Take centre stage with a degree in drama at Plymouth, where you’ll work with experts from the University, the renowned Theatre Royal Plymouth and the wider industry. Plymouth itself will become your stage as you put together your own productions across the city. Immerse yourself in how things work both on and off stage. Learn by doing, taking on the challenge of staging a full-length play – from bidding for funding to the final performance in the University’s award-winning theatre.

Whether you haven't yet submitted your application, you're worried about whether university is for you, or if you don't meet the entry requirements to apply for a three-year degree, a foundation year may be the perfect route to a full degree.
Our foundation year courses are specifically designed to introduce and develop essential skills for success in higher education.

Benefit from a diverse and broad-spectrum programme, equipping you with a breadth of theatre-making expertise and transferable skills.

As a graduate you can pursue careers in performance and arts industries, as well as in teaching, research, arts management and administration.

Explore all aspects of contemporary design practice for theatre and the live performance, including set and costume design; construction; digital technologies and design; lighting design and audio visual; site-specific design; puppetry; heritage installation; and design for community and education. The course is facilitated by the highly skilled team of staff and technicians who have years of professional and academic knowledge.

Key features:
You’ll have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement of up to a year in length. Dependent on the duration of your placement, you could gain an additional Diploma or Certificate in Professional Practice.
This course is a member of the Performance Design Education Collective (PDEC), and the Society of British Theatre Designers (SBTD). Through these, we are also a member of the International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT).
Our facilities promote collaboration and innovation. You’ll be working alongside artists, designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, and filmmakers.
All first-year students within the Nottingham School of Art and Design will work together on a joint project.
Study in dedicated facilities, including a studio theatre, construction and paint workshops, and large teaching spaces.
Work on live projects with industry such as The Royal National Theatre, Birmingham Opera Company, The National Trust and Nottingham Playhouse.
Go on study visits for inspiration, research, and experience, including live performances, museums and heritage and educational organisations.
Enter competitions set by organisations such as The Royal National Theatre’s Connections festival, and the Linbury Prize.
During your time here, you will be given the opportunity to showcase your work to members of the creative industries.
Opportunity to apply for a European or international exchange to one of our partner institutions, such as Ryerson University in Canada.

Explore your creativity as you develop skills in dance, drama and technology.

This course invites you to explore performance from a variety of angles, encompassing dance, drama and interactive performance – not just as separate subjects, but allowing you to work at the intersection between them. As well as developing into a well-rounded, multidisciplinary performer, as you progress, you will be able to pursue and define your own area of specialism.

The Performing Arts course at Chester is taught by a knowledgeable group of staff who come from a wide variety of performance backgrounds, which will enable you to draw from a wide variety of skillsets and knowledge bases in order to help craft your own niche in this field.

While the course will focus on live performance in dance and drama, you will also learn about interactivity and the use of technology in performance, using the latest software and hardware.

In the 2020 NSS, Performing Arts as a subject grouping scored above the sector average for teaching on my course, assessment and feedback, academic support, learning resources and overall satisfaction.

As a student studying Performing Arts you'll benefit from excellent links with the professional industry, both nationally and internationally