Drama and Theatre / History at Aberystwyth University

Drama & Theatre studies with History at Aberystwyth University allows you to explore the historic and established forms of what drama, theatre and performance can be now and in the future, alongside a discipline that will enrich you with the broad range of historical periods, and gain an understanding of how and why the world has evolved the way it has. Through the combination of theoretical and practical explorations, you will critically examine and engage with a wide range of performative and historical practices.  

Why study BA Drama and Theatre Studies / History at Aberystwyth?

• We are a vibrant and creative department where drama and theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide.
• History has been taught in Aberystwyth since 1872, making our department the oldest in Wales and one of the foremost in Britain.
• Our history degrees are innovative ensuring you can get the best qualification.
• Across both disciplines, you will have the opportunity to discover a unique combination of creative and critical approaches.
• You will be mentored and taught by our excellent teaching staff with a wide range of expertise in research and professional theatre-making.
• Students on this course will benefit from our departmental connections with key industry partners, such as National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. This will provide you with several networking touch points before graduating. 
• All students have access to our superb facilities and resources for practical work: three rehearsal studios, each with flexible technical facilities; 2 large professionally-equipped studios with digital lighting rigs controlled via ETC Congo and Strand Lighting consoles, Yamaha and Soundcraft PAs, Sanyo AV systems and Strand lighting and two NXAMP; and costume and wardrobe facilities.
• On campus and situated next door to the department is the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest Arts Centres in Mid-Wales  which regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work.

What can I do with a Drama and Theatre/History Studies degree?

One of our notable and esteemed alumni is Alex Jones who is currently the longest running female presenter on the One Show. During her time at Aberystwyth University, Alex Jones studied Drama and Theatre Studies. 

Many of our students have been successful in obtaining employment in these fields:

• Acting and performing;
• Directing;
• Designing;
• Script writing;
• Teaching and education;
• Arts administration;
• Marketing;
• Management;
• Public Relations.

What skills do I gain from this degree?

Employability is embedded in all of our activities.

Students in Drama and Theatre Studies gain the following valuable skills that are sought after by employers. These include the ability to:

• work effectively in group settings to develop, rehearse and produce live events;
• apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations;
• research, evaluate and organise information;
• structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations and using a variety of means;
• work independently and with others;
• effectively organise your time and deploy your skills;
• listen to and make use of critical advice;
• be self-motivated and self-disciplined;
• use a range of information technology skills and resources;
• be entrepreneurial in developing cultural projects.