- UCAS course code
- WW46
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB including an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
BBB including an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- WW46
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Take advantage of the opportunities offered on the Drama course but focus more specifically on the study of film and television.
- 2nd in the UK for Drama and Cinematics (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).
- Study course units on theatre and film history and theory, as well as practical course units in filmmaking.
- Tailor your studies as you progress; select from our breadth of course units to expand both your theoretical and practical understanding of screen and stage.
Open days
We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.
Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.
If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester.
Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events.
You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Contact name
- Jamie Clark
- Telephone
- +44 (0161) 306 1252
- ug-drama@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/drama/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Contextual offer
BBB including an essay based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics. for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria. For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers.
Applicants offering a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact ug-filmstudies@manchester.ac.uk for further advice.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.
Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.
For all other foundation programmes please see this list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: we consider the National Extended Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, Merit, in a Humanities-related subject, plus one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: we consider the National Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma: we consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: we consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades BB (one of these A-levels should be in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics).
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics .
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade B an essay-based subject such as English or History, PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB, one of which must be in an essay-based subject such as English or History.
The University of Manchester will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Access to HE Diploma
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
For admission to this programme we require D3 as equivalent to A Level grade A or M2 as equivalent to A Level grade B.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
T Level
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 or;
- IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Potential candidates are expected to demonstrate why they have chosen this particular degree in their personal statement and express why the course interests them.
Applicants submitting mitigating circumstances
If you are submitting information about mitigating circumstances that have affected, or are likely to affect, your academic performance, you should include this in the referee's report.
We cannot usually take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting school.
(Examples of mitigating circumstances include family illness, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school of college.)
How your application is considered
We welcome applications from a wide range of entry routes, including mature students and overseas applicants.
In the first stage of the application process, we will consider your application including looking at your achieved and predicted grades, personal statement and references. if these are satisfactory, your application will proceed to stage 2 where we will invite you to interview. After interview, the admissions tutor for the programme will make a final decision on the application.
Interview requirements
Returning to education
Deferrals
We welcome applications from candidates who intend to defer entry.
if offered an interview, we might ask you about your plans for deferral and how a year out might feed in to your future studies or provide you with experiences you might be able to draw on during a Drama related degree.
We do ask that applicants let us know as early as possible if they are intending to defer. This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in order to achieve the required number of students in a given year.
Re-applications
Transfers
Course details
Course description
BA Drama and Film Studies will give you the opportunity to benefit from our teaching and research in Drama while focusing on the study of film and television.
You'll take courses on theatre and film history and theory, as well as practical courses in filmmaking, benefiting from teaching informed by recent innovations in theatre, performance and film studies, and by historical practices.
We also offer the opportunity to choose film options from a variety of course units, and to study video-making.
Our comprehensive facilities include the purpose-built Martin Harris Centre, home to the John Thaw Studio, a fully staffed, adaptable performance, rehearsal and workshop space.
You will also be able to draw inspiration from the creative beating heart of the city itself, home to countless ground-breaking arts organisations and events - from Manchester International Festival, the world's first festival of original work, to HOME, the largest multidisciplinary arts centre outside of the capital.
You can also take advantage of strong links to partner organisations throughout the city, including TiPP (Theatre in Prisons and Probation Research and Development Centre), based here at the University, and Community Arts North West.
You also can engage with professional practitioners working in the cultural industries through your coursework and through extracurricular events.
Special features
Placement year option
Apply your subject-specific knowledge in a real-world context through a placement year in your third year of study, enabling you to enhance your employment prospects, clarify your career goals, and build your external networks.
Study abroad
You may apply to spend one semester studying abroad during Year 2.
Exchange partners are offered in Sweden, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
SocietiesJoin The University of Manchester Filmmaking Society, which exists to provide a platform for aspiring filmmakers attending the university to meet, exchange ideas and create their own cinematic productions.
Join The University of Manchester Drama Society, which is for anyone with an interest in drama, be that acting, directing, writing, filmmaking, costume, set building, stage managing or just watching. One of the largest in the Student Union, the society has links with many of Manchester's award-winning theatrical venues, including the Contact Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre. Each summer the society showcases at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Teaching and learning
Your studies will encompass stage and screen, the ancient and the contemporary, the mainstream and the avant-garde.
You'll develop skills in critical thinking, creative problem solving, and the clear articulation of ideas, learning through lectures, seminars, practical workshops, masterclasses and group work.
You will engage with the theories and techniques of practitioners past and present in our dedicated studio spaces.
Practical work is generally workshop-based and not all projects culminate in public performance.Coursework and assessment
Assessment includes:
- coursework essays;
- written examinations;
- research reports;
- practical tests;
- learning logs;
- web contributions;
- oral presentations;
- small-scale practical assignments;
- a final-year dissertation or research essay.
