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Top 5 in London for Creative Writing - National Student Survey 2024

Theatre and Creative Writing BA

Key Information

Course code

W4WW

W481 with placement

Start date

September

Placement available

Mode of study

3 years full-time

4 years full-time with placement

4 to 7 years part-time

Fees

2025/26

UK £9,535

International £20,400

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Entry requirements

2025/26

ABB - BBC (A-level)

DMM (BTEC)

29 (IB)

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Overview

The Theatre and Creative Writing BA is ideal if you want to learn more about the richness of theatre past and present, while incorporating your passion for creative writing.

On the theatre side of your degree, you’ll develop creative skills in a range of practices such as acting, applied practice, devising/theatre making, digital theatre, musical theatre, physical theatre and writing for performance.

On the creative writing side of the course, you’ll get to explore a number of writing styles including journalism, screenwriting, comedy writing, short stories and the contemporary novel.

You’ll also grow your knowledge through an understanding of the concepts and models used in the practice and study of theatre, together with the themes and techniques used by historic and contemporary authors.

By studying at Brunel you’ll become part of a rich community of creative students, artists and academics and have a variety of opportunities to collaborate through, for example, acting, theatre making, writing and production.

We regularly host Arts@Artaud nights showcasing new music, film, creative writing and drama presented by Brunel students.

Established links with the creative industries offer plenty of opportunities to hear from guest speakers and alumni on campus. Off campus, Brunel’s easy access to central London helps to facilitate regular class trips to see West End productions and other events.

For your professional development, the option of a work placement year is an unmissable opportunity to find out where your interests lie and to increase your attractiveness to future employers.

Students from the course have completed placements in a variety of organisations including the London’s Park Theatre, Rose Wisksteed Casting, The Vaults, Unicorn Theatre, Icarus Theatre Company, and the Grieg City Academy.

Course content

The Theatre and Creative Writing BA is both an academic and a practical course that provides you with the opportunity to tailor your studies according to your interests in theatre and creative writing. There is a range of optional modules in both disciplines from which you can choose as you develop as a creative.

Please note you must choose one of the year 3 compulsory modules listed below.

Compulsory

  • Performance Studies: Creative Practice and Research

    Embark on a journey to critically explore the theoretical and practical realms of performance. Uncover how the study of performance can dynamically respond to challenges on local, national, and global stages. This module provides a canvas to apply performance analysis to political, social, artistic, and cultural phenomena, offering insights into the transformative impact performance practices and research can have on individuals and communities.

  • Fiction 1: Introduction to Writing Fiction

    This module is designed to introduce students to the core elements and skills necessary for writing fiction. Aided by close reading and discussion of fiction by published writers, students will develop knowledge and understanding of core elements of the craft, such

    as character, setting, plot, dialogue, as well as key skills such as understanding audience, showing rather than telling, and writing to a specified word-count and brief. Students will practice these core competencies and also learn how to workshop their prose, developing skills for the giving and receiving of constructive feedback to enable redrafting of works-in-progress. Students will reflect upon their inspirations, reading and the development of their craft.

  • Poetry 1: Introduction to Writing Poetry

    This module is designed to introduce students to the core elements and skills necessary for writing poetry. Aided by close reading and discussion of poetry by published writers, students will develop knowledge and understanding of core elements of the craft, such as the poetic line, working in form and free verse, sound and voice, as well as key skills such as concision and redrafting. Students will practice these core competencies and also learn how to workshop poems, developing skills for the giving and receiving of constructive feedback to enable redrafting of works-in-progress. Students will reflect upon their inspirations, reading and the development of their craft.

Optional

  • Theatre Making

    Unleash your creativity as this module introduces diverse strategies for crafting theatre. Lay the groundwork for your creative journey by understanding devising and dramaturgical principles, connecting the dots between various performance elements to give life to your imaginative expressions.

  • The Performer: Acting and Performance

    Dive into the world of performers and their unique abilities to craft theatrical performances. This module is your backstage pass to developing performance skills, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of training practices, and navigating the exciting boundaries between training, rehearsal, and the spotlight of live performance.

Compulsory

  • Performance Lab

    Transform your curiosity into a dynamic performance exploration. Engage with performance to probe specific topics, unravel issues, and pose questions. This module empowers you to view performance not just as an art but as a potent mode of inquiry into the world around you.

