Introduction
Discover how our societies have shaped and been shaped by English literature, and explore different modes of performance with our BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature degree in Cambridge.
Performing is at the core of our Drama and English Literature degree at ARU.
Grow into a confident, versatile and exciting drama practitioner, while exploring classic literature and genres ranging from sci-fi to children’s books.
You’ll work on public-productions and smaller-scale projects, exploring drama practices and texts from the 20th century onwards as well as working on original pieces. Alongside this, you’ll explore many other subjects including history, politics, philosophy and religion as well as developing your literacy and communication skills.
Your deeper understanding of literary texts will improve your ability to interpret dramatic texts and your performance skills.
Our BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature degree lets you weight your studies to your own interests and career goals. Prepare for a career in the arts or fields such as teaching – and get ready to change the way others see the world.
Course options
Key facts
Seachange
An adaptation of Shakespearean classic The Tempest by graduating BA (Hons) Drama students.
January 2019
Rossum's Universal Robots
An English adaptation of Czech writer Karel Čapek's acclaimed 1920 science fiction play R.U.R.,
An operetta
Paul Bunyan
The story of the mythical Paul Bunyan as a metaphor for the human struggles of the emerging New World and the personal struggles of the central character Johnny Inkslinger.
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and showcase
Facilities
As part of your studies at ARU, you’ll have access to all of our creative industries facilities including:
- our on-campus Mumford Theatre for workshops, rehearsals and putting on shows, as well as seeing professional touring companies and musicians
- two dedicated drama studios, including a highly flexible black-box performance space
- a dance rehearsal room including audio playback facilities, portable dance mirrors, gymnastic mats and a sprung floor
- an additional rehearsal space.
Opportunities
During your time at ARU, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- develop your technical and production skills.
- put on productions on campus, in our Mumford Theatre, and at a commercial venue in Cambridge.
- volunteer with our Anglia Ruskin Community Theatre Company, and experience being part of a professional ensemble.
- gain valuable work experience through placements and live briefs.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Heather Lilley
Senior Lecturer in Drama Course Leader, BA (Hons) Drama, BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature, BA (Hons) Drama and Film Studies
Sue Wilson
Deputy Head, Writing and Performance
Careers
Our Drama and English Literature BA (Hons) degree will give you practical experience as a performer or technician, and the academic understanding to be a director or a teacher.
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MA Dramatherapy or MA English Literature. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
ZOE
“As students we are incredibly lucky with the support of the staff, and the resources and dedication that are brought to the theatre every session.” – Zoe, BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature student
ZOE
BA (Hons) Drama and English Literature
Zoe's storyWant to talk to someone?
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