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Drama, Theatre and Performance

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
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More about University of Sussex

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

About the course

Drama, theatre and performance can transform how we think, act and understand the world. They help us remember the past, change the present and imagine alternative futures.

This course is for you if you’d like to:

  • expand your mind about drama, theatre and performance

  • collaborate with others passionate about making performance

  • develop the confidence to present and reflect on your work in public contexts.

Site-specific theatre, live art, durational performance, contemporary playwriting, choreography and composition, visual arts, creative writing, acting and directing – you’ll learn from tutors who bring their passion to their teaching. Our campus facilities include the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, which hosts professional theatre, music and dance by UK and international companies. We’re committed to antiracist pedagogy, and inclusive teaching and learning. Throughout your degree, you’ll:

  • explore performance-making from multiple perspectives

  • develop skills in collaboration, critical and creative writing, and independent research

  • complete practical presentations and performance projects with focused tutor support

  • experience guest artist workshops, talks and performances from internationally recognised industry professionals

  • take electives from other subjects – from business to law and modern languages – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests.

When you graduate, you’ll be curious, critically informed and self-reflective. You’ll be able to make sophisticated performance, and shape cogent arguments in written work and discussion. Your skills as a critical thinker, creative practitioner and knowledgeable researcher will set you up for your future career.

About Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

Modules

See the modules you will study by year by going to the 'view course details' link.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
W400
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

University of Sussex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W400
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Drama, Theatre and Performance at University of Sussex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

POWERED BY Unibuddy

  • Lily

    University of Sussex
    Psychology
    I'm a mature international student, and have just started studying this year, which comes with different challenges, but just as many rewards! As much as I love my course, I also love being able to be a part of so many different societies, and meet so many new and interesting people!

  • Khadija

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    Second-year business student who started with a foundation year. I’m really enjoying the course and hoping to work in operations or consulting after I graduate. Happy to chat about uni life or business.

  • Zehra

    University of Sussex
    Law
    Hi! My name is Zehra, and I’m a first-year LLB Law student at the University of Sussex. I’m really excited to be part of the Student Ambassador Programme and to support students who are considering joining our community. My goal is to become a barrister, and I’m particularly interested in areas such as human rights, public, and employment law. I’m passionate about supporting and advocating for underrepresented communities. As a first-generation student, an ethnic minority immigrant from Turkey, a mature student, and someone living with a disability, I truly understand how important it is to feel supported, welcomed, and connected at university. That’s why I’m here — to share my journey, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in finding your own path. I speak both Turkish and English, and outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, watersports, chess, cinema, and music. I also have a cat who keeps me company during my study sessions! If you’re feeling unsure, curious, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help.

  • Shubby

    University of Sussex
    Law
    I am Nigerian but was born in Canada. I aspire to be a civil litigation or corporate lawyer in the future as this has been a long desire passion of mines. I am very passionate about helping other individuals in anyway I possible can! I also enjoy taking part in societies and staying involved in the community through volunteering.

  • Tomisin

    University of Sussex
    Politics
    I’m a British-Nigerian Politics and International Relations student. I’ve been enjoying the joint honour degree as it has personally helped me to expand my knowledge and connect the links between international history and British politics! I am also a Christian and passionate for Jesus! I enjoy attending church in Brighton, meeting more people and growing in faith 😄

  • Sarah

    University of Sussex
    Medicine
    Hi there! I’m Sarah, a fourth year medical student at Brighton and Sussex medical School. I am a mature student having worked for the UK Government for the past ten year, and a graduate, completing my first degree in Medical Neuroscience here at the University of Sussex. It really feels like I have come full circle now that I am back here studying medicine! I hope to become an obstetrician once I finish my degree, but we get so much exposure to different specialities I am also excited to explore. I enjoy yoga and cold water swimming which is great as I live by the sea for the first time!

  • Rudie

    University of Sussex
    Ecology and Conservation
    I'm a Mature and Neurodivergent Student who didn't have the most conventional education due to a lack of support at school. If you feel like you need advice on the support Sussex offers or if this is the right University for you, I can help. I also organise a variety of surveying and STEM outreach events, both with the School of Life Sciences and the NGO Shelltering Sussex. So, if you want to know what extracurricular activities Sussex has to offer for Life Sciences students, I'm your person.

  • Mykhailo

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    I'm Mykhailo, a first year BSc Marketing student at University of Sussex. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, my course or student life.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBB

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 (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma would normally be in Performing Arts. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 21 credits at Distinction.

Scottish Higher - ABBBB

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points

This score should be from the full IB Diploma.

Extended Project

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 Admissions at ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk

Additional entry requirements

Audition
This usually takes the form of a selection workshop to assess your ability to undertake the creative and practical work you will encounter at Sussex. This includes your willingness to engage with diverse and challenging theatre practices, to work intuitively and on your feet, to collaborate respectfully with others, and to demonstrate a critical/analytical curiosity about the practical process.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Including at least 5.5 in each component. We accept IELTS One Skills Retake. We do not accept IELTS Online.
PTE Academic59Including at least 59 in all four skills. We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)80TOEFL (iBT), including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing. We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

Please see our English language requirements. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/international-qualifications/english-language-requirements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Sussex, we recognise that not everybody has the same support to help them get to higher education. At Sussex it’s important to us to have a diverse, inclusive university community with a range of voices and experiences. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education ensuring that we have fair access to all regardless of background. A contextual offer is a reduced grade offer which is given to students who meet certain eligibility criteria.

Learn more on the University of Sussex website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 6 other drama courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Sussex, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
BBC Most common
  1. AAA
  2. Highest grades
  3. CCD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

98% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£23500Year 1
International£23500Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.

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