Introduction
Discover how our societies have shaped and been shaped by English literature, and explore different modes of performance with our BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature degree in Cambridge.
Performing is at the core of our Drama and English Literature degree at ARU.
Grow into a confident, versatile and exciting drama practitioner, while exploring classic literature and genres ranging from sci-fi to children’s books.
You’ll work on public-productions and smaller-scale projects, exploring drama practices and texts from the 20th century onwards as well as working on original pieces. Alongside this, you’ll explore many other subjects including history, politics, philosophy and religion as well as developing your literacy and communication skills.
Your deeper understanding of literary texts will improve your ability to interpret dramatic texts and your performance skills.
Our BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature degree lets you weight your studies to your own interests and career goals. Prepare for a career in the arts or fields such as teaching – and get ready to change the way others see the world.
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Understanding the importance of literature and drama to society is the main focus of our BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature degree.
Here at ARU, the focus is on an experiential, 'learning-through-doing' programme. Your degree will see you choosing from a range of career-focused optional modules, completing either a 100% practical drama Major Project or an English literature one, and graduating with a professionally produced showreel and portfolio.
Connect with Cambridge’s performance scene through our links to local networks such as Cambridge Arts Network and Cambridge Live. You’ll get the chance to perform in public venues around Cambridge as well as on campus, in the Mumford Theatre and Covent Garden Studio.
Experience being part of a professional troupe with our very own Community Theatre Company and take the chance to perform and collaborate with other creative industries students.
Take the opportunity to go on field trips and attend productions to broaden your real-world experience. We’ll also support you to find placements and work experience and you can also take an optional placement year.
Improve your creative and critical writing skills, and develop your technical and production skills in our specialist facilities. Our technical officers will be on hand to offer help and support.
You can also choose to study abroad for a semester, with funding available to help cover the cost.
Facilities
As part of your Drama studies at ARU, you’ll have access to all of our creative industries facilities including:
- our on-campus Mumford Theatre for workshops, rehearsals and putting on shows, as well as seeing professional touring companies and musicians
- two dedicated drama studios, including a highly flexible black-box performance space
- a dance rehearsal room including audio playback facilities, portable dance mirrors, gymnastic mats and a sprung floor
- an additional rehearsal space.
Opportunities
During your time at ARU, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- develop your technical and production skills.
- put on productions on campus, in our Mumford Theatre, and at a commercial venue in Cambridge.
- volunteer with our Anglia Ruskin Community Theatre Company, and experience being part of a professional ensemble.
- gain valuable work experience through placements and live briefs.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Careers
Our Drama and English Literature BA (Hons) degree will give you practical experience as a performer or technician, and the academic understanding to be a director or a teacher.
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MA Dramatherapy or MA English Literature. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
Main
- 96 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent), preferably to include Drama, Theatre Studies or a related subject.
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above.
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