(BA) Bachelor of Arts
History and Drama (including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BA V116
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: BBB
BTEC: DDM, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 30 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Mark Williams
Senior Lecturer in Early Modern History
Cardiff University
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
1. To impart to students essential skills and methods of historical and dramatic analysis, and a capacity to bring these to bear upon primary and secondary sources
2. To enable students to examine historical events and changes in cross-national, thematic, and comparative perspective, with an understanding of political, social, economic and cultural contexts.
3. To familiarise students with models of historical analysis and varieties of primary sources.
4. To explore concepts and practices of performance and theatre from around the world
5. To study and analyse themes in drama such as gender, identity, tragedy, human rights, immersive theatre, interculturalism, devising and playwriting
6. To foster skills in technical theatre, design and stage management, and voice and movement
7. To enable students to design and conduct an independent study on a specialist topic of their choice.
8. To develop skills of research, analysis and argument that are valuable for a wide range of future careers, further study, and lifetime learning.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles of historical analysis, such as concepts of continuity, change, and comparative analysis
A2: Demonstrate knowledge of historical debate and argument
A3: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the sources available for historical research
A4: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specialised historical topics in greater depth
A5: Demonstrate critical understanding of a selection of dramatic texts
A6: Demonstrate knowledge of performance art, theatre genres and contemporary theatre writing
A7: Explain concepts, themes and practices of performance and theatre
Explain concepts, themes and practices of performance and theatre.
Learning methods
Knowledge of A1-A6 are acquired through lectures, seminars, independent reading and coursework.
A2 is developed in particular in the second-year compulsory module
A4 is the focus of the third-year Research Project.
The principle methods of delivery for A5-A7 are via practice-based theatre seminars, including a programme of workshops as appropriate
Assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding of A1-7 is continuously assessed through coursework and practicals.
Essays are the principal form of coursework assessment, supplemented by a range of other assessments which may include document analyses, reviews, and other shorter assignments; assessed presentations and oral contributions.
The Capstone Project tests knowledge of A5 in particular.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Integrate and evaluate information and data obtained from a variety of sources including books, journal papers, the Internet and theatre performances.
B2: Formulate and answer historical questions and interpretations
B3: Formulate and present ideas and arguments, using historical evidence
B4: Analyse and evaluate a wide range of dramatic texts and the connections between those texts and their contexts
B5: Synthesise relevant information in order to develop a rational, coherent argument
B6: Show some ability to apply theoretical concepts in a practical context
Learning methods
All skills are introduced and developed through in-class discussions, essays, and other written and oral assignments. These will include practice-based seminars and workshops.
The teaching environment of seminars, which emphasises student-focused discussion, enables students to develop all six skills through discussion and practice, and to receive feedback from peers and tutors.
Assessment methods
All skills are assessed through the usual means of coursework and practicals: a variety of types of coursework, including written and practical, across the curriculum assess skills specifically.
C: Practical skills
C1: Critically read and evaluate primary sources, secondary sources, and playtexts
C2: Organise, structure and present an argument in writing, having had guidance in putting forward critical positions
C3: Use accepted conventions of presenting references and bibliographies in writing
C4: Demonstrate the ability to plan, manage and conduct an individual or group project
Demonstrate the ability to plan, manage and conduct an individual or group project
C5: Demonstrate the ability to present effective practical theatre projects
Demonstrate the ability to present effective practical theatre projects
Demonstrate the ability to present effective practical theatre projects.
C6: Be able to articulate to potential employers how skills acquired in the degree are relevant to various career options
Learning methods
Participation in seminar discussion, practical work, and reflection on feedback develops skills C1-C6.
The final year Capstone Project enables students develop skill C4 further
Assessment methods
All skills are assessed through the usual means of coursework and practicals.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate ideas effectively using oral and written means including essays, other written work, oral presentations or contributions, and discussion.
D2: Make appropriate use of information technology to research and present materials
D3: Analyse and explain data, understand and produce answers to essay questions, and manage work timetables
D4: Participate effectively as a member of a group to the benefit of oneself and others
D5: Use feedback from tutors to improve written and oral work and reflect on progress
Learning methods
Communication skills are developed through seminar discussions and project-based work. The development of communication skills may also be enhanced through more formal oral presentations in seminars, with further information supplied through subsequent questions and answers.
Students are expected to acquire IT skills based on initial guidance and support.
Problem-solving, communication, working with others and improving own learning and performance are implicit throughout the degree.
Students are given the opportunity to work constructively and productively in groups, particularly as part of the practical components of the degree.
Students are provided with extensive feedback and opportunities to reflect on their own learning throughout the programme
Assessment methods
Key skills are assessed through the usual methods of coursework, including evaluation of seminar performance, and also for D1, D4 by examination.
Management of work timetables is assessed by the requirement that students meet coursework deadlines and deadlines in the preparation and submission of their final-year dissertation