Overview
Are you passionate about theatre and eager to perform and transform your creative ideas into compelling stage productions? Brunel’s Theatre course will equip you with specialised skills in acting, theatre making and musical theatre while providing a robust academic foundation. This unique blend nurtures your development as a versatile artist and critical thinker.
Balancing studio practice with theory, you'll benefit from instruction by internationally renowned industry professionals and academics within specialist facilities. Teaching faculty have worked with prestigious performing arts venues such as Barbican Theatre, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Tate Modern, and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and Lincoln Centre in NYC. These industry links support you throughout your journey at Brunel and beyond, for example through industry placements, guest speakers, and access to industry networks.
The course features both compulsory and optional modules that allow you to explore a range of approaches to theatre as a creative, critical, and vital force in the world.
Our proximity to central London enhances your experience as we regularly organize trips to renowned venues such as the Barbican, National Theatre, Royal Court, and Sadler’s Wells. Additionally, you'll engage in workshops with ground-breaking theatre companies, enriching your course experience.
Our membership with the University of London provides you with access to additional spaces, libraries, and collaborative opportunities.
Studio Brunel nights regularly showcase new theatre, music, film, and creative writing work by Brunel students.
"Dana demonstrates a strong commitment to the third sector community, named as one of the Top 100 Charity Sector Influencers and winner of the Best Trustee Award at #SocialCEOS Awards 2019" - Dana Segal
"When I left Brunel, my plan was to get a paid internship right away. I knew how important this would be as my plan was to go into paid work right away and build on my career. I managed to secure an internship with a creative company, through the Santander scheme at Brunel." - Carolina Herranz-Carr
"Dana demonstrates a strong commitment to the third sector community, named as one of the Top 100 Charity Sector Influencers and winner of the Best Trustee Award at #SocialCEOS Awards 2019" - Dana Segal
"When I left Brunel, my plan was to get a paid internship right away. I knew how important this would be as my plan was to go into paid work right away and build on my career. I managed to secure an internship with a creative company, through the Santander scheme at Brunel." - Carolina Herranz-Carr
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
In your first year, foundational modules will provide you with a rigorous understanding of Theatre, allowing you to pinpoint your specific interests. Subsequently, in the second and third years, you will have the flexibility to select modules aligned with your passions.
By the time you complete your degree, you will have cultivated a diverse portfolio of strengths including creative practice and academic writing, positioning you for various career paths in the creative industries, education, or further postgraduate studies.
For 2025/2026, we have transformed our curriculum to offer exciting and cutting-edge perspectives on performing, making, and engaging in theatre and performance. For an in-depth overview of compulsory and optional modules offered throughout the course, please refer to the links below. Further insights into module content can be found in the dropdown menus.
This course offers a choice of full-time study over three years, full-time with a placement year, or part-time spanning four to seven years, commencing in September.
Compulsory
- DR1622 - 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.
- DR1624 - Critical Histories
Challenge the status quo as you navigate the labyrinth of performance histories entwined with society, politics, and culture. Discover the power to critically analyse global performance narratives and reshape performance histories as dynamic political activities. This module encourages you to unearth gaps, biases, and alternative perspectives, transforming history into a vibrant tapestry of performance.
- DR1623 - 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.
- DR1621 - Performance Studies: Creative Research and Practice
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.
Compulsory
- DR2630 - Creative Gender Research Project
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 examine gender as a vibrant performance woven into everyday life. This module takes you on a global adventure, exploring transnational analyses of gender performances.
- DR2621 - Performance Lab
Transform your curiosity into dynamic performance creation. Engage with performance to pose questions, probe specific topics, and unravel issues. This module advances your performance making skills and empowers you to view performance not just as an art but as a potent mode of inquiry into the world around you.
Optional
- DR230A - Acting as a Critical Practice
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of acting as a critical practice. Explore a diverse range of techniques for performing in and devising both naturalist and non-naturalist performance. This module is your ticket to understanding how acting and critical practices intersect with the rich tapestry of cultural contexts.
- DR2628 - Applied Theatre Project
Become a creative powerhouse. This module invites you to create and evaluate applied theatre workshops and performances tailored for specific audiences. Dive into collaborative ventures within student companies, where collective working becomes the heartbeat of your creative process.
- DR2629 - Music Theatre
This module introduces you to the exciting ways in which music contributes to theatre and performance. You will learn about different approaches to using music and practically explore them by creating work that draws on specific performances and practitioners. Gaining practical insights through performance, you will reflect on the contribution of performances and practitioners to theatre, culture, and politics.
Compulsory
- 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.
- DR3626 - 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.
- DR3627 - 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 a compelling mark on the academic landscape.
Optional
- DR3628 - Advanced Acting
Elevate your acting in this performance-focused module. Intensive workshops and theatre productions await you. Dive into the techniques of acting pioneers and let the stage become your workshop for honing your skills.
- DR3630 - Advanced Creative Research Project
Embark on a research adventure, independently and within a vibrant community of peers. This module offers a blend of taught sessions, practical workshops, and collaborative exploration. Your journey involves discovering, testing, refining, sharing, and reflecting on emerging research findings.
- DR3631 - 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.
- DR3629 - 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.
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
A Theatre degree from Brunel not only equips you with the skills to thrive as a versatile, critically informed creative person in an ever-shifting economic landscape but also fosters the development of resilient, critically thinking citizens prepared for the challenges of the professional world. Our commitment goes beyond shaping versatile artists; we aim to nurture individuals capable of navigating the complexities of the workforce.
The program offers the exciting option of a short or year-long work placement, providing a valuable opportunity to enhance your professional profile during your course and grow your industry network ahead of graduation. Our dedicated support ensures you find the industry placement that aligns with your aspirations.
Graduates from our Theatre program embark on diverse paths. Some enter the creative industries as, performers, theatre makers, directors, and producers, exemplified by notable alumni such as actor Damson Idris (2013), deputy stage manager at Shakespeare’s Globe Alannagh Cook (2015), and Les Enfant Terribles’ Assistant Producer Fiona Porritt (2015), and theatre maker Bryony Kimmings. Others venture into the marketing sector, education, or applied theatre, while some choose to pursue postgraduate study and training. The possibilities are broad and exciting, and we eagerly anticipate supporting you on your unique journey. Explore stories of our inspirational alumni in Theatre here.
UK entry requirements
2026/7 entry
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants within our grade range as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE English Language (grade C/4) or GCSE English Literature (grade B/5)
Standard Offer: GCE A level BBB
Contextual Offer: GCE A level BCC
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DDM in any subject
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DMM in any subject
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in any subject and an A Level grade B
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma MM in any subject and an A Level grade B
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Merit in any subject, with A level grades BB
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Merit in any subject, with A level grades BC
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4
Contextual Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 28 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: Obtain a minimum of 120 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in any subject
Contextual Offer: Obtain a minimum of 104 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in any subject
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Merit overall in any subject
If your qualification isn't listed above, please contact the Admissions Office by emailing admissions@brunel.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1895 265265 to check whether it's accepted and to find out what a typical offer might be.
Brunel's committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We'll 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
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
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
2026/27 entry
UK
£9,790 full-time
£7,335 part-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£17,400 full-time
£13,050 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.
For the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for home students will be £9,790, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28 (subject to Parliamentary approval).
From 2028 onwards, the fee cap is expected to rise annually in line with inflation. This means your tuition fees in future years may increase to reflect these changes.
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
Assessment and feedback
Instead of traditional written exams, assessment in the Theatre program is a dynamic mix of practical performances, projects, presentations, online reflective journals, written essays, and in-class participation.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.