Course content for year 1
Study core units in the theory and practice of drama, focusing on historical, contextual and theoretical analysis.
Gain a foundation in film through core units in dramatic form and content on screen and the essential theoretical concepts of cinema including narrative, genre, authorship, photography, mise-en-scene, editing, music, and performance.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Theatre & Performance 1 - Texts | DRAM10001 | 20 | Mandatory |
Theatre & Performance 2 - Concepts | DRAM10002 | 20 | Mandatory |
The Art of Film | DRAM10031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Drama and Film Study Skills | DRAM11111 | 0 | Mandatory |
DRAM12220 - Drama and Film PASS | DRAM12220 | 0 | Mandatory |
Performance Practices 1 | DRAM10101 | 20 | Optional |
Performance Practices 2 | DRAM10102 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to Early Film Histories | DRAM13331 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to World Cinema | SALC11002 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 2
Develop awareness of the relationships between screen, culture and society across film, television, and new media.
Select from a broad range of options, from the history and ideology of film music to documentary filmmaking.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Contemporary British Cinema | DRAM20032 | 20 | Optional |
Screen, Culture and Society | DRAM20041 | 20 | Optional |
Theatres of Modernity | DRAM20051 | 20 | Optional |
Post-Thatcher British Theatre: New Writing Since 1992 | DRAM20101 | 20 | Optional |
Performing America | DRAM20221 | 20 | Optional |
God at the Movies | DRAM20631 | 20 | Optional |
A Score is Born: History and Ideology in Hollywood Film Music | DRAM20711 | 20 | Optional |
Devising for Performance | DRAM21042 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to Documentary Film Practice | DRAM21091 | 20 | Optional |
Playmaking | DRAM21141 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Continue to tailor your studies through optional units spanning subjects such as mockumentaries, movie adaptations, and more.
You can also pursue specialisms within drama such as directing or writing.
Conduct personal research in a subject of your choice for your dissertation or extended dissertation.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Performance and Public Space | DRAM30292 | 20 | Mandatory |
Contemporary British Cinema | DRAM20032 | 20 | Optional |
Screen, Culture and Society | DRAM20041 | 20 | Optional |
Post-Thatcher British Theatre: New Writing Since 1992 | DRAM20101 | 20 | Optional |
Performing America | DRAM20221 | 20 | Optional |
God at the Movies | DRAM20631 | 20 | Optional |
A Score is Born: History and Ideology in Hollywood Film Music | DRAM20711 | 20 | Optional |
Horror Film: Genre, Periods, Styles | DRAM21261 | 20 | Optional |
Social Acts: Applied Theatre and Socially Engaged Arts Practice | DRAM21272 | 20 | Optional |
Performance and Climate Change | DRAM21882 | 20 | Optional |
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Facilities
Home to Music and Drama at Manchester, the purpose-built Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama includes:
- the John Thaw Studio Theatre, a flexible, fully equipped performance space with seating for 150 people;
- workshops, rehearsal rooms, and screening rooms, including sound and video-editing suites;
- the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall, an acoustically designed auditorium seating up to 350 people;
- the Lenagan Library, our dedicated performing arts library.
The University is also home to internationally renowned cultural assets such as:
- the multi award-winning Whitworth Art Gallery;
- the John Rylands Library, home to one of the world's finest collections of medieval illuminated manuscripts and rare books;
- Manchester Museum, home to important prehistoric, classical, and ethnographic collections.
Globally renowned for its arts and cultural offer, Manchester is home to the second highest concentration of theatres in the UK, as well as Manchester International Festival and the £110 million development, The Factory.
Learn more about facilities
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Study Drama with us and you'll learn to interpret and critically analyse theatre, performance and film, create original work for live performance and demonstrate a high level of transferable skills - especially in interpersonal communication, group work, leadership and creative problem solving.
You'll find our graduates in a broad range of occupations - a fact that underlines their considerable adaptability and aptitude for collaborative work, effective communication, and negotiation.
These include roles in the theatre, film, television and radio, journalism, teaching, and applied theatre.
Some of our most recent graduates are currently pursuing further study in Film Studies, Creative Writing, and Screenwriting. Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of industries, including positions in:
- applied theatre;
- television and radio;
- theatre;
- film and broadcast;
- journalism;
- teaching at schools, colleges, and universities;
- community arts and arts administration;
- law and business management.
Our award-winning careers service provides a wealth of tools, advice, development opportunities, and industry links.
You'll have access to dedicated, subject-specific support throughout your studies and for up to two years after graduation.
Our undergraduate courses are also designed to provide an easy transition into postgraduate study, if desired.
We offer a wide range of specialist master's courses within the University and even offer fast-tracked enrolment to high-achieving undergraduate students.
Our students can take part in our Stellify programme alongside their degrees, developing professional and leadership skills while contributing to their local and global communities through volunteering.