directors, Dramaturgs, or Arts Administrators.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course offers a blend of practical workshops and critical analysis, focusing on performance practices and production tasks. Students will also have the chance to engage with professional theatre-makers and utilize resources from the Theatre Collection.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Theatre and Performance Studies course has an intake month in September. Make sure to apply ahead of time to secure your spot.
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