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De Montfort University · Undergraduate
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Arts Bachelor's degree at De Montfort University
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Arts at De Montfort University covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.
BA (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
85%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Ignite your passion for performance with our innovative programme, designed to empower aspiring actors with the skills, versatility, and confidence to thrive across theatre, film, and emerging digital platforms. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Arts is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at De Montfort University. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Drama graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 40% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £20,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Music & Performing Arts, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
7.8
/ 10
Strong
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong70
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent85
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Block 1: Body, Voice, TextCore
Module details
This module will introduce you to the ways in which the body and the voice can be used as key tools to interpret and realise performance texts. You will learn to work through the body and voice with greater confidence and expressiveness, alongside exploring ways in which to use both the body and the voice to pursue specific goals that are informed by the play and the intentions of the playwright. You will collaborate in dynamic and improvisatory ways on key scenes from carefully chosen plays exp
Assessment: Creative Portfolio, 40%: Critical writings analysing and contextualising key aspects of the work produced during the module. Solo Performance, 60%: 6-minute performance using the body and voice.
- Block 2: Journeys and PlacesCore
Module details
In this module you will explore journeys and places – concepts and practices that cross multiple, intersecting subject areas – from an interdisciplinary perspective. Themes such as gender and placemaking, (im)mobilities, identity, belonging, and performance cultures and city spaces will be explored in interactive lectures by staff across different subject areas. You will then apply these ideas in practical Drama workshops to artist case studies, site-specific performance, movement and physicalit
Assessment: Essay, 30%: 1,000-word essay analysing one of the performances by a selected artist or company. Performance, 70%: 6-8-minute solo performance or 10-15-minute group performance based around one of the themes of the module.
- Block 3: Revolutions: Staging PlaysCore
Module details
In this module, you will practically and critically explore key revolutionary moments in theatre history through close engagement with play texts. Through detailed study of the plays, you will examine what makes these texts important to our knowledge and understanding of theatre and performance. The module will provide opportunity for the development of performance skills by learning new techniques for auditions, directing work, and theatrical performance practice.
Assessment: Essay, 40%: 2,000-word essay analysing the staging and performance choices in a case study text. Solo Performance or Presentation, 60%: 6-minute performance or presentation demonstrating close engagement with performance skills and detailed textual analysis.
- Block 4: Theatre Company: EnsembleCore
Module details
This module introduces you to ensemble theatre making with a focus on collaborative working. You will be introduced to a variety of case studies to help you identify different methodologies and techniques which will then be applied to the realisation of short scenes working from text or through the devising process. Workshop sessions will provide the opportunity to explore different ways of working practically. You will also explore how to market theatrical performance and how to manage the rehe
Assessment: Portfolio, 30%: Portfolio reflecting on contribution to the rehearsal process and presenting marketing ideas. Performance, 70%: 15-minute group performance demonstrating creative, interpretive, collaborative, and performance-based skills.
Year 2 3 modules
- Block 1: Making Theatre and PerformanceCore
Module details
This module will develop your skills in the processes and practices of theatre and performance making. You will explore a series of approaches in relation to devising or directing through practical exercises, critical analysis of performance texts, theories, and contexts of performance making, and through independent research and development.
Assessment: Performance, 70%: 10-minute solo performance or 15-20-minute group performance on a topic and using an approach of choosing. Reflection, 30%: 1,500-word essay or 10-minute viva voce critically analysing and reflecting on the processes and outcomes of performances.
- Block 2: Exploring Work and SocietyCore
Module details
This module focuses on specific skills and knowledge to enable you to adapt and flourish in professional environments and contexts. An emphasis on the enhancement of core attributes, competencies and transferable skills will help prepare you for diverse and dynamic working environments beyond university. The introduction of reflective practices to support your long-term professional development will give you a greater understanding of the worlds of work that are connected to Drama and Theatre Ar
Assessment: Portfolio, 100%: 3000 word/15-minute submission consisting of five elements which build on class-work, including a critical reflection on progress throughout the module.
- Block 3: Revolutions: Acting and DirectingCore
Module details
In this module, you will practically and critically explore key revolutionary moments in theatre history through close engagement with plays. Through detailed study of the texts, you will consider how the staging and creation of work changes from a range of cultural and historical perspectives. The module provides practical experience of staging defining moments in theatre history.
Assessment: Group Performance, 50%: 30-minute performance applying understanding of theatre and performance practice.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course equips you with performance skills, versatility and confidence across theatre, film and emerging digital platforms. You'll usually begin with performance foundations, principal-study lessons, ensemble work and performance classes alongside musicianship, theory and the history of music from early music to the present day. In your second year, technique deepens through recitals and larger ensemble projects; you'll also explore composition, music technology and teaching skills. By year three, you move into a specialist pathway such as performance, composition, musicology or music production, alongside professional development in the business side of creative careers. The course typically culminates in a final recital, portfolio or major project.
Who it's for
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; 95% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent. The typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students was 112–127 points.
University & format
This BA (Hons) course is delivered full-time over three years at De Montfort University, a public university located in Leicester. Instruction is in English. The degree is recognised nationally as a UK degree-awarding qualification. The university holds a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Entry candidates have typically held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with a common UCAS tariff of 112–127 points among recent accepted students.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Published entryBBC, 112 UCAS points, DMM typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Contextual offersPublished by this provider
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
PlacementPublished placement option
Paid placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Open daysOpen Days - Book your place
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBC, 112 UCAS points, DMM. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent95% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 112 - 127 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check De Montfort University's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Offer-based entry
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeW400quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code W400). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask De Montfort University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£16,800 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at De Montfort University →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All De Montfort University funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
undergraduate students with household income £50,000 or less
Check eligibility →students with household income £50,000 or less
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Music & Performing Arts graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £20,000 | £19,000 – £27,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £19,500 | £14,500 – £24,000 | 100 |
| 5 years after | £25,000 | £20,500 – £28,000 | 105 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
85%
in work or further study 15 months on
40%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
60%
find their work meaningful
60%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in music & performing arts · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Music & Performing Arts nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£20,000
£20,000 – £28,000After 3 years LEO
£19,500
£15,725 – £22,200After 5 years LEO
£25,000
£19,975 – £28,200national rangethis course’s medianaxis £14,500 – £29,500
National figures for Music & Performing Arts graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
85 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
85% working0% working and studying0% in further study40% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Music & Performing Arts courses at the same study level.
This course £25,000Peer median £23,500Middle 50% £22,500–£25,500
70th percentile
Compared with 527 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 55; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Music & Performing Arts graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Music & Performing Arts courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Music & Performing Arts graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Orchestras & ensembles
- Schools & conservatoires
- Studios & venues
- Media & freelance
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Music & Performing Arts graduates.
Music Tech Beta Liaison & Support SpecialistinMusic Brands, Inc.Music QTSColmore Education Recruitment LtdMusic Teachers in HuddersfieldAcademicsMusic Rights Operations & Data Services LeadPPLMusic Engagement Officer - Alternative Provision · Coventry MusicMusiceducationukMusic Audio & Tech Support Desk SpecialistMandarin RecruitmentLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
📈
Where graduates go
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £20,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.8 out of 10: NSS 69.9% · in work or study 85% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
De Montfort University
All students23,155
International31.8%
Aged 25+27.3%
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
Students178,755
Aged 25+15.7%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around De Montfort University
4,747 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 1557Public Order 619Anti Social Behaviour 570Shoplifting 499Criminal Damage Arson 362
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Music & Performing Arts right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to De Montfort University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £16,800 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check De Montfort University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with De Montfort University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at De Montfort University
Music & Performing Arts at other universities
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated foundation year)Aberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated year in professional practice)Aberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) Drama & Theatre StudiesAberystwyth University
BA (Hons) Creative Industries Futures (including Foundation Year)ACMCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by De Montfort University. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Drama graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 40% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £20,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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