(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Drama and Creative Writing (including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Dance, Drama and Performance
Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies
BA WW82
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB, including one essay based subject
BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655, including a Higher Level essay based subject grade 5.
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: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 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 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.
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
A101: To provide the opportunity to apply academic learning outcomes in a work-related context
A102: To develop essential work-based skills throughout the placement
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.