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Drama (BA HONS) W400

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BA|Undergraduate

Drama

Entry year
Academic Year 2024/25
Entry requirements
BBB
Duration
3 years (Full Time)
UCAS code
W400
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Applications for 2023 entry are still open for some programmes. View courses

Drama at Queen’s combines history, theory and practice in an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, to discover why and how theatre works. Performance workshops and productions enable students to draw upon their reading of literary, cultural, historical and sociological studies to inform their practical understanding of performance. Students are also required to attend professional performances, and benefit from our exceptional links with the theatre sector in Northern Ireland and beyond. Visiting professionals lead workshops in specialist areas.

Drama Degree highlights

Global Opportunities

  • Students can access a range a range of international opportunities during their degree programme – both as year-long international exchanges and shorter learning opportunities and visits.

Industry Links

  • Drama at Queen’s has unparalleled links with the professional theatre sector and collaborates extensively with leading arts organisations and theatre companies, such as the Lyric Theatre, Prime Cut Productions, Kabosh, Tinderbox and Bruiser, as well as with the Belfast Festival and the Linen Hall Library. Students also have the opportunity to undertake a work-based learning module in Year 3.

World Class Facilities

  • Lots of teaching happens in the Brian Friel Theatre, which is one of the best-equipped theatres in Belfast with a 120-seat studio theatre, rehearsal room, dressing rooms, green room and workshop all housed in the Drama and Film Centre which also includes the Queen’s Film Theatre.
    www.brianfrieltheatre.co.uk

Internationally Renowned Experts

  • Our staff expertise encompasses both professional and scholarly aspects of drama and theatre practice, with many of our team acknowledged internationally as experts in their fields. You will learn from experts in Irish and British theatre, Shakespearean and Restoration theatre, applied theatre practices, global and intercultural theatre, dance and movement, writing and directing.

Student Experience

  • Extracurricular performance opportunities are offered by the Tyrone Guthrie Society and the student Drama Society, which have taken productions to student festivals in Ireland and the UK. Productions have also been taken to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and to festivals in Belgium and Italy.
"I wanted to have a mixture of practical and academic work that would delve deeper into the subject I am most passionate about, as well as moving to a completely new place and Queen’s ticked both those boxes. Belfast has been great, it feels very relaxed and friendly, and everything is easily walkable. Some of my favourite things so far are the independent cafés and restaurants and the abundance of charity shops - not to mention the Botanic Gardens and Ormeau Park. Even with the pandemic, I have been a part of three productions this year with Queen’s University Players - in both acting and directorial positions - ranging from plays written by society members to Oscar Wilde. The people and the general atmosphere of the society have been fabulous and have really made my time at Queen’s so far."

Elena Pearson, current student, BA Drama

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Course content

Course Structure

Stage 1All students take five introductory modules at Level 1 (1st Year), which introduce the foundations of theatre, performance and production practice. Students also choose one optional module from a range available from across the Faculty.
Stage 2In the second year of this programme, students have the opportunity to broaden their horizons, selecting from a range of modules that will allow them to build on the knowledge and skills gained in stage 1, and apply them to specific genres and styles of performance.
Stage 3In Stage 3 students develop the skills and knowledge they need for a career in the performing arts. Many students opt to undertake a work-based practice module, developing skills, experience and a network of contacts.

People teaching you

Dr Mark Phelan
Subject Lead (Drama)

Drama, AEL

Contact Teaching Times

Personal Study24 (hours maximum)
hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc
Large Group Teaching3 (hours maximum)
hours of lectures
Medium Group Teaching10 (hours maximum)
hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week

Learning and Teaching

On the BA in Drama we provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  • E-Learning Technologies
    Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.
  • Lectures
    Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
  • Personal Tutor
    Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Years 1, 2 and 3 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.
  • Practicals
    Where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. You will be expected to attend two practical workshops per week for modules DRA1003 and DRA1004.
  • Professionally Directed Theatre Production
    In Year 2 students are able to participate either as actors or in a production role in a professionally directed theatre production.
  • Self-directed study
    This is a vital part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
  • Seminars/tutorials
    Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide the opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
  • Supervised Projects
    In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to carry out a significant piece of research or a practical production on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research or production and will provide feedback to you on at least two occasions.
  • Work placements
    Students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in Year 3. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • Assessment is by performance, presentations, and written coursework. There are no end of semester examinations in Drama. The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning Objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Module Outline Document which is provided to all students.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

  • Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
  • Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
  • Placement employer comments or references.
  • Online or emailed comment.
  • General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
  • Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
  • Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
  • Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
  • Once you have reviewed your feedback, you are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Facilities

The Brian Friel Theatre (http://www.brianfrieltheatre.co.uk), is one of the best equipped theatres in Belfast with a 120 seat studio theatre, rehearsal room, dressing rooms, green room and workshop, housed in the Drama & Film Centre which opened in 2004 which also comprises the Queen's Film Theatre.

Drama at Queen’s has unparalleled links with the local theatre sector and collaborates extensively with leading arts organisations and theatre companies, such as the Lyric Theatre, Prime Cut Productions, Kabosh, Tinderbox and Bruiser theatre companies as well as Belfast Festival and the Linen Hall Library, all of whom have helped us develop a vital professional practice dimension as part of our overall provision.

