BA Contemporary Theatre and Performance (Applied Acting and Devising)
About this course
BA (Hons) Contemporary Theatre and Performance (Applied Acting and Devising) is a drama degree centred on applied acting, devising, and contemporary performance practices. Core topics include Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Social & Cultural Analysis. The course includes a mandatory foundation year. The first year covers core subjects through Acting and Directing for Performance, Acting as Storytelling, Voice and Movement for Performance, and Theatre Histories, introducing foundational acting, movement, and text-based skills alongside peers. The second year shifts focus to specialized contexts with Performing Heightened Text, Socialising Performance, Working with Communities, and Immersive and Site-Specific Performance. The final year comprises Professional Practice Placement, Autonomous Project, Enterprise and Professional Development, and Company Project, emphasizing independent practice and professional readiness.
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
120-128 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications. These can include: A Levels at grade B, B and B, or above BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Distinction, Merit Access to HE Diploma T Levels You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents. If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. Please contact us for more information. Portfolio Along with your application, please submit two short videos which show the following: You performing a monologue or poem that demonstrates your voice and acting skills. This should be approximately 3-5 minutes in length. You answering this question: What is the most impactful theatrical performance you have experienced so far? Explain why it was impactful, in your opinion. If your portfolio submission is successful, you will be invited to a short interview which can take place either in person or online. Find out more information about the portfolio requirements .
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What students say
Based on about 29 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 71%
- Learning resources: 64%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 270 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 50%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 60%
- Access course: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 30%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Bronze for student outcomes.
Modules
- Professional Practice Placement
- Autonomous Project
- Enterprise and Professional Development (incl. LLCM)
- Company Project
- Acting and Directing for Performance
- Acting as Storytelling
- Voice and Movement for Performance
- Theatre Histories
- Directed Project
- Creating Character
- Performing Character
- Performing Heightened Text
- Socialising Performance
- Working with Communities
- Immersive and Site-Specific Performance
- Creative Enterprise
- Outreach Project
- Professional Practice Placement
- Autonomous Project
- Enterprise and Professional Development (incl. LLCM)
- Company Project
- Acting and Directing for Performance
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Contemporary Theatre and Performance (Applied Acting and Devising) at University of West London earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £25,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,500 and £32,500. The £25,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Drama.
What do graduates of BA Contemporary Theatre and Performance (Applied Acting and Devising) at University of West London do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Contemporary Theatre and Performance (Applied Acting and Devising) at University of West London?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Contemporary Theatre and Performance (Applied Acting and Devising) at University of West London?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 129 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Contemporary Theatre and Performance (Applied Acting and Devising) at University of West London?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.