Drama and Creative Writing (Including Foundation Year)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Drama and Creative Writing (Including Foundation Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Pathways
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Dance, Drama and Performance
Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies
BA WW81
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

UK and EU applicants:

All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you:

  • think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course;
  • have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC);
  • are returning to university after some time away from education; or
  • are looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Standard offer: Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.

Examples of the above tariff may include:

  • A-levels: DDD
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP
  • T-levels: Pass with E in core

If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, please get in touch for advice.

Mature applicants and non-traditional academic backgrounds:

We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications). We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.

International applicants:

Essex Pathways Department is unable to accept applications from international students. Foundation pathways for international students are available at the University of Essex International College and are delivered and awarded by Kaplan, in partnership with the University of Essex. Successful completion will enable you to progress to the relevant degree course at the University of Essex.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, 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.

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

Staff photo
Dr Christina Papagiannouli

Research Fellow

University of South Wales

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 0 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  IA195-3-FY-CO  Research and Academic Development Skills  Core  30  30 
02  IA139-3-FY-CO  Post-War Britain: Identity, Culture, Conflict and Change  Core  30  30 
03  IA187-3-FY-CO  Analysing Film, Text and Image  Core  30  30 
04  IA188-3-FY-CO  Theory of Knowledge  Core  30  30 

Year 1 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  TH141-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Theatre Studies  Compulsory  30  30 
02  LT191-4-AU-CO  The Writer's Toolkit  Compulsory  15  15 
03  LT146-4-AU-CO  Writing for the Radio  Compulsory  15  15 
04  LT705-4-SP-CO  The Humanities Graduate: Future Pathways  Compulsory  15  15 
05    TH145-4-AU or TH142-4-AU  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
06    TH143-4-SP or Option from list  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
07    LT143-4-AU or Option from list  Compulsory with Options  15  15 

Year 2 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  TH241-5-FY-CO  Theatre and Performance Makers  Compulsory  30  30 
02  LT245-5-SP-CO  Creative Non-Fiction  Compulsory  15  15 
03  LT209-5-AU-CO  Writing Structures  Compulsory  15  15 
04    TH245-5-FY or TH243-5-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
05    LT219-5-SP or option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    TH831-6-FY or LT832-6-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
03    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

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

A creative, flexible, rigorous Humanities degree within our multi-disciplinary environment. The degree is balanced 50-50 between the disciplines of Drama and Creative Writing.

  • It involves the study of many aspects of theatre from classic to contemporary texts, and to explore themes in drama such as gender, identity, tragedy, human rights, immersive theatre, devising and playwriting.
  • Students will also acquire skills in technical theatre, design and stage management, and will be assessed in a range of ways from essay-writing, to performance, devised work, solo projects and group work.
  • In creative writing students work on the craft of writing through a multi-genre approach, studying a variety of literary contexts to develop writing skills and share and evaluate creative work with their peers.
  • Students will expand their knowledge of writing practice across different modes and genres and have the opportunity to practice this knowledge in their assessments.


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: A selection of dramatic texts from Ancient Greek times to the present day

A2: Major theatre genres which might include: Didactic theatre, Expressionism, Naturalism, Surrealism, Epic, Theatre of the Absurd

A3: Exposure to range theatre and Performance Studies theorists

A4: Understanding of Performance Art/Contemporary Performance Practices

A5: Grounding in new writing/contemporary playwrights

A6: Studying a selection of literary texts both historical and contemporary.

A7: Developing awareness of major literary genres and experimental forms

A8: Understanding of historical and contemporary creative writing practices

A9: Methods of critical analysis and argument

Learning methods

The principal methods of delivery for A1 to A9 are lectures, seminars, and practice-based theatre/creative writing classes/workshops, as well as field trips and talks from invited speakers. Some modules also include week-long intensives that embed mentorship from professional practitioners within the curriculum.

Understanding is reinforced by a combination of class assignments, group/independent project work and continually assessed coursework. Many creative projects allow scope for students to self-lead; after receiving a grounding in examining a range of global extant practices, students can determine the focus of their own work with close supervision and mentorship.

Assessment methods

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment methods, such as written course work (essays, critical reflective writing etc.), group/solo practical projects, seminar presentations, creative writing, creative multimedia portfolios etc.

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: Analyse and evaluate a wide range of literary texts

B3: Synthesise relevant information in order to develop a rational, coherent argument

B4: Synthesise relevant information in order to develop creative work

Learning methods

Intellectual and cognitive skills are developed through seminars, practice-based seminars and workshops.

Coursework and final year independent projects enable students to apply these skills

Assessment methods

B1/B2/B3 are assessed through written course work/seminar presentations

The main assessment methods include group/solo theatre presentations and creative writing projects.

C: Practical skills

C1: Apply a critical methodology to the analysis of primary texts

C2: Develop an individual style of creative and critical writing/the ability to present effective practical theatre/creative writing projects

C3: Apply principles of research to appropriate secondary reading

C4: The ability to plan, manage and conduct a group activity

Learning methods

Practical skills are developed during workshops (C2)

Students develop their creative practice and production skills through a cycle of practice, feedback and critical reflection (C1)

Assessment methods

The main assessment method for practical skills is marked practical theatre/creative writing coursework.

C4 can involve both tutor and peer group assessment

D: Key skills

D1: Present ideas and evidence, both orally and in writing, effectively and clearly

D2: Use appropriate IT to research and present materials.

D3: Managing allocated budgets where relevant (e.g. for Independent Practical Projects)

D4: Analyse relevant materials, identifying problems and creatively proposing solutions

D5: Participate effectively as a member of a group. Contribute to the management of practice-based projects

D6: Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating self-organisation and time-management, and being receptive to feedback in the form of written comments on coursework and oral communication; an ability to reflect on their own work and to respond constructively to the comments of others.

Learning methods

Generic skills are taught and learned throughout the degree through a range of strategies.

These include - requiring students to give oral presentations, specific assignments requiring bibliographic and web searches, class discussion class preparation, essay preparation (producing formative essay plans etc.)

Assessment methods

Key skills are assessed throughout the degree through continuous assessed coursework.

Communication skills are assessed by coursework and examinations including theatre presentations and oral presentations.

IT skills are a component in the evaluation of most assessed work which requires bibliographic and web searches. For some modules, students develop advanced industry-specific technical skills related to theatre production, or digital components/submissions (e.g. multimedia creative portfolios etc.)

Problem-solving skills are assessed across almost all assignments.

Skills in improving learning and performance are also assessed through the related structured progression of formal assessed work, through formative assignments and iterative sharings of work-in-development.


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.