Optional

  • Creative Research Project

    Embark on an intellectual journey as this module introduces you to diverse realms of arts research. Survey recent and emerging research, analyse existing practices, and master key academic approaches that will shape your research endeavours within and beyond the academic realm.

  • Gender as Performance

    Join the exploration of performance practices and practitioners delving into the critical discourse surrounding gender. Develop not only a critical vocabulary but also frameworks to dissect gender as a vibrant performance woven into everyday life. This module takes you on a global adventure, exploring transnational analyses of gender performances.

  • Applied Drama Project

    Step into the shoes of a creative powerhouse. This module invites you to create and evaluate applied drama workshops and performances tailored for specific audiences. Dive into collaborative ventures within student companies, where collective working becomes the heartbeat of your creative process.

  • Musical Theatre Makers

    This module will introduce you to key practitioners in the field of musical theatre aiding you to recognize and ponder the impact these practitioners have had on shaping the art form. Analyse the critical aspects of musical theatre, journey through its historical lineage, and feel the stage come alive as you gain practical insights through performance.

  • Acting as a Critical Practice

    Immerse yourself in the captivating world of naturalism and acting as a critical practice. Explore the techniques of pioneers such as Zola, Hagen, Adler, and venture into the intersection of naturalism with magical realism, Epic Theatre, and farce. This module is your ticket to understanding how acting and critical practices intersect with the rich tapestry of cultural contexts.

  • Fiction II: Writing the Short Story

    The short story is one of the most powerful and satisfying forms of writing to produce. This module focusses on writing and understanding intricate masterpieces in the short story form. We read a wide variety of powerful short stories together—by writers from across the globe, from the mundane and the moving to the strange and experimental— looking closely to help understand what techniques make them so effective, and how we can develop individual approaches to writing our own original stories in response. The exact structure changes each year, but some of the topics covered previously included: subverting and updating traditional fairy-tales; stories with unusual approaches to time; Weird Tales of the impossible and unexplainable; flash fiction; climate change fiction.

  • Poetry II: Writing Contemporary Poetry

    This module is designed to build upon foundational skills and knowledge acquired on the first-year poetry module. You will continue to write in increasingly exciting new ways to

    liberate the poet within. You will also expand your awareness of work that is being produced in the current world of UK poetry, the manner in which new mediums and technologies are being employed, and the manner in which this work might challenge previous conceptualisations and traditions in the field. In conclusion, you will acquire crafting tips while trying out traditional and innovate ways to write. There is no expectation of a house style. Your own approach to poetry based on what you will have learned is all that is required. Be excited by your own work, and I (Daljit) will be excited in turn to read it.

  • Writing Genre: Horror, Sci-fi and Fantasy

    This module focusses on three popular and enduring genres—horror, science fiction, and fantasy— which provide endless fascination for readers and practitioners alike. We will explore these genres via lectures, seminars (including writing workshops) and the study of classic and emerging writers from each genre. At the end, you will have written a body of work in each genre, with a core understanding of their key features. The module has featured discussion of writers such as Stephen King, Chuck Palahniuk, Angela Carter, Gwyneth Jones, William Gibson, Octavia Butler, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Brandon Sanderson, and more. Sub-genres and styles discussed include space opera, Grimdark, urban fantasy, utopian/dystopian fiction, cosmic horror, body horror, and weird fiction.

  • Screenwriting

    The module introduces students to the professional practice and theory of screenwriting for film and television. Although the short film is the main focus of study, the classic, feature length narrative fiction film, television drama, and films from alternative and non- narrative traditions will also be considered. The module is substantially practice-based. All students will write an original screenplay to a maximum length of 10 pages. Students will also produce supporting documents, such as a Story Proposal, Beat Sheet, and Scene Outlines. The module also requires students to analyse films and scripts – including their own and contemporaries’ – from a screenwriting perspective. Students will produce analyses of key features of films and screenplays and write the screenplay for a short film.

  • Life Writing I

    This module will allow you to explore a range of life writing practices such as memoir, autofiction, the personal essay, the lyric essay, confessional poetry and more in a safe and supportive environment. You’ll be inspired by a range of contemporary writers such as Rebecca Solnit, Ocean Vuong, Maggie Nelson, Patricia Lockwood, Nina Mingya Powles and others. You’ll consider the ethics of life writing such as writing about family, and draw on your own experiences, interests and passions throughout.

