Drama and Theatre | BA (Hons) | University of Lincoln

Course Overview

Our Drama and Theatre degree gives you the opportunity to create, perform, and examine innovative theatre and performance.

Led by experts in drama and theatre research, professional performers, theatre makers and industry specialists, this course will help prepare you for a range of careers in drama, theatre, and the cultural industries.

Exploring theatre and performance from a variety of current and global perspectives, including different cultures, histories, politics, aesthetics and ethics, you can develop a detailed understanding of theatre and its important place in our modern lives.

Through a mixture of core and optional modules, both practical and theoretical, you have the opportunity to curate your own journey through the programme, and can choose to focus on Contemporary Theatre Practice, Theatre and Performance Studies, and Technical Theatre and Production.

As part of your studies, you may also choose to study abroad through one of our many international schemes, or take up a placement in a professional setting, working alongside a theatre company, arts organisation, school or other education setting.

Our course also provides opportunities for you to perform, create and participate in a variety of performances, trips, and events with a range of partners including interdisciplinary students, professional artists and performers, and external organisations. Recently we've worked with organisations including the BBC, National Youth Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, and the Royal Air Force.

Why Choose Lincoln

Subject area ranked in the top 10 in the UK for overall student satisfaction*

450-seat professional theatre on campus

Opportunities to tour performances around the UK

Optional extracurricular technique classes

Exchange opportunities in Canada and North America

Credits which can be used against ticketed performances at the Lincoln Arts Centre

*National Student Survey 2022 (out of 70 ranking institutions).

How You Study

The BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre degree interrogates practice and theory side by side, creating a broad, interconnected range of knowledge and experience for our students. Teaching practice in the School is diverse and takes place mainly through lectures, seminars, studio-based workshops, and individual tutorials. You may also receive opportunities to engage in practical workshops and talks delivered by a variety of guests including practitioners, academics, and industry leaders. Students may have the opportunity to participate in external visits and theatre trips, where offered.

Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Devising and Making 2024-25DRA1046MLevel 42024-25A practice-based introduction to the foundational elements of performance technique and performance making, in this module students may undertake instruction in vocal and physical technique, learning the fundamentals of movement for theatre, spatial and ensemble awareness and the operation of the voice. Alongside these, weekly workshops investigate the theories and methodologies that underpin performance making. As they develop an applied understanding of technique and the ability to engage in critical reflection, students can form groups and work towards devising original performances which are showcased at the end of the semester.CoreEnsemble Show 2024-25DRA1047MLevel 42024-25This module is the practical culmination of level one, in which the skills and techniques of performance and devising learned in Devising & Making are implemented in a larger group ensemble context. Here students may devise, produce, and perform a piece of original theatre based on their exploration of a particular theme, idea, or concept, with the performances taking place in the main auditorium at Lincoln Arts Centre.CoreExploring 1: The Creative Arts 2024-25LSCA1001Level 42024-25CorePlays in Context 2024-2025 2024-25DRA1049MLevel 42024-25This core module introduces students to some of the most significant plays, playwrights, practitioners, traditions and movements throughout the history of theatre. Theatrical conventions studied might include Naturalism, Brecht’s Epic Theatre, the Theatre of the Absurd, international theatre practice and may cover a chronological range running from the theatre of the Ancient Greeks all the way to contemporary performance. Students will critically engage with the material in lectures and seminars.CoreDrama Study Abroad 2025-26DRA2039MLevel 52025-26This module offers the opportunity for students to spend the second Semester of Level 2 living and studying at one of our international partner institutions. During the period abroad, students will share classes and modules of study with local students. Not only will students be living and socialising in another culture - providing opportunities to study their respective countries, they will also have an opportunity to examine international theatre practice through attending performances as part of modules and participating in extra-curricular activities.OptionalIndustry Placements: Career planning 2025-26DRA2051MLevel 52025-26The Placement module encourages students to engage with the creative industries beyond the University by completing between 40-60 hours of placement with a business or organisation of their choosing. Through direct workplace experience, students may develop new skills, strengthen existing ones, establish valuable professional networks, and target future employment opportunities. Following the placement students are assessed via presentations where they reflect upon their professional development and the impact of their work with the partner organisation.OptionalSpecialist Elective 2 2025-26DRA2054MLevel 52025-26OptionalStage Combat 2025-26DRA2037MLevel 52025-26This module aims to teach students the basics of engaging in stage combat and gives them the option of progressing to the Academy of Performance Combat Basic Three Weapon exam.OptionalStaging Shakespeare & Co 2025-26DRA2044MLevel 52025-26This practically-based module engages with selected plays of the Early Modern period and uses them as texts for performance on the contemporary stage. Working both as dramaturgs and performers, students can form a production ensemble and stage an Early Modern classic presented on the main auditorium of the Lincoln Arts Centre. Students may connect their interpretation and re-interpretation the text and its performance history with their own ideas and experiences to situate the Early Modern text within our contemporary cultural moment. Recently staged performances on this module include versions of John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi and Christopher Marlowe’s Dr Faustus.OptionalTheatre and Adaptation 2025-26Level 52025-26OptionalTheatres of Experiment: the Avant-Garde 2025-26DRA2042MLevel 52025-26This module explores the practices, politics, cultural legacy and impact of the European Avant-garde circa 1880-1930 and turns to more recent developments in the course of the module. Students may study the theories, manifestoes, interventions and artworks from key movements including: Symbolism, Futurism, German Expressionism, DaDa, Surrealism, and Absurdism, before considering contemporary expressions of avant-garde practice such as the 1960s Happenings, and the Fluxus Group. The module asks: What can the theatre – and other practices of these avant-garde movements and landmark practitioners – teach us in our approach to making theatre today? Where can vestiges of avant-gardism be seen in diverse contemporary performances and artworks? And how do avant-garde artists’ attempt to create radical fusions of art, life and politics? The answers to these questions form the foundation for the small group performances you will make that have been an influential springboard for the L3 Degree Show projects.OptionalFestival Showcase Project 2026-27 2026-27DRA3059MLevel 62026-27With the assistance of a supervisor, students will work in groups to propose, plan and perform an ambitious, large scale hour-long performance as as a final Showcase Project that uses the skills, techniques, knowledge and creative influences that they have accumulated over the course of their degree. Student may propose a show of any type, from existing plays to devised work, from site-based to adaptations. They may develop anything from intermedial work to performance-installation, physical theatre and/or live art. All performances will have the opportunity to be shown in the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre as part of its professional programme of staged work.CoreActing Technique: Stage Naturalism 2026-27DRA3080MLevel 62026-27The module teaches students how to act in the style of naturalism. It aims to refine