BA Applied Theatre (Community and Education)
About this course
BA (Hons) Applied Theatre (Community and Education), a drama degree focused on creating performance projects for educational, community and social settings. The course includes an optional placement year and involves practical training in theatre-making, facilitation and community engagement. The first year introduces foundational practices through Drama for Learning 1, Community Stories and Performance 1, where students collaborate on new performance pieces directed by professionals. Year two expands these abilities through Drama for Learning 2, Political Stories and Performance 2, alongside a six-week full-time placement. The final year develops professional-level facilitation through Drama for Learning 3, a Community Project run with external groups, and culminates in the Applied Theatre Festival where student companies devise and perform original work.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
96 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . Applicants will also need to complete an interview for this course; see interview arrangements below. This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level / AS Level: A Level: 96 UCAS Tariff points / CCC (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered An A Level or equivalent in Drama, Dance or other Performing Arts subjects is desirable but not essential. However applicants should be able to demonstrate as engagement with Performing Arts, such as experiences within Youth Theatre or other community theatre groups. Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 96 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications T Level: Pass overall (C or above on the core) All subjects accepted Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts and Drama subjects preferred but other subjects also considered OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 96 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 96 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 96 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 96 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD) Welsh Baccalaureate: 96 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Merit overall
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What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 74%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 60%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 110 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 8%
- West Midlands: 47%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 16%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Drama for Learning 1
- Community Stories
- Performance 1
- Drama for Learning 2
- Political Stories
- Performance 2
- Drama for Learning 3
- Community Project
- Applied Theatre Festival
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Applied Theatre (Community and Education) at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £18,500 after 3 years, £23,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £30,500. The £23,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Drama.
What do graduates of BA Applied Theatre (Community and Education) at Birmingham City University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Applied Theatre (Community and Education) at Birmingham City University?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Applied Theatre (Community and Education) at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is CCC at A level. The average entrant had 159 UCAS points.
Does BA Applied Theatre (Community and Education) at Birmingham City University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Applied Theatre (Community and Education) at Birmingham City University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.