BA Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance
About this course
BA (Hons) Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance, a drama degree focused on the distinct roles of the director, performer and playwright within theatrical arts. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes ambitious production and research projects alongside two fully equipped theatres and industry-standard rehearsal rooms. The first year introduces foundational elements through Why Theatre?, Theatre-Making Workshop, Histories and Politics of Theatre-Making, Approaches to Directing and Design, Performance Project: Acting, and Playwriting in Practice. The second year expands into broader contexts via Theatre Texts & Contexts, Current Trends in Theatre, Performance Project, and Collaborative Theatre-Making, with optional modules covering Playwriting for Performance, Theatre as Industry, Performance Design, and Political Theatres. The final year centres on advanced application through Independent Research Project: Proposal and Planning, Main Stage Theatre Production: Practice, Main Stage Theatre Production: Processes, Independent Research Project: Extended Essay, Independent Group Production Project, and Independent Playwriting Project.
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: AAB You don't need to have an A Level in Theatre or Drama. IB: 35 points BTEC: DDD We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus A at A Level Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate plus AA at A level Distinction, Distinction in 2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates plus A at A level
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What students say
Based on about 25 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 65%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 18 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 30%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 30%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 15%
- East Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 25%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- Other qualifications: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Why Theatre?
- Theatre-Making Workshop
- Histories and Politics of Theatre-Making
- Approaches to Directing and Design
- Performance Project: Acting
- Playwriting in Practice
- Theatre Texts & Contexts
- Current Trends in Theatre
- Performance Project
- Collaborative Theatre-Making
- Playwriting for Performance
- Theatre as Industry
- Performance Design
- Political Theatres
- Independent Research Project: Proposal and Planning
- Main Stage Theatre Production: Practice
- Main Stage Theatre Production: Processes
- Independent Research Project: Extended Essay
- Independent Group Production Project
- Independent Playwriting Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance at University of York earn?
The median salary is £24,500 after 15 months, £22,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,000 and £32,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £3,500 more than the UK median for Drama.
What do graduates of BA Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance at University of York 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 Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance at University of York?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 155 UCAS points.
Does BA Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance at University of York?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.