performance technique, and instil solid, manageable principles about the craft of acting. Seen from the actor/character point of view, it is about actions and objectives, which are what you do in order to get what you need. The module examines various strategies and approaches principally derived from the work of Stanislavski and Laban. Using these practitioners, as well as studying the postmodern characterisation of Churchill and Crimp, the first two thirds of the module (8 weeks) concentrate on introducing acting and scene study techniques. In the final four weeks of teaching, workshops will become weekly work-in-progress sessions where students will demonstrate their scenes and critique the work of their peers in a ‘masterclass’/ rehearsal format. The module concludes with a public performance of the scene plus a post-show viva. There is also a directing dimension to the module, as scenes have to be interpreted and staged; scene and play analysis is also fundamental to the work of the director. No actor (or director) can begin to act (or direct) successfully without knowing how best to mine the text, wherein most clues are to be found about how to perform the scene, the character and the play.OptionalArts and Cultural Industries 2026-27DRA3056MLevel 62026-27This module offers you the opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of the arts as an ecosystem in relation to the wider world. You'll be introduced to the organisational infrastructure of the creative sector to equip you for a career in the arts and enhance your core employability skills for life after graduation. Acknowledging that what happens offstage is as important, if not more important than what happens onstage, this module provides you with real-world guidance for working in creative and cultural industries though lectures, discussion, group and individual working, research, and a series of talks and presentations from industry professionals working in a variety of creative contexts. You'll also be encouraged to keep abreast of government policy and issues such as audience accessibility and diversity within the arts, and ask how the current political climate shapes this generation of arts organisations, makers and companies.OptionalCabaret, Satire & Song 2026-27DRA3062MLevel 62026-27What does it mean to be ‘popular’? Why are ‘popular’ performance modes – such as clowning, cabaret, the musical and stand-up comedy – so often overlooked within the ‘serious’ study of theatre? In this module, students can engage with the historical, theoretical and practical contexts of a range of popular performance forms.OptionalDirecting 2026-27DRA3077MLevel 62026-27What is the role of the director? What is the difference between directing an existing text and directing a piece 'from scratch'? What are the artistic and aesthetic concerns of the director, and what does it mean to direct theatre in the twenty-first century? This module introduces students to the practical process of classical and contemporary methodologies for directing theatre, from researching the script, through casting and rehearsals to auteurship, guided improvisation, and material development.OptionalPhysical Theatre 2026-27DRA3048MLevel 62026-27In this module you'll explore a range of approaches to the constantly evolving field of Physical Theatre. Through a series of workshops, you will investigate different techniques, styles, methodologies ranging from classical traditions to contemporary performance. You'll have the opportunity to gain a practical and analytical insight into the countless possibilities of the body in performance - in relation to other bodies, to the space, to the audience. You will work to develop skills that will equip you to use the body expressively, imaginatively, communicatively, collaboratively. You will engage with and draw inspiration from a variety of stimuli - words, images, sounds, scents, objects, culture and society - in order to devise original performances, using the body as the primary vehicle to generate, express and communicate meaning.OptionalProfessional Production 2026-27DRA3078MLevel 62026-27This 30-credit module puts you at the heart of a professional theatre experience, providing the opportunity to rehearse and perform for public audiences. Once you have successfully auditioned for this module, you will begin an intensive development and rehearsal process for the production, before performing a short run for Lincoln Arts Centre. Supported by the Lincoln Arts Centre’s staff, the production will provide invaluable professional experience from audition to final performance.OptionalScriptwriting for Stage and Screen 2026-27 2026-27DRA3060MLevel 62026-27Scriptwriting for Stage and Screen develops students' skills in scriptwriting for film, television and theatre. Through workshop exercises, group feedback, and seminar-based discussion students will study a variety of writing practices, developing the skills to create character, dialogue, and plot for both the stage and the screen. Students will also attain a realistic understanding of theatre, film and television industries, including how to present their work within production contexts.OptionalTheatre for Young Audiences 2026-27DRA3066MLevel 62026-27What part does theatre play in the lives of children today? How do we make such theatre relevant, accessible and alive in a world dominated by screen-based interaction? What is the most appropriate setting and subject matter to engage children in a theatrical experience? Students can form small groups and devise short performances designed to tour to Primary Schools in the City of Lincoln. The tour will usually play in a different Primary School every day for one working week, with audience sizes ranging from 80 - 300 children. The tour will replicate a professional touring model, accompanied by a dedicated Technician with a full complement of audio, visual and lighting equipment. The audience will usually comprise of 4 - 7 year old children, their teachers and teaching or learning assistants. Students will require DBS Checks to tour, and these will be provided by the Lincoln School of Creative Arts.Optional