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Overview

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Production Practices (20 credits)
    Theatre Now: Contemporary Performance (20 credits)
    Introduction to Acting for Stage and Screen (20 credits)
    Introduction to Performing (20 credits)
    Introduction to Theatre: The Material Stage (20 credits)
  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

    International Theatre Collaboration (20 credits)
    Drama and Mental Health (20 credits)
    Dramaturgy (20 credits)
    Gender, Culture, and Representation – Backwards & in Heels (20 credits)
    Adaptation as Interdisciplinary Practice (20 credits)
    Acting for Musical Theatre (20 credits)
    Radio Drama (20 credits)
    Principles of Business in Arts, Cultural and Creative Industries (20 credits)
    The Art of the Actor (20 credits)
    Educational Drama (20 credits)
    Acting Shakespeare (20 credits)
    Directing and Design for Stage and Screen (20 credits)
    Devising Theatre (20 credits)
  • Year 3

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

    Work-based Learning (20 credits)
    Contemporary Performing Practices (20 credits)
    International Theatre Collaboration (20 credits)
    Participatory performance practices (20 credits)
    The Theatre of Brian Friel (20 credits)
    Places of Performance (20 credits)
    Postconflict Drama: Performing the NI Peace Process (20 credits)
    Advanced Theatre Practice (20 credits)
    The Art of Interaction (20 credits)
    Dance Theatre (20 credits)
    Dissertation (20 credits)

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Course content

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Entry Requirements

Entrance requirements

A level requirements
BBB

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3
Access Course
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65%.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level
BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma
QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with overall grades DDD

RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades DDD
Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree
All applicants
There are no specific subject requirements to study Drama, however, students should have an interest in issues of performance, and be prepared to participate in practical theatre classes. All applicants who receive offers will be invited to attend an interview and workshop. Interviews will be held between January and April.
Note
All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by individual University Schools. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For last year's intake, applicants for this BA programme offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language). Performance in any AS or A-level examinations already completed would also have been taken into account and the Selector checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year’s entry applicants for this degree must have had, a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.

Applicants who are made an offer for a Drama degree pathway are invited to attend an interview day, which includes a practice-based workshop and an individual interview. Applicants are assessed at interview and the scores may be used to differentiate between applicants who have borderline grades in August.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The offer for repeat candidates is set in terms of three A-levels and may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, will also be considered.

For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 8 Merits. For those offering a Higher National Diploma, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile but, to be eligible for an offer, the grades obtained in the first year of the HND must allow the overall offer to be achievable. The current entrance requirements for Stage 1 entry are successful completion of the HND with 9 Merits and 7 Passes overall. Applicants taking a relevant Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts may be considered for entry to Stage 2 and, where offers are made, these are currently conditional on successful completion of the HND with 12 Merits and 4 Passes overall.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of BA degrees, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

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Modules

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction
Studying for a Drama degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.
www.prospects.ac.uk

Employment after the Course
Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline. Many students also apply the skills they develop through the degree entrepreneurially to create their own work opportunities and the University runs a number of extracurricular programmes in entrepreneurship.

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in the theatre or in teaching, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. Graduates of Drama at Queen’s have gone on to work in professional theatre locally in Northern Ireland and throughout Great Britain and across the world, for example on the production of the recent JK Rowling play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on both the West End and Broadway, and on a number of film and TV productions including Game of Thrones.

“My time at Queen’s has been invaluable to my career and professional development so far. I was given the opportunity to learn from top academics as well as network and work with professionals in the industry. My lecturers inspired and challenged me to push boundaries in my studies and to pursue a career in the arts. I was given the opportunity to not only learn theory and practical elements of theatre but also focus on building skills within specific areas to achieve employment once graduated. It also encouraged me to develop transferable skills such as creative thinking, public speaking and communications skills, which has been key to every role I’ve worked in since graduating.”

Bronagh McFeely, Producer, Lyric Theatre, Belfast & BA Drama, 2009-2012

Alumni Success
Des Kennedy, assistant director, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre London.
Lisa McGee, stage and screen writer, won the Stewart Parker and Blackburn Award for Girls and Dolls (2006) and author of Derry Girls.
Kerri Quinn, lead role in Educating Rita, Lyric Theatre, Belfast and Coronation Street.

International Testimonials
Study USA
The BEI Programme has undergone a change of name to the Study USA Programme but still involves 12 months studying business-related courses at a U.S. church-affiliated university or college. Places are available at one of over 100 institutions from Florida to Montana or California to North Carolina. You don't need to be from a business background to apply: Study USA is open to full-time pre-final year students of any discipline from Queen’s and other Northern Ireland higher education institutions. The Programme is intended to produce graduates with an international, business-orientated perspective capable of making a contribution in advancing the Northern Ireland economy. While on the programme, you will take 5 business related courses/modules along with another course of your choice. Study USA is accredited under the Degree Plus Award through the US Certificate in American Business Practice and well regarded by graduate employers.

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,710
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,710
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £18,800
International £18,800

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Note that the tuition fees quoted above are for the 2023-24 academic year and are for indicative purposes only as the fees for 2024-25 have not yet been finalised. These fees will be subject to an inflationary increase. All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase for each year of the course, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.

If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.  

Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.  

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Drama costs

Students are occasionally required to purchase tickets for performances. The estimated maximum cost is £100 per year. Students may also incur some costs on props or costumes, but these are discouraged as the School will be able to provide these (or similar) in most cases.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships/.

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Careers

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Apply

How and when to Apply

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2024 from 1 September 2023.

Advisory closing date: 31 January 2024 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2024) subject to the availability of places.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen’s for entry to this course until 30 June 2024. If you apply for 2024 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

  1. Applying through UCAS
    Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2024.
  2. Applying direct
    The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
  3. Applying through agents and partners
    The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus

Keywords

CREATIVE ARTS

THEATRE

DRAMA

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Fees and Funding

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Course Vacancy Status

Below is the current vacancy status for this course. For further information please contact us.

Student Type
Places available?
NI and RoI Students
GB Students
International and EU (not RoI) Students
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