- UCAS course code
- W400
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
BA Drama
- Typical A-level offer: AAB
- Typical contextual A-level offer: BBB
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: BBC
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 35 points overall with 6,6,5 at HL
Overview
Course overview
- Study theatre, performance, and screen media.
- Number 1 in the UK for Drama and Cinematics (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
- Select from a wide range of course units to expand both your theoretical and practical understanding of drama.
- Create and deliver practical theatre work in prisons and community settings.
- Book your place on our October and November taster webinars to learn more about your subject areas!
Open days
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Contact name
- Jamie Clark
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 509 2871
- ug-drama@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/drama/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Related courses
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
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Entry requirements
A-level
Grades AAB, including a Grade A in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics. General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer.
The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer. For this course it would be ABB including A in an essay based subject plus the Extended Project at Grade A.
Contextual offer
Grades BBB, including an essay-based subject for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria. For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.. General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
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
35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country
Still need help? Please contact ug-drama@manchester.ac.uk for further advice
Scottish requirements
We typically require grades AABBB 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).
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.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require 80% with a mark of 8.0 in English (or other essay-based subject such as History or Politics).
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 AAB 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 AAB 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 Dist, Dist, Dist, plus one A-level at Grade A 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 A 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 A 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 AA; one of which must 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, Distinction, plus an additional A Level at grade A in an essay based subject.
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 A Level/A Level at grade A in an essay based subject, 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 A Levels at grades AB, one of which must be in an essay based subject.
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
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 39 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 6 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)
The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer. For this course it would be AAB with A in an essay based subject at A-level or ABB including A in an essay based subject plus the Extended Project at Grade A.
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
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £28,500 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).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Scholarships and bursaries are available to eligible Home/EU students, this is in addition to the government package of maintenance grants.
- Find out more from Student Finance
- International student? Check your country page
- Interested in a student internship?
Application and selection
How to apply
How your application is considered
We welcome applications from a wide range of entry routes, including mature students and overseas applicants.
Every application that meets the entry requirement is considered on an equal basis and each application is evaluated by two members of staff before a decision is made.
The admissions process runs as follows: the first stage will involve checking predicted/achieved grades and, if these are satisfactory, applicants will proceed to stage two, which is an invitation to interview. After interview, the Admissions Tutor will decide whether a place will be offered.
Interview requirements
If you are offered an interview, it will normally run for 20 minutes and will be a one-to-one discussion with a member of the Drama lecturing team. It is our aim that the interview should be a relaxed but informed conversation - we are not seeking to set traps and trick questions for you! However, we are keen to determine your ability to discuss and think about drama critically as well as wanting to gauge whether you will thrive on the kind of modules, approaches and experiences that studying Drama at Manchester entails.
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 the year out might feed into your future studies or provide you with experiences that you might be able to draw on during a Drama-related degree.
We do ask applicants to 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
We welcome applications from candidates transferring from other institutions. Each application will be considered on merit, providing we have enough places to accommodate them. Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details). We will require transcripts and a reference from your tutor.
Course details
Course description
BA Drama embraces all forms of drama across stage, screen and beyond.
You will explore everything from literary adaptation to street theatre, activist performance to audio design, playwriting to directing, and experimental film cultures.
Benefit from teaching informed by recent innovations in theatre, performance, and film studies, alongside historical methods, and practices.
Our comprehensive facilities include the purpose-built Martin Harris Centre, home to the John Thaw Studio- a fully staffed, versatile area for performances, rehearsals, and workshops.
You will also find 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.
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.
Immerse yourself in the cultural pulse of the industry by engaging with professional practitioners during your coursework and 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. This will enable 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 through the Erasmus Exchange scheme (in Sweden) and the Worldwide Exchange scheme (eg USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore).
Societies
Step into the world of cinema with The University of Manchester Filmmaking Society-a vibrant hub where aspiring filmmakers come together to share ideas and bring their cinematic visions to life.
Join The University of Manchester Drama Society. Whether your passion is for acting, directing, writing, filmmaking, costume, set building, stage managing or just watching, there is something for everyone.
One of the largest in the Student Union, the society is connected to Manchester's award-winning theatrical venues, including the Contact Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre. Plus, each summer, they take their talent to the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Teaching and learning
Manchester is distinct from an acting conservatoire; rather than offering purely vocational training, we bring together theory and practice in the study of Drama as cultural process and artistic discourse.
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.
Learn from visiting artists and collaborate with fellow students in intensive practical workshops.
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 |
Performance Practices 1 | DRAM10101 | 20 | Mandatory |
Performance Practices 2 | DRAM10102 | 20 | Mandatory |
Drama and Film Study Skills | DRAM11111 | 0 | Mandatory |
The Art of Film | DRAM10031 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to Early Film Histories | DRAM13331 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to World Cinema | SALC11002 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 2
Explore drama practitioners in their historical, cultural, and political context from the birth of modernism to the present day.
Select from a broad range of options, such as Street Theatres and Varieties of Shakespeare.
Develop practical skills in creating theatre and film.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Theatres of Modernity | DRAM20051 | 20 | Mandatory |
Contemporary British Cinema | DRAM20032 | 20 | Optional |
Screen, Culture and Society | DRAM20041 | 20 | Optional |
Post-Thatcher British Theatre: New Writing Since 1992 | DRAM20102 | 20 | Optional |
Performing America | DRAM20221 | 20 | Optional |
The Child in Global Cinema | DRAM20432 | 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 |
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Course content for year 3
Specialise in an area of practice, such as playwriting, directing, documentary filmmaking, applied theatre, or contemporary theatre-making.
Continue to hone your critical and analytical skills in upper-level study options.
Research and write 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Contemporary British Cinema | DRAM20032 | 20 | Optional |
Screen, Culture and Society | DRAM20041 | 20 | Optional |
Post-Thatcher British Theatre: New Writing Since 1992 | DRAM20102 | 20 | Optional |
Performing America | DRAM20221 | 20 | Optional |
The Child in Global Cinema | DRAM20432 | 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 |
Television Drama | DRAM21291 | 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.
Manchester, globally acclaimed for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, hosts the second-highest concentration of theatres in the UK.
It is also the proud home of the Manchester International Festival and The Factory, a groundbreaking £110 million development.
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, and create original work for live performance. You'll also gain 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 - highlighting their adaptability, collaborative skills, effective communication, and negotiation abilities.
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.
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.
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.