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

How you are assessed

As this course aims to develop a wide range of practical and intellectual skills, assessment is varied and includes presentations, written projects, individual and group practical work, projects, and portfolios, in addition to academic essays.

There are no formal end-of-year examinations. Throughout the degree, students are assessed through their production of practical and written work.

Specialist Facilities

Students can work and perform in the Lincoln Arts Centre, a £6 million, 450-seat theatre on campus. The Centre hosts a year-round programme of performances from students and national touring companies. Facilities include industry-standard studio and rehearsal spaces. Students on this course receive event/performance credits which can be used against ticketed performances at the Lincoln Arts Centre.

Explore our facilities

Interior of the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre main auditorium with colourful seating

Study Abroad

The growing reputation of the Lincoln School of Creative Arts facilitates partnerships with other international institutions. We have established two exciting ‘study abroad’ affiliations with the University of Ottawa in Canada and at Drury University in Missouri, USA. These partnerships enable up to eight students per year to participate in an exchange programme, where they will study for a term at one of these partner institutions. These international exchange programmes can provide a fantastic opportunity for students to develop life skills, expand the breadth of their education, and enhance their employability upon graduation. Exchange students applying to study outside of Europe do not pay tuition fees at their host university, but continue to pay tuition fees at their home institution. Participants will usually be responsible for all other costs including travel, accommodation, general living expenses, visas, insurance, vaccinations, and administrative fees at the host institution.

Performance Opportunities

Students have the option to apply for The Lincoln Company, the School's professional company of emerging theatre, dance, and performance makers. As the company-in-residence at Lincoln Arts Centre, each year they work to produce and tour high-quality, original performance to venues and festivals around the UK including Edinburgh Festival Fringe – the world’s largest platform for the arts.

A group of students and staff involved in a theatre production posing together on stage

Meet the Students

Level 3 students, Sydney Vanderhoeven-Palmer from our Drama and English course and Caoimhe Shanahan-Peart from Drama and Theatre, share their experiences of studying, practice, and research, and tell us why they applied to Lincoln.

Drama at Lincoln challenged me in the best way, pushing me both as a person and a performer. The diverse range of modules ignited my passion for the wild variety of freelance work I partake in as an actor, theatre-maker, and puppeteer. It was hands down the best three years of my life and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the experience.

What Can I Do with a Drama and Theatre Degree?

Graduates can develop the skills and knowledge relevant to a variety of roles within the theatre industry, including actor, director, playwright, producer, stage manager, and technician. There is the opportunity to progress to related professions in the creative industries, including publishing, marketing, venue programming, and to work in television, film, and radio. Some students may choose to undertake further study at postgraduate level or take qualifications in teaching.

Recent graduate destinations have included theatre making, directing, stage management, technical theatre, producing, arts administration, teaching, BBC radio, BBC television, and drama therapy.

Studying at Lincoln was the best decision I made. It set me up for my career working as an Assistant Director at The Royal Shakespeare Company, an Associate Director at National Theatre, and Director at Curve Theatre. Lincoln provided the skills, knowledge, and understanding of the Arts I needed to pursue my career as a Director.

United Kingdom

112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

A Levels: BBC.

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Arts Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/afyafyub/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

Interviews

As part of the admissions process, applicants are required to attend an interview day with tutors from the Lincoln School of Creative Arts. The interview day consists of a short interview and taster workshops. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, meet staff and students, and see our facilities.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course -Specific Additional Costs

For students who wish to participate in The Lincoln Company's Edinburgh Festival Fringe performances there are additional costs. Students are currently required to contribute £150 towards the cost of attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and are responsible for their travel and general living costs.

Accommodation costs in Edinburgh are covered by the University. An approximate break down of these costs includes £570 for travel, accommodation and a levy to participate, and an additional £200-£400 to cover the cost of meals and entertainment during the trip. These costs are based on those incurred by individual students during the 2015 performances.

Those who choose to undertake a period of study abroad are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.

There may be additional costs associated with external visits.

Take a look at one of our performances!

Check out our performance for our 'Devising & Making' module from our BA (Hons) Drama & Theatre first years. This is just one of the exciting and diverse productions that our students create and perform.

My time at Lincoln was the most enjoyable, creative, and though-provoking time of my life. The lecturers helped to provoke and inspire me, leading me into my current career as a Drama teacher. I certainly made the right choice going to Lincoln - I made friends for life and learnt things I’ll never forget.

Find out More at an Open Day

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

Book Your Place

Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine

BA (Hons)
Drama and Theatre

Key Information

Duration

Part-time

Typical Offer

Campus

Validation Status

UCAS Code

Academic Year

United Kingdom

International