BA Drama and Contemporary Performance
Manchester Metropolitan University
About this course
BA (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance is an undergraduate degree exploring theatre making, performance techniques, and critical theory. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. The course spans three years and culminates in a student-led Final Project. The first year introduces foundational skills through compulsory modules including Interactive Learning Skills and Communication, Performing, Critical Perspectives in Classical and Modern Theatre, Directed Project, and An Introduction to Directing and Devising. In the second year, students advance their abilities via Performing and Acting, Critical Perspectives in Postmodern and Contemporary Theatre, Specialist Practice, and Theatre Making. The final year focuses on independent and collaborative work through Artist Project, Professional Practices, Final Project, and Critical Practice in Contemporary Performance.
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
A level: BCC IB: IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects. If you plan to meet the Level 2 course requirements through your IB Diploma you will need to achieve Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5 in English
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What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 79%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 67%
- Academic support: 43%
- Organisation and management: 45%
- Learning resources: 72%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 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 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 30%
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 85 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 36%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 15%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 19%
- South East: 2%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
- Performing
- Critical Perspectives in Classical and Modern Theatre
- Directed Project
- An Introduction to Directing and Devising
- Performing and Acting
- Critical Perspectives in Postmodern and Contemporary Theatre
- Specialist Practice
- Theatre Making
- Artist Project
- Professional Practices
- Final Project
- Critical Practice in Contemporary Performance
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Drama and Contemporary Performance at Manchester Metropolitan University earn?
The median salary is £23,000 after 15 months, £17,500 after 3 years, £23,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £18,500 and £28,500. The £23,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Drama.
What do graduates of BA Drama and Contemporary Performance at Manchester Metropolitan 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 Drama and Contemporary Performance at Manchester Metropolitan University?
79% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Drama and Contemporary Performance at Manchester Metropolitan University?
The typical offer is BCC at A level, or 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 139 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Drama and Contemporary Performance at Manchester Metropolitan University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.