Compulsory

  • Creative Writing Special Project

    This module is double-weighted and is your chance to pursue your own creative project with support from a supervisor. You’ll meet regularly with your supervisor to plan, draft, and edit your work, and there will also be Zoom sessions to support your learning throughout that focus on planning, researching, carving out time to write and more. Some students write the opening chapters to a novel and submit this along with an industry standard synopsis, having researched potential agents and publishers. Others submit poetry pamphlets, screenplays, collections of short stories, illustrated children’s books, YA novels, interactive fiction projects and more.

  • Drama, Theatre, and Performance Dissertation

    Undertake a substantial research journey, crafting a written dissertation that contributes to the field. This module is designed to empower you to plan, design, and execute a specialised project. Develop research skills, critically evaluate your project, and leave an indelible mark on the academic landscape.

  • Contemporary Theatre Project

    Become a creator of original performance works, drawing from your interdisciplinary experiences. Navigate the dynamic interplay between performance-making and the ever-changing contexts of local, national, and international stages. This module equips you with tools to not only create but also market your work effectively.

Optional

  • Advanced Acting

    Elevate your acting in this performance-focused module. Intensive workshops, theatre productions, and a focus on realism and naturalism await you. Dive into the techniques of acting pioneers and let the stage become your workshop for honing your skills.

  • Anti-Racism and Performance

    Ignite change as you explore anti-racism through the lens of performance. Navigate the historical landscapes of Critical Race Theory and delve into the intricate relationships between race, racism, and colonialism. This module is your gateway to understanding how performance becomes a powerful tool for social repair, protest, and activism.

  • Advanced Creative Research Project

    Embark on a research adventure, independently and within a vibrant community of peers. This module mirrors doctoral research contexts, offering a blend of taught sessions, practical workshops, and collaborative exploration. Your journey involves discovering, testing, refining, sharing, and reflecting on emerging research findings.

  • Advanced Musical Theatre

    Fine-tune your instrument—voice and body—in this practical module. Develop rehearsal and performance skills, seamlessly integrate singing, dancing, and acting, and embark on a journey of critical self-reflection on your evolving practice. Explore the industrial context of the musical theatre performer and master the art of auditioning with confidence and flair.

  • Professional Practice and Development

    Prepare for your journey from university to professional practice with this module. Gain sector-specific insights and align academic experiences with career goals. The module develops crucial skills for post-graduation challenges, ensuring graduates emerge academically enriched, focused on key employment areas, and prepared for life after university.

  • Contemporary Theatre Project

    Become a creator of original performance works, drawing from your interdisciplinary experiences. Navigate the dynamic interplay between performance-making and the ever-changing contexts of local, national, and international stages. This module equips you with tools to not only create but also market your work effectively.

  • Drama, Theatre, and Performance Dissertation

    Undertake a substantial research journey, crafting a written dissertation that contributes to the field. This module is designed to empower you to plan, design, and execute a specialised project. Develop research skills, critically evaluate your project, and leave an indelible mark on the academic landscape.

  • Fiction III: Writing Modern Fiction

    This module aims to expand your understanding of all aspects of contemporary fiction. It will give you a solid grounding for your longer future creative writing projects, and also give you a chance to read and discuss a variety of fiction genres. You will analyse a range of fiction from a craft perspective which will deepen your understanding of how novels are constructed, and you can then apply this knowledge to your own fiction writing practice. Topics under discussion will also include the specific techniques involved in making your own writing more compelling such as story structure, characterisation, point of view, setting, and dialogue.

  • Poetry III
  • Screenwriting II: Film and Television

    This module enables students to explore and develop the theory and professional practice of contemporary screenwriting. By the end of the module, students who participate in weekly assignments will produce a marketable pitch deck/series bible for a film or TV project, along with the first 15-20 pages of the script. The module is substantially practice-based and requires students to analyse screen works and scripts (including their own and peers’) from a screenwriting perspective.

