Overview

Storytelling on stage and screen shapes how audiences understand the world, and studying both forms together offers real insight into the craft and critical thinking behind them. The BA (Hons) Drama and Film at the University of Birmingham combines the theory and practice of theatre-making and filmmaking, covering genres from immersive performance to screenwriting, documentary and children's television. Students benefit from specialist studios, sound and video editing suites, and close ties to the department's professional directors, producers and actor-trainers, alongside opportunities to work with the university's Culture Forward network of creative organisations. The course suits students who want a genuinely hands-on route into the creative industries, combining critical study with real production experience and employability-focused placements.

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What You'll Learn

• Foundational creative practice across both drama and film in the first year

• Critical and theoretical approaches to film and television studies

• Performance theory, practice and critique, alongside core production skills

• Specialist options such as British theatre, approaches to acting, and politics and performance

• Specialist film options such as screenwriting, independent filmmaking and screen histories

• Practical experience through placements via the Professional Skills module

• A final-year independent project, choosing between a dissertation or a practical project in drama or film

• The opportunity to intercalate an additional year in industry, language or another field

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse performance and screen media, drawing on theoretical and historical frameworks from both theatre and film studies. They will be equipped to apply practical skills across acting, production, filmmaking and stage management, having trained in specialist studios and editing suites. Through placements and an independent final-year project, students will develop strong presentation, teamwork and critical thinking skills relevant to real creative industry practice. Graduates will leave with the confidence and experience to pursue a wide range of careers across theatre, film, television and the broader creative and cultural sectors.