Key information
- Duration:
- 4 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- AAB-ABB
- UCAS code:
- W401
- Start date:
- September 2020

- 2nd in the UK for Drama, Dance and Cinematics (The Complete University Guide 2020)
- 97% of School of English students were in work or further study six months after graduating (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2017)
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. You also have the opportunity to apply for a year studying abroad.
Choosing Sussex – John Giannini, Drama, Theatre and Performance BA
Entry requirements
A-level
Typical offer | AAB-ABB |
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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 24-27 credits at Distinction |
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Subjects | The Access to HE Diploma should be in the Humanities. |
Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects (including A-level mixes)
Typical offer | D3, M1 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 D3 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 D3 in the Pre-U. |
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GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 32-34 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
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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. |
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GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels
Typical offer | Grades AB in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. |
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GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 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 |
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Subjects | The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma would normally be in Performing Arts. |
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Scottish Highers
Typical offer | AAABB-AABBB |
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Additional requirements | If you are taking Advanced Highers we would normally expect you to have at least BBB. |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Typical offer | Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-level grades AAB – ABB |
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GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects |
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 32-34 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
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European Baccalaureate
Typical offer | Overall result of at least 77%- 80% |
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Other international qualifications
Australia
Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 92% to 88% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 3 to 4 or better.
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Austria
Typical offer | Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of between 1.8 to 2.0 or better for first-year entry. |
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Belgium
Typical offer | Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average. |
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Please note | 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). |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
Typical offer | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses. British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AAABB-AABBB 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. |
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China
Typical offer | We usually do not accept Senior High School Graduation for direct entry to our undergraduate courses. However, we may consider you if you have studied one year or more of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution, or if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year. If you have the Senior High School Graduation, 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. |
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Please note | 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 4.5 and 4.2 |
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Cyprus
Typical offer | Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of between 19 /20 and 18.5 /20 will be considered for first-year entry. |
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Czech Republic
Typical offer | Maturita with a good overall average. |
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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. |
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Finland
Typical offer | Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of at least EEEM |
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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 to 14/20. |
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Germany
Typical offer | German Abitur with an overall result of 1.8 to 2.0 or better. |
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Greece
Typical offer | Apolytirion with an overall average of at least 18.5 will be considered for first-year entry. |
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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, 5, 4 to 5, 4, 4 from three subjects including two electives |
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Hungary
Typical offer | Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55544. |
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India
Typical offer | Standard XII results
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Iran
Typical offer | High School Diploma and Pre-University Certificate. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ireland
Typical offer | Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H1,H2,H2,H3 to H1,H2,H2,H3,H3. |
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Israel
Typical offer | Bagrut, with at least 8/10 in at least six subjects, including one five-unit subject. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
Typical offer | Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of between 81/100 and 85/100. |
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Japan
Typical offer | Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate is suitable for entry to our Foundation Years. Find out more about Foundation Years. |
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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. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lithuania
Typical offer | Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English). |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Luxembourg
Typical offer | Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
Typical offer | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of AAB-ABB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.5 or UEC with an overall average grade B3 (75%). |
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Netherlands
Typical offer | Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
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. |
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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 between 4 to 4.5 |
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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.
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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.
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Portugal
Typical offer | Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of between 17/20 and 18/20. |
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Romania
Typical offer | Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of 8.5. |
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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. |
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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 grade of 1.8 from 4 subjects. Please note: Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.
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Slovenia
Typical offer | Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 25 points overall. |
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South Africa
Typical offer | National Senior Certificate with very good grades. |
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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 of at least 8.0. |
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Sri Lanka
Typical offer | Sri Lankan A-levels. |
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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.
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
Typical offer | Federal Maturity Certificate. |
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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 |
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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.
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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)
6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
If you are applying for degree-level study we can consider your IELTS test from any test centre, but if you require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for an English language or pre-sessional English course (not combined with a degree) the test must be taken at a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)-approved IELTS test centre.
Other English language requirements
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill
We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill
We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.
Pearson (PTE Academic)
62 overall, including at least 56 in all four skills.
PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).
TOEFL (iBT)
88 overall, including at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.
TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. 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
German Abitur
A score of 12 or above in English.
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%
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
Selection workshop | Yes |
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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
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
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
These modules are running in the academic year 2019/20. We also plan to offer them in future academic years. They may become unavailable due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of such changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Core modules
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Options
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.
These modules are running in the academic year 2019/20. We also plan to offer them in future academic years. They may become unavailable due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of such changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Core modules
Autumn teaching
Options
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.
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.
Studying abroad – John Giannini, Drama, Theatre and Performance BA
Please note: Programs with a study abroad year are not eligible for USA federal Direct Loan funds. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
These modules are running in the academic year 2019/20. We also plan to offer them in future academic years. They may become unavailable due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of such changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Core modules
Autumn teaching
Options
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

Dr Sara Jane Bailes
Reader in Theatre & Performance Studies
Research interests
Theatre and performance studies

Dr Augusto Corrieri
Lecturer in Drama, Theatre & Performance
Research interests
anthropocene, art and ecology, conceptual art, Conceptual dance, Contemporary Performance, Magic and performance, Performance Art, Theatre and performance studies

Dr Benjamin Fowler
Lecturer in Drama, Theatre and Performance
Research interests
Adaptation, Contemporary Performance, Directing Practices, Dramaturgy, Early Modern Drama in Performance, european theatre, german theatre, Theatre Directing

Dr William McEvoy
Senior Lecturer in English
Research interests
Contemporary Performance, Creative and critical writing, Cultural and Critical Theory, Modern and Contemporary Literature and Art, Playwriting, Site-specific theatre and performance, Theatre and Ethics, Theatre Directing

Dr Jason Price
Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Theatre and Performance
Research interests
Activist Performance, Aesthetics and Politics, Comedy, Contemporary Theatre, Dramaturgy, Performance Histories, popular culture, Popular Entertainment, Popular Theatre, Puppet Forms, Site-Specific and Public Art, Theatre History

Dr Arabella Stanger
Lecturer in Drama: Theatre and Performance
Research interests
Choreography, Dance, Gender and Sexuality, race and racism, Social and political theory, space, Theatre and performance studies
Fees
- UK/EU 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
Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.
Additional costs
Additional costs
Please note, all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Costs are paid at the start of your course unless specified otherwise. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out tips for budgeting as a student here.
Theatre trips
The School pays the cost of theatre tickets, but you’ll need to pay for travel to the theatre. In the case of drama placements (professional work experience) you will also cover your own travel.
Study year abroad
This course includes a study abroad year. Find out about additional costs - such as visas, flights and insurance - at Study abroad fees and costs. Any questions? Contact the Study abroad team
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 overseas tuition fee waiver plus £11,500 maintenance per year of study.
Dr John Birch Music Scholarship
The scholarship is worth £800, paid in two instalments of £400. In addition, scholars will receive access to the Media Film and Music (MFM) practice rooms. All applicants who reach the audition stage, regardless of the success of their application, will be offered the opportunity to be part of a list of performers who are willing to perform at events around campus or are interested in collaboration with other musicians.
Dr John Birch Music Scholarship (Organ)
The scholarship is worth £800, paid in two instalments of £400. In addition, scholars will receive access to the Media Film and Music (MFM) practice rooms. All applicants who reach the audition stage, regardless of the success of their application, will be offered the opportunity to be part of a list of performers who are willing to perform at events around campus or are interested in collaboration with other musicians.
EU Excellence Scholarship
You receive a £2,000 cash award, paid as two separate payments of £1,000.
Sussex Excellence Scholarship
You receive £2,000 cash maintenance during your first year of study.
You receive the scholarship during your first year, as two identical payments of £1,000.
Careers
Your future career
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
Career ambitions – John Giannini, Drama, Theatre and Performance BA
As part of the selection process for the Drama degrees, applicants who
appear to meet the academic requirements of the courses will normally
be invited to a selection workshop. We use these workshops to assess applicants' suitability for undertaking practical work during their degree and to see how they engage with learning in a
workshop context. This is taken into consideration alongside the UCAS application in selecting students for an offer.