  • Life Writing II: Journeying the Self through Psychology and Expressive Arts

    This module gives an introduction to the field of psychology, exploring the basics of human behaviour and mental processes, important contributions to the field of psychology and the different approaches and goals of the various therapeutic orientations. Additionally, the module will introduce students to the field of creative writing for therapeutic purposes, including personal practice while studying examples of writing that illustrate the links between creativity and therapeutic outcomes. Some dramatherapy and art therapy techniques will be used during the workshop, although the primary focus is creative writing.

  • Creative Careers

    This module is focused on your professional development. It will enable you to understand the creative economy and the ways in which people develop careers within it. You will be able to plan your own career after graduation, to identify your goals and write the documents you will need to achieve them. Members of the Creative Writing department at Brunel along with visiting speakers will help you to become familiar with the creative industries through which writers reach their audience. By exploring all areas of your professional development, we will enable you to make a career plan for the next five years, to identify the opportunities and skills you will need and to research the choices you will make in the immediate future.


This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.

This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.


Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Careers and your future

Professional skills such as collaboration, critical reflection verbally and in writing, and engagement with different forms of creative practice are embedded into the modules through all three levels.

Production, budgeting, design for specific audiences, working in the community and strong CV writing are all covered in the final year of the course.

Brunel Theatre BA lecturers have long-established links with many theatre venues and other businesses across the creative industries, and they’re always ready to help you find the right place to grow your specific interests. There are options for a short or year-long work placement to develop your professional profile while on the course.

Students have undertaken work experience at places like The National Theatre, Plaines Plough, Akram Khan Dance Company, Les Enfants Terribles, China Plate, and a host of educational and community organisations.

Graduates of this course, such as Adam Johnson, have gone on to work as actors/writers in the National Youth Music Theatre. Others, like Sam Smithson, have progressed onto renowned postgraduate courses like the Directing MA at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Your options when leaving us are varied and exciting. Click here to read about inspirational Theatre alumni.

UK entry requirements

2025/26 entry

  • GCE A-level ABB-BBC.
  • BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DMM in any subject.
  • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in any subject, with an A-Level at grade C.
  • BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate M in any subject, with A-Levels grades BB.
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma 29 points. GCSE English equivalent Standard Level 5 or Higher Level 4.
  • Obtain a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points in any subject in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
  • T Levels: Merit overall in any subject.

A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE Mathematics grade C or grade 4 and GCSE English Language grade C or grade 4 or GCSE English Literature grade B or grade 5.

Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.

EU and International entry requirements

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
  • BrunELT: 63% (min 55% in all areas)
  • TOEFL: 90 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)  

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2025/26 entry

UK

£9,535 full-time

£7,150 part-time

£1,385 placement year

International

£20,400 full-time

£15,300 part-time

£1,385 placement year

Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,535 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.

More information on any additional course-related costs.

See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.

Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.

Teaching and learning

The BA (Hons) Theatre programme will be delivered in-person on campus, through a mixture of lectures and seminars, practical workshops and rehearsals, one-to-one tutorials, and site-visits. These may be supplemented with some online and pre-recorded materials.  Students will be able to arrange individual tutorials with staff either on-campus or online, allowing students to work flexibly around their schedules. Attendance is obligatory; in addition to facilitating teaching and learning, our structure of on campus in-person learning develops collaborative theatre practice, personal and collegial networks and well-being.

Students are strongly advised to purchase core texts from module reading lists, although copies are also available via Brunel Library.

Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.

We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.

A unique feature of theatre at Brunel is learning with the help of a personal tutor in a group of eight to ten students on weekly basis to facilitate communication and collaboration.

This system will help you increase your competence and confidence in interpersonal and oral communication, analytical skills, and university level study skills.

In your creative writing modules, lectures, seminar discussions and workshops with practitioners and theorists will provide you with a range of approaches to the analysis and production of creative writing.

One-to-one tutorials with members of the team are structured into the course at various points. These are supplemented by an online forum designed to enable students and staff to work remotely and share advice and solutions to any problems.

Central to the learning and teaching strategy is a philosophy to encourage you to collaborate creatively, share ideas with your peers, and contribute to each other’s initiatives and projects.

Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.

Assessment and feedback

In your theatre modules, you will be assessed through practical performance (in-class and public), creative writing tasks, coursework, presentation, creative portfolios, and essays.

For Creative Writing, you will be assessed through essays, portfolios of shorter written coursework, individual and group presentations, continuous assessment of participation in seminars, and the final year dissertation project.