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Drama and Literature (Including Year Abroad)

1 Study option · UndergraduateColchester Campus

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Study a wide range of dramatic texts, from Ancient Greek times to the present day, and develop an understanding of the principal developments in European Theatre.

You can benefit from our Lakeside Theatre, which has been established as a major venue for excellent drama, known for a commitment to new writing for the stage. Not only do many professional touring companies bring their productions of new plays to our Lakeside Theatre but there has been a wealth of new work produced by our own staff and students. An essential element of our Lakeside Theatre’s programme has been the opportunity it gives you to write or direct new plays, as well as re-define classics and re-discover neglected masterpieces.

Topics covered in our modules include:

  • Transforming dramatic texts into dramatic performance

  • Comedy, tragedy and the development of genre, both in theory and practice

  • Gender and sexual politics on stage

  • Writing for theatre

  • Translating novels for the screen

  • Writing of the US South

Our commitment to the student experience is why we are ranked third for drama in the Guardian University Guide 2021 and top 20 for dance, drama and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021. Our students love us too; we're Top 20 for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2021.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Colchester Campus

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 10/2026

Application codes

Course code:
WQ42
Institution code:
E70

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

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What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
WQ42
Institution code:
E70

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Drama and Literature (Including Year Abroad) at University of Essex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Callum

    University of Essex
    Modern Languages
    I am a final-year student at the University of Essex's Colchester campus, so I have had a very long time here to come to know a lot of things about this place. Over my three years, I have had a broad range of experiences that university has to offer, from getting involved in sports and societies, to using the careers services, to completing a paid internship in a subject related to my degree. Applying to university, I knew that I wanted to study modern languages, but didn't study a language at A-Level, which definitely threw a spanner into a lot of things. As a 16/17 year old, I just didn't think that far ahead in my life- which is normal. I am living proof that, to an extent, this does not need to be the end of your plans to go to uni. As for me as an individual, I am interested in art and music- which I also make, and I also enjoy hiking, cycling and swimming on occassion. I'm also on the autistic spectrum. After graduating this year, my plan is to go and do a year working in a Spanish school, and then hopefully come back home and do a course on TEFL, all of which the academic staff are supporting me to do.

  • Delia

    University of Essex
    Computer Science
    Hello there! I am Delia, a 2nd year Romanian student at the Colchester campus. I am a BSc Artificial Intelligence student and I am excited about game programming and software engineering. Alongside my degree, I study Russian with the Languages for All program, and I am a V-Team volunteer for the Animal Protection Project. I am happy to chat about studying at the University of Essex, student life in Colchester, campus life, volunteering, support at university, extracurricular activities, and answer any questions you may have!

  • Ayo

    University of Essex
    Law
    Hey, I’m a second-year LLB Law student studying at Essex. I’m interested in Corporate law. When I’m not drowning in cases, Im probably listening to music, watching k dramas, or travelling around the world or probably sleeping. I’d be happy to answer any questions. Feel free to ask me anything about life at Essex - from studying Law, living on campus, best study places or just what the food’s like here. I’m happy to chat!!

  • Amaia

    University of Essex
    Physiotherapy
    Heyy👋🏻, I am Amaia from the UK. I am studying MSc Physiotherapy at University of Essex (Year 2). I enjoy learning about anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition and rehabilitation. I am passionate about Sport and Exercise Science, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Rehabilitation. Feel free to ask me questions about uni, my course, or any other queries you may have. Looking forward to chatting with you :))

  • Craig

    University of Essex
    Sports Therapy
    I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone with adrenaline-inducing activities and going with the flow. I aim to work as a physiotherapist/sports therapist for a professional sports team and travel the world.

  • Caitlyn

    University of Essex
    Psychology
    Hello! I am Caitlyn, I am a 1st year undergraduate student at the University of Essex. I study psychology with cognitive neuroscience and following my degree I intend to pursue either speech and language therapy or educational psychology. I am most passionate about helping others and trying to bring more joy to the world overall. University was such an unreal idea in my head originally as my family aren't well-off and nobody in my family had ever attended university before me - but here I am, and I would encourage others to take the plunge as well!

  • Charlotte

    University of Essex
    Politics
    Hi, I am Charlotte, a third year politics with human rights student. I am also a member of the Student Union trustee board and a student representative alongside my studies, so I am very immersed in the student life here and more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have. I love to go out and I’m always attending the nightlife events on campus (maybe a little too much)! I am currently treasurer for the sustainable students society so if there’s anything you would be interested to know about societies, I can always let you know. I’m very friendly and bubbly so don’t be afraid to ask anything, no questions are silly.

  • Ann

    University of Essex
    Biomedical Science
    Hi, I’m Ann, a third year biomedical student with a keen interest in cancer biology. I plan to continue my studies in the future and am happy to share my experiences and help fellow students navigate university life, from academics to beyond!

  • Catarina

    University of Essex
    Finance and Banking
    I am an international student from Portugal, I have completed my BSc Economics at Essex. Once I completed my course i have worked 2 years as a Student Recruiter where I would travel around England to bring brand awareness. I decided to start my masters in FinTech in October 2025.

  • Cayleigh

    University of Essex
    MSc Speech and Language Therapy
    Hello, my name is Cayleigh, I am a master's student studying Speech and Language Therapy and wish to specialise in paediatrics. My previous degree was a BEd in Primary Education. I am also a qualified teacher. Feel free to ask me any questions about my course, student life, or campus life!

  • Anastasiia

    University of Essex
    Art History
    I am a 29 y.o. PhD student in Art History & Theory with a background in Museum Studies (St Petersburg State University of Culture) and Curatorial Research (St Petersburg State University). I'm here to help you start your academic journey with the UoE. Ask me anything about PGR studies at Essex (especially PHAIS), financial support for international students, accommodation, life on and off campus (especially cultural events, e.g. museums, theatres, etc.) and what it's like to live in the UK/Colchester (e.g. what's there for people from my (and probably yours!) part of the globe. Fun facts about me: travelled to 40+ countries; have a cute little chinchilla named Pyshka🍩; have learnt that all the stereotypes about British weather