Course summary

Drama at Birmingham Newman University is a richly diverse programme with prepares students for using their drama knowledge and skills in a professional theatre environment and the wider community. The course has four main strands: A Drama strand which traces the development of the art form from Greek Drama to Postmodern plays and develops students’ critical thinking; A theatre performance element in which students take part in major performance productions that usually take place in professional venues such as the Midlands Arts Centre, The Crescent Theatre and The Blue Orange Theatre; A strand devoted to applied performance in contexts such as education, in which students learn skills as community actors and artists-in-residence; A work placement strand in year 2 in which all students have the opportunity to apply theory to practice, develop networks and clarify on career decisions. All students have the opportunity to conduct a final year dissertation and they can choose from three types: a traditional written dissertation, a practical performance-based dissertation and a work placement-based dissertation. Why study this course? • Drama at Newman offers students the opportunity to learn in a way which dissolves the traditional distinctions between ‘theory’ and ‘practice’. Students work on their feet, actively exploring and applying a range of dramatic ideas and approaches, then pausing at key moments to reflect upon what (and how) they are learning. • All students have opportunities to take part in productions • Students can learn about and participate in a range of Applied drama approaches. • Students receive specialist training from professionals with particular expertise. • Students can choose between a traditional written dissertation and a practical dissertation. • Students can develop their critical thinking skills and deepen their knowledge and understanding of Drama as an art form exploring what it is to be human. • Our performance facilities ensure students devise, rehearse and perform in an appropriate environment.