Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance BA
AAB at A level; graduates earn a median £22,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
95% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer; you don't need to have an a level in theatre or drama.
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
Who actually got in: 95% with A levels, 2% with other higher education. 10% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 55 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher | — |
| BTEC | DDDDDD We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma | — |
| IB | 35 points | — |
| T Level | Distinction overall including grade A in the Core T Level subjects in AccountingDistinction overall including grade A in the Core T Level subjects in Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Digital Bus | A in the Core T Level subjects in Accounting |
| Scottish Highers | AABBB | — |
Years 1–3
What do you study?
6compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: arts & humanities 79% · language & communication 11% · transversal skills 8% · social & cultural skills 3%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Approaches to Directing and Design
What you learn (6)
- collaborate proactively and generously with others under time pressure
- devise rehearsal and performance strategies suited to a script and venue
- apply unfamiliar directing and design approaches to practical work
- construct coherent artistic rationales backed by supporting evidence
- present complex theatrical ideas clearly using standard documentation formats
- organise own time to meet project deadlines
- Playwriting in Practice
What you learn (5)
- devise an original dramatic scene concept
- structure a dramatic scene with a coherent plot
- construct characters suited to a dramatic scene
- compose dialogue that conveys character objectives
- analyse craft techniques used in successful scripts
- Histories and Politics of Theatre-Making
What you learn (6)
- describe the historical circumstances that gave rise to particular plays
- identify the historical origins of specific performance styles
- analyse how sociopolitical forces shape historical context
- explain how historical context influences stage representation
- construct a coherent argument in essay form
- communicate ideas clearly in written academic prose
- Theatre-Making Workshop
What you learn (8)
- apply an exploratory, ensemble-based approach to devising performance
- reflect on how performance theory and practice relate to storytelling, space and the body
- analyse performances through spoken discussion
- analyse performances through written critique
- apply rehearsal-room and workshop techniques creatively to performance stimuli
- identify features of performance stimuli that create opportunities and challenges
- rehearse material using the conventions of performance language
- perform material demonstrating command of performance language
- Performance Project: Acting
What you learn (6)
- describe the responsibilities and function of an actor in performance
- develop a reflective and informed approach to character portrayal
- collaborate effectively within a group to produce ensemble performance
- rehearse performance material using appropriate theatrical techniques
- apply knowledge of performance language when presenting a role
- evaluate the opportunities and difficulties a play text presents for an actor
- Why Theatre?
What you learn (7)
- explain the distinctive characteristics of theatre as an art form
- analyse plays using critical frameworks
- analyse theatre productions using critical frameworks
- construct a reasoned argument about how plays generate meaning
- construct a reasoned argument about how productions generate meaning
- present ideas clearly to an audience
- engage constructively with others' ideas in discussion
Year 2 · 4 core, 4 optional · 80 credits ≈ 800 hours
- Theatre Texts & Contexts
What you learn (4)
- describe generic, cultural and historical diversity of a performance tradition
- analyse scripts and performances within historical and contemporary contexts
- present analytical findings through discussion and written work
- apply practical techniques to perform demanding scripts
- Collaborative Theatre-Making
What you learn (9)
- perform rehearsal tasks to a professional industry standard
- plan and direct a self-led research and development process
- manage own creative investigation without external direction
- run structured rehearsal sessions independently
- coordinate group rehearsal sessions effectively
- compose reflective written accounts of personal creative practice
- analyse the theatre-making process through reflective writing
- generate original creative responses to performance briefs
- explain how personal practice relates to the broader theatre industry
- Current Trends in Theatre
What you learn (7)
- critique current and emerging theatre-making trends
- situate contemporary theatre trends within their historical context
- evaluate the significance of emerging developments in theatre practice
- articulate a personal position on current debates in theatre-making
- develop a reasoned response to contemporary theatre debates
- plan a short independent research project on a theatre topic
- conduct independent research into a selected theatre topic
- Performance Project
What you learn (7)
- evaluate diverse approaches to theatre-making from theoretical and practical perspectives
- apply new processes for creating theatre productions
- explain ethical and political challenges involved in producing theatre
- explain interpersonal and practical challenges of staging a production
- research creative and production processes to inform practice
- produce a well-researched, high-quality theatre performance
- manage time and budget constraints to deliver a production
4 optional modules
- Political Theatres
What you learn (7)
- compare intellectual approaches to political theatre
- apply practical approaches to political theatre-making
- analyse how politics is expressed in playtexts
- analyse how politics is conveyed in performance
- apply practical strategies to stage political themes
- construct an argument about a script's political impact
- support an argument with relevant textual evidence
- Playwriting for Performance
What you learn (7)
- develop an original concept for a short stage play
- research source material relevant to a stage play idea
- plan the structure of a short dramatic script
- collaborate with peers in a playwriting workshop
- give constructive feedback on peers' scripts
- apply feedback received to revise a script
- produce a complete one-act script for performance
- Theatre as Industry
What you learn (8)
- apply core processes used in theatre production
- explain current funding models affecting theatre organisations
- describe freelance working practices within the theatre sector
- describe marketing approaches used in the theatre industry
- evaluate own practical work against professional practitioners' methods
- relate practical experience to relevant literature on theatre practice
- explain how professional theatre organisations operate
- compile a portfolio demonstrating readiness for a production role
- Performance Design
What you learn (6)
- describe a range of design processes used in performance
- apply practical skills in a chosen design specialism
- generate an original design concept for a production
- communicate and deliver a design proposal to a deadline
- develop a personal aesthetic approach within a design specialism
- evaluate critically the role of design within performance
Year 3 · 5 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Main Stage Theatre Production: Practice
What you learn (6)
- apply practical theatre skills to stage a public performance
- analyse a play's text and dramaturgy to inform research
- translate dramaturgical research into a live performance
- collaborate within a large team to produce a theatre show
- meet production deadlines through effective time management
- apply project management skills to coordinate a production
- Independent Research Project: Proposal and Planning
What you learn (10)
- identify a research field relevant to study
- narrow a broad topic into a specific research question
- apply research skills to search diverse resources
- compile a list of relevant sources for a research topic
- evaluate arguments in existing literature critically
- write a research proposal demonstrating scholarly investigation
- apply theoretical frameworks to plan research
- adapt theoretical frameworks to suit research needs
- give constructive feedback on draft research work
- apply received feedback to improve draft work
- Main Stage Theatre Production: Processes
What you learn (5)
- relate own theatre practice to wider established and emerging practice
- analyse the key creative decisions shaping a main stage production
- report clearly on the rationale behind production choices
- critique peers' contributions to collaborative production work constructively
- plan future creative work to enhance personal employability
- Either Independent Group Production Project OR Independent Playwriting Project
What you learn (25)
- apply acquired performance skills to stage a public production
- collaborate with peers to produce a high-standard performance
- manage research, rehearsal and staging within deadlines and budget
- interpret a script's demands and dramatic opportunities with sensitivity
- maintain aesthetic and stylistic coherence through group and individual work
- evaluate the effectiveness and scope of the research and development process
- report clearly on module work and outcomes
- apply acquired design skills to a public performance
- collaborate with peers to create a cohesive high-quality production
- create a design responsive to a script's narrative and dramatic demands
- realise a design within set deadlines and budget constraints
- evaluate the effectiveness and scope of the research and development process
- report clearly on module work and outcomes
- compile a portfolio documenting design decisions and role responsibilities
- apply acquired production and publicity skills to a public festival
- collaborate with peers to deliver a festival within deadlines and budget
- demonstrate project management skills including scheduling and budgeting
- communicate effectively to coordinate with multiple groups
- design effective publicity materials for an event
- devise and implement a marketing strategy for an event
- organise front-of-house operations and health and safety procedures
- conduct oneself professionally with staff and the public
- evaluate the effectiveness and scope of the research and development process
- report clearly on module work and outcomes
- compile an electronic portfolio documenting role responsibilities and creative decisions
- Independent Research Project: Extended Essay
What you learn (9)
- conduct a substantial research project using suitable methods
- devise and complete an original independent project building on prior study
- locate relevant source material from archives and libraries
- select and apply sources appropriately with supervisor guidance
- formulate a focused research question for investigation
- apply critical, analytical and creative techniques to address a research question
- produce a well-structured and coherently argued extended piece of writing
- compile a bibliography following standard referencing conventions
- plan and manage time to complete the project within deadlines
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£22,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£15k
Median£22k
Upper quarter£25k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 45 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 14, 23
Half of graduates earned between £14,500 and £25,000. Five years on, the median is £27,500. 80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 45% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 10% left | 100% | 45 |
| In work or study, 15 months on10% studying | 80% | 25 |
| Professional or managerial job | 45% | 15 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £24,500 | 20 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £22,000 | 45 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £27,500 | 50 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £27,800 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
88%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 70% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 35 students answered
Highest: 97% agreed on question 2; lowest: 34% on question 10.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 91% |
| Question 2 | 97% |
| Question 3 | 94% |
| Question 4 | 91% |
| Question 5 | 89% |
| Question 6 | 80% |
| Question 7 | 91% |
| Question 8 | 86% |
| Question 9 | 89% |
| Question 10 | 34% |
| Question 11 | 63% |
| Question 12 | 66% |
| Question 13 | 91% |
| Question 14 | 71% |
| Question 15 | 91% |
| Question 16 | 86% |
| Question 17 | 71% |
| Question 18 | 78% |
| Question 19 | 72% |
| Question 20 | 94% |
| Question 21 | 91% |
| Question 22 | 85% |
| Question 23 | 71% |
| Question 24 | 59% |
| Question 25 | 79% |
| Question 26 | 88% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.