Key information
- Duration:
- 3 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- ABB
- Contextual A-level offer:
- BBC-BCC
- UCAS code:
- W400
- Start date:
- September 2021

- 6th in the UK for Drama, Dance and Cinematics (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021)
- 7th in the UK for Drama, Dance and Cinematics (The Complete University Guide 2021)
- 10th in the UK for Drama and Dance (The Guardian University Guide 2021)
Explore theatre and performance through a distinctive combination of practice and theory. This degree examines the social and political contexts that shape contemporary performance - approaching theatre as a way of thinking and responding to the world we live in.
You’ll develop skills in performance, writing, directing and performance analysis in our versatile facilities, including the state-of-the-art Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.
Benefit from regular theatre trips in Brighton and beyond, and the programme’s close relationships with international cutting-edge practitioners who bring shows to the ACCA and run visiting artist workshops.
We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, we may need to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
Choosing Sussex – John Giannini, Drama, Theatre and Performance BA
Entry requirements
A-level
Typical offer | ABB |
---|---|
Contextual offer | BBC-BCC Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Extended Project Qualification | We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us |
Other UK qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer | Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 21-24 credits at Distinction |
---|---|
Subjects | The Access to HE Diploma should be in the Humanities. |
Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects (including A-level mixes)
Typical offer | D3, M2 and M2 in the Pre-U If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would expect you to have a grade A in the A-level and M2 and M2 in the two Pre-Us. If you have two A-levels and Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would normally expect you to have grades AB in the two A-levels and M2 in the Pre-U. |
---|---|
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 32 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
---|
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level
Typical offer | Grade A in A-level, plus DM in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma. |
---|---|
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including GCSE (or equivalent) in English at grade 5 (or grade B). |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels
Typical offer | Grades BB in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. |
---|---|
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)
Typical offer | DDD |
---|---|
Subjects | The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma would normally be in Performing Arts. |
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including GCSE (or equivalent) in English at grade 5 (or grade B).
|
Scottish Highers
Typical offer | AABBB |
---|---|
Additional requirements | If you are taking Advanced Highers we would normally expect you to have at least BBB. |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Typical offer | ABB-BBB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels |
---|---|
GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects |
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 32 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
---|
European Baccalaureate
Typical offer | Overall result of at least 77% |
---|
Other international qualifications
Australia
Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 88% to 85% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 4 to 5 or better. |
---|
Austria
Typical offer | Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of between 2.0 to 2.2 or better for first-year entry. |
---|
Belgium
Typical offer | Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average. |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Good grades in subject areas. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bulgaria
Typical offer | Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects). |
---|
Canada
Typical offer | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70%-75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses. British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AABBB-BBBBB from 5 grade 12 courses. We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec. |
---|
China
Typical offer | If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects. We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution. The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex. Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year. |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Croatia
Typical offer | Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of between 4 and 4.2 |
---|
Cyprus
Typical offer | Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of between 18/20 and 18.5/20 will be considered for first-year entry.
|
---|
Czech Republic
Typical offer | Maturita with a good overall average. |
---|---|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
Typical offer | Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale. |
---|
Finland
Typical offer | Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of at least EEMM |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
Typical offer | French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 13/20. |
---|
Germany
Typical offer | German Abitur with an overall result of 2.0 to 2.2 or better. |
---|
Greece
Typical offer | Apolytirion with an overall average of between 18 and 18.5 will be considered for first-year entry. |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
Typical offer | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 4, 4 to 4, 4, 4 from three subjects including two electives. |
---|
Hungary
Typical offer | Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55544. |
---|
India
Typical offer | Standard XII results
|
---|
Iran
Typical offer | High School Diploma and Pre-University Certificate. |
---|
Ireland
Typical offer | Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H2,H2,H3,H3 to H2,H2,H2,H3,H3. |
---|
Israel
Typical offer | For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut. |
---|
Italy
Typical offer | Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of between 78/100 and 81/100. |
---|
Japan
Typical offer | You'll normally need to complete an International Foundation Year in order to apply for first year entry. The International Study Centre on campus provides a range of options. Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year. |
---|---|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Latvia
Typical offer | Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams. |
---|
Lithuania
Typical offer | Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English). |
---|
Luxembourg
Typical offer | Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with between 43-46 points overall. |
---|
Malaysia
Typical offer | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of ABB-BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B3 (75%). |
---|
Netherlands
Typical offer | Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7. |
---|
Nigeria
Typical offer | You are expected to have one of the following:
You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English. |
---|---|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
Typical offer | Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of 4. |
---|
Pakistan
Typical offer | You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies. You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus. |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Poland
Typical offer | Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile.
|
---|
Portugal
Typical offer | Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark between 16/20 and 17/20. |
---|
Romania
Typical offer | Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average between 8.0 and 8.5 |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
Typical offer | A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas. |
---|---|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovakia
Typical offer | Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average above 2.0 from 4 subjects.
|
---|
Slovenia
Typical offer | Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 23 points overall. |
---|
South Africa
Typical offer | National Senior Certificate with very good grades. |
---|---|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
Typical offer | Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result between 7.5 and 8.0. |
---|
Sri Lanka
Typical offer | Sri Lankan A-levels. |
---|---|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sweden
Typical offer | Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include B grades in the majority of subjects. |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
Typical offer | Federal Maturity Certificate. |
---|---|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
Typical offer | We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1. Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
---|
USA
Typical offer | We look at your full profile taking into account everything you are studying, including the high school graduation diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades We are particularly interested in AP tests and would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores Advanced Placement Tests with scores of between 5,5,4 to 5,4,4 in 3 AP subjects. If you have taken the SAT reasoning tests we'd normally expect a combined score of at least 1300 and will look for around 600 in relevant subject tests. If you've taken the ACT we'd expect to see a composite score of at least 26.
|
---|
My country is not listed
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component
Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements
Other English language requirements
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Duolingo English test
105 overall, with no component score below 90
Check your Duolingo English test qualification meets all of our language requirements
Pearson (PTE Academic)
59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.
Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements
TOEFL (iBT)
80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.
Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements
Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.
English language qualifications
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A – C in English
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.
List of exempt countries
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
Admissions information for applicants
Transfers into Year 2 | Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year. |
---|
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
If you don't meet our entry requirements, we recommend our in-house Foundation Year course to prepare you for Year 1 of your chosen degree:
Modules
This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2021/22. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, or due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. It may not be possible to take some module combinations due to timetabling constraints. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Explore modules from other subjects
At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.
As part of this degree, you can explore subjects that are different to your course through electives and pathways that complement your main subject. You will either have the option to choose an elective as part of this course, or it may be necessary to choose an elective or pathway to meet the credit requirements.
We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2021/22. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, or due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. It may not be possible to take some module combinations due to timetabling constraints. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
- Modern and Postmodern Drama
- Performance: Directing and Composition
- Performing Practices
- Writing for Theatre
Explore modules from other subjects
At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.
As part of this degree, you can explore subjects that are different to your course through electives and pathways that complement your main subject. You will either have the option to choose an elective as part of this course, or it may be necessary to choose an elective or pathway to meet the credit requirements.
Study abroad (optional)
Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you
Placement (optional)
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.
Find out more about placements and internships
Please note: If you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2021/22. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, or due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. It may not be possible to take some module combinations due to timetabling constraints. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Spring teaching
The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts at the University of Sussex
Our staff
The work students do here isn’t simply about putting on plays, but scrutinising the ways theatre is thought about and made – from classic plays to experimental performances.”Dr Jason Price
Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Theatre and Performance
Fees
- Home students:
- £9,250 per year
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
- £9,250 per year
- International students:
- £18,500 per year
- Study abroad:
- Find out about grants and funding, tuition fees and insurance costs for studying abroad
- Placement:
- Find out about tuition fees for placements
Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.
Additional costs
Note about additional costs
Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We'll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out tips for budgeting as a student here.
Theatre trips
On this course, you'll go on theatre trips and have the opportunity to write about them for assessed work. The School pays for tickets but you'll need to pay for travel costs. Trips are often local to keep travel costs low. In the case of drama placements (professional work experience), the School will pay for reasonable travel costs.
Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex
Find out about our terms and conditions
Scholarships
Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.
Article 26 Scholarship
- Full international tuition fee waiver
- £11,500 maintenance per year of undergraduate study (up to 4 years)
- Sussexsport membership
Professor Colin Eaborn Chemistry Scholarship
Up to £2,000 for BSc students, up to £3,000 for MChem students.
Sports Scholarships Scheme (Undergraduate)
Recipients of the scholarship can receive between £500-£1,250 per year as well as a range of other benefits.
Sussex Bursary (2021/2022)
£1,000 in your first year of study (either Year 1 or Foundation Year).
£500 in subsequent years.
Undergraduate Enrichment Award
£6,000 paid in instalments over the course of the Bachelors degree.
Careers
Through regular theatre trips and workshops with specialist faculty and professional artists, you study the cutting edge of contemporary theatre practice. Recent workshops have been conducted by, among others, Complicite, Reckless Sleepers, and Michael Attenborough.
You’ll develop practical careers skills in critical assessment, written communication, independent thinking and problem-solving. Our graduates have set up their own theatre companies and established themselves as professional directors and performers.
You can also go on to further study, or pursue a career in:
- media, film and journalism
- publishing, libraries and education.
Graduate destinations
Recent graduates have found jobs as:
- freelance theatre director, The Gate (JMK award winner)
- poet and playwright, The Roundhouse (Live Canon Poetry prize winner)
- media and project co-ordinator, Young Start-up Talent.
(Drama, Theatre and Peformance careers database)
Working while you study
Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Sussex has taken me on a journey that includes teaching Drama in Budapest, and working as a film researcher.”Rosa Saunders
Drama Studies graduate