History and Drama (including Year Abroad)

Staff member? Login here

Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
History and Drama (including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BA V117
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved 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, email Undergraduate Admissions
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page. or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

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.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

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

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

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.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  HR173-4-FY-CO  Rebellious Pasts: Challenging and Creating Histories  Compulsory  30  30 
02  TH141-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Theatre Studies  Compulsory  30  30 
03    Two option(s) from TH142-4-SP, TH143-4-AU, TH145-4-SP  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
04    History option from list  Optional  30  30 
05  CS107-4-SP-CO  Beyond the BA: Skills for the Next Step  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  HR242-5-FY-CO  Exploring History: Research Workshop  Compulsory  30  30 
02  TH241-5-FY-CO  Theatre and Performance Makers  Compulsory  30  30 
03    History option from list  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
04    Theatre Studies option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05    History option from list  Optional  15  15 
06  CS207-5-AU-CO  Beyond the BA: Building Career and Employability Readiness  Compulsory 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  AW121-6-FY-CO  Abroad Module 120 Credits  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    HR831-6-FY or TH831-6-FY or TH836-6-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02    Final year History option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
03    Final year Theatre Studies option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Final year Theatre Studies or History option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05  CS307-6-AU-CO  Beyond the BA: Preparing for Life as a Graduate  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

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


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.