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Theatre
The University of Bristol has a long history in the innovative study of Theatre and Performance. Founded in 1947, we were the first department in the UK to offer a degree in Theatre Studies. It’s a history we are proud of and many have followed our path, but we don’t stand still. We continue to innovate and you will be taught by leading scholars and practitioners in the subjects. Theatre and Performance Studies at Bristol offers you the chance to study in an environment that has produced some notable alumni, including actor Tim Pigott-Smith, playwright Mark Ravenhill and RSC director Gregory Doran.
Theatre courses
Joint honours
- BA Theatre and English (subject to approval) (4CC8)
- BA Theatre and Film (subject to approval) (4KDU)
- BA Theatre and French (subject to approval) (W43F)
- BA Theatre and German (subject to approval) (21C7)
- BA Theatre and Italian (subject to approval) (22FF)
- BA Theatre and Portuguese (subject to approval) (R2D8)
- BA Theatre and Spanish (subject to approval) (4D8C)
Why study Theatre at Bristol?
Theatre and Performance Studies at Bristol is characterised by the way we blend historical and theoretical study with practice-based investigations. You will encounter a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. You will study historical contexts, consider theoretical perspectives and engage in practice-based activities using our two in-house theatres and cinema for your presentations. You will have access to our museum-accredited theatre archive and twenty-four hour rehearsal space. The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies has strong links with a wide range of theatres, arts organizations and theatre companies and in their final year students follow an industrial placement within the creative industries.
What kind of student would this course suit?
The course is suitable for those interested in the practice, history and theory of theatre and performance. Successful candidates will clearly demonstrate a commitment to the study of theatre and performance in an academic context; for example, providing evidence of reading beyond the A-level syllabus. Candidates will also have evidence of motivation and achievement in performance and theatre-making beyond the formal syllabus; for example, by participation in school or community drama productions. The appropriateness of the course to the candidate’s own interests and ambitions should also be in evidence.
How is this course taught and assessed?
Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Facilities include the professionally-equipped Wickham Theatre, Theatre 2, sound and design studios and a costume workshop. The first year introduces students to histories, contexts, forms and ways of analysing performance, and introduces them to practical skills in theatre production. In addition, they will develop their ability to discuss issues and write critically about the arts, in dialogue with film and music students. In the second and final years, optional units deepen students' analytical expertise, knowledge around particular performance contexts, and expand their practical skills in theatre-making. In the final year, students also take two supervised independent projects: written dissertation, practical project and/or industrial placement. Assessment is by a combination of essays, individual and group presentations, practice-based productions and critically-reflexive journals.
What are my career prospects?
Our students develop excellent transferable skills. Graduates have gone into theatre production, research, broadcasting, arts administration and education, and finance and related business sectors.Useful further information
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