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Study drama abroad
An in-depth guide to studying drama as an international student.
Drama degrees abroad
Drama is a broad field of academic study that explores the role, function, and operation of the theater across different cultures and time frames. It’s sometimes called theater studies or theater arts.
As a drama student, you’ll use theory and practice to explore how theater performances are shaped by social and historical contexts. You’ll study a range of texts, techniques, and traditions, helping you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Every culture and society expresses itself differently through theater. By studying drama abroad, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of how local culture and traditions influence the type and style of performances across the globe. Drawing on these new methods and techniques will mold you into an adaptive and well-rounded storyteller.
Drama program structure
Students can study drama at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Undergraduate degrees are usually studied as a BA, but some institutions will offer a Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA). The difference between these degrees is minimal and they will both last between three or four years.
Once you’ve completed your BA, you can go on to study a master’s over one or two years. The most advanced level of study is a PhD, which typically takes around five years to complete.
Drama is a great joint-honors option. This means that it can be easily studied alongside another related subject, like English, creative writing, music, or film. A joint-honors degree can give you more freedom to tailor your program to your specific interests and strengths.
Drama programs are usually taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. You can expect to be assessed in a variety of ways including, written exams, essays, performances, presentations, and group projects.
On most drama programs, you’ll study a range of theoretical and practical modules. Although these will vary from university to university, here are some of the areas you can expect to study:
- Theories and contexts of drama
- Playwriting
- Acting for stage
- Theater skills
- Stage and screen productions
- Production design
- Stage management
- Reading and staging theater texts
Drama program structure
Students can study drama at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Undergraduate degrees are usually studied as a BA, but some institutions will offer a Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA). The difference between these degrees is minimal and they will both last between three or four years.
Once you’ve completed your BA, you can go on to study a master’s over one or two years. The most advanced level of study is a PhD, which typically takes around five years to complete.
Drama is a great joint-honors option. This means that it can be easily studied alongside another related subject, like English, creative writing, music, or film. A joint-honors degree can give you more freedom to tailor your program to your specific interests and strengths.
Drama programs are usually taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. You can expect to be assessed in a variety of ways including, written exams, essays, performances, presentations, and group projects.
On most drama programs, you’ll study a range of theoretical and practical modules. Although these will vary from university to university, here are some of the areas you can expect to study:
- Theories and contexts of drama
- Playwriting
- Acting for stage
- Theater skills
- Stage and screen productions
- Production design
- Stage management
- Reading and staging theater texts
Types of drama degrees
How to study drama abroad
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Drama study abroad programs
Drama undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in drama
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Drama - BA (Hons) Ulster University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,891 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,480 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Education Secondary and Drama - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,270 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,300 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Drama and Film Studies - BA (Hons) Edge Hill University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,827 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,250 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Drama and Acting - BA (Hons) University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,858 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Drama - BA (Hons) University of Northampton, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,720 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,900 GBP
- Start date
- September
Associate in drama
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Drama - AA Seattle Central College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,687 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD
- Start date
- September, June, April, January
Drama graduate programs
Master's in drama
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Actors Studio Drama School - Directing - MFA Pace University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
44,714 USD
Fee in university's local currency 44,714 USD
- Start date
- September, January
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Drama - MPhil University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
21,998 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,895 AUD
- Start date
- September, July, February
-
Drama - MSc (Research) University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,575 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,250 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
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Education: Drama in Education - MEd Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,290 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,850 EUR
- Start date
- September
Doctorate in drama
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Drama - PhD University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,575 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,250 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
Certificate in drama
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Secondary Drama - PGCert Bath Spa University, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,270 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,300 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
-
Secondary English with Drama - GradCert London Metropolitan University, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,446 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,700 GBP
- Start date
- September
Future drama careers
A drama degree opens doors to various career paths. Your communication, teamwork, and presentation skills will be highly valued by a range of employers. You’ll graduate with the tools you need to excel in any of the following roles:
- Actor
- Director
- Dramatherapist
- Music, film or television journalist
- Performing arts teacher
- Theater stage manager
- Community arts worker
- Special effects technician
The world of performing arts is a famously competitive one, so it’s a good idea to gain more experience by joining your university’s drama society. Making use of any theater open days organized by your university, and securing some work experience with local companies, will also help you to stand out from the crowd.
