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BA (Hons) Drama and Film

  • Placement year available
How to apply Come to an Open Day

Introduction

Which ARU Acting, Drama and Theatre course is right for you?

Studying Drama and Film at ARU

Explore film theory and film-making from all over the world, as well as different modes of performance with our BA (Hons) Drama and Film degree in Cambridge. Find out what makes this course unique with our short video.

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Study at an award-winning university

We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

As a Drama and Film student, you’ll explore the latest theory and practice in both fields as we help you to grow into a confident, versatile and exciting practitioner with transferable skills to suit whichever field you hope to work in.

Performance is at the core of our Drama and Film degree here at ARU, whether you’re in front of or behind the camera. Your understanding of film theory and history will improve your acting skills and your hands-on knowledge of performance practice will enhance your filmmaking or writing skills.

In drama, you’ll work on public-productions and smaller-scale projects, exploring practices and texts from the 20th century onwards as well as working on original pieces.

In film you’ll explore the language and convention of drama and film, taking in some of the key movements in history from Hollywood cinema through to more experimental modes of performance.

You’ll also have the chance to weight your studies to prepare for a career in the arts or fields such as teaching – get ready to change the way others see the world.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

Facilities and showcase

Industry-standard facilities

As one of our Drama and Film students, you’ll have access to:

  • Dedicated drama studio; on-campus professional Mumford Theatre; large rehearsal space with audio playback facilities; and a Student Union-run dance studio
  • Film studio and multi-camera television studio
  • Full range of location kit and sound-recording equipment; Aaton Cameras and Steenbeck editors for 16mm film production; motion capture equipment
  • Editing and finishing suites with Da Vinci Resolve and Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Podcast and video capture system
  • Training in all our creative industries facilities.

Futures Lab and workshop equipment

Our new digital workshop includes a variety of computer aided manufacturing machines, helping you learn up to date manufacturing and design processes as well as supporting many traditional techniques. These technologies include:

  • 3D printers and scanners - FDM printers; material-specific extruders; SLA Formlabs printers; SLS Formlabs Fuse1; structured light 3D scanners
  • 2D printing and cutting machines - laser cutters; Roland BN20 vinyl printer & cutter; Gerber substrate cutter; Mimaki TX300P sublimation printer.

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. You can also explore the work of our graduating students in our digital graduate showcase.

Careers

Not only will you develop your performance skills during your time at ARU, our BA (Hons) Drama degree will give you practical experience as a stage technician, and the academic understanding you need to be a director or a teacher.

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. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

LAURA MACKIE

I took part in Anglia Ruskin Community Theatre Company's 'Theatre in Education' Production... creating a performance for primary-age students and working with a professional director. I have learnt many valuable skills as a result

LAURA MACKIE

BA (Hons) Drama

Laura's story

Apply now for BA (Hons) Drama and Film

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