Drama and English Literature

From classic texts to new and experimental writing, you'll be asked to think differently about what ‘literature’ can be and to explore original ways of reading and analysing it.

Making is at the heart of your Drama studies: you’ll work as part of a theatre company with other students from the Drama degree to develop skills in playwriting, musical theatre, production and media, performance-making and applied theatre.

Year one
The first year introduces key concepts and skills that underpin the subjects of English Literature and Drama Education Studies and allows you to ask questions, challenge your own assumptions and interrogate a range of critical evidence, texts and authors.

You’ll gain skills in performing and directing, theatre production, performance, and working with play texts as part of a theatrical ensemble.

Year two
You’ll focus on developing your own critical voice through the study of texts and reading practices that speak to diverse audiences.

You'll get the opportunity to apply yourself in a variety of performance projects and create original work. You can explore particular areas such as physical theatre, applied theatre, musical theatre and theatre production.

You can also choose to take a Professional Placement Year between the second and third year.

Year three
In English Literature we enable you to focus your studies on particular topics. You can also opt for an extended piece of writing and research or choose from a variety of practical projects. Previously, students have created digital resources, worked at literary festivals, and produced educational materials, to name a few examples.

You’ll be able to choose from optional Drama modules in areas that are of particular interest to you, with an emphasis on collaboration, industry input, and creating work for a variety of audiences, including the general public.

Assessment varies across the two subjects and includes essays, journals and magazines, presentations, performance, playwriting and script analysis.

You'll be taught through a range of activities including lectures, workshops, group seminars, one-to-one tutorials, practical classes, rehearsals, work placements and theatre visits.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Your Drama studies will be enhanced by visits from industry professionals, who’ll help you to explore topics such as playwriting, directing, acting, television production, theatre in education, and children’s theatre. We have partnerships with local venues, local schools and local community groups. You'll also get the chance to take part in Dramafest – a festival of performance that's devised and run entirely by our students. 

Your combined studies will equip you with creative, collaborative, writing, presentational, analytical and communication skills that will prepare you for a wide range of career paths.

Many of our graduates find employment in the creative industries, including theatre, media and publishing. You’ll also be well-placed to progress onto postgraduate study or teacher training.

During and even after your studies, you’ll have access to our Bath Spa Careers team, who'll help you forge a fulfilling future.

There are annual prizes for the best overall performance in both core English Literature modules in years one and two, and a very special prize for the best final year English Project.

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Your studies will be based at our Newton Park campus. You'll have access to excellent facilities including:

• Virtual Learning Environment
• Library and Digital Learning Spaces
• Writing and Learning Centre
• English Language Unit
• Specialist Library resources and dedicated Subject Librarian
• Courses on LinkedIn Learning
• University Theatre
• University Theatre studios
• Ashton Drama studio
• Commons lecture and seminar rooms
• Michael Tippett Centre: auditorium / practice rooms
• TV Studios

We have a wide range of high-quality online resources to complement the books and journals you have access to in our Library, as well as digital publishing facilities, historical and modern printing presses, and industry-standard broadcast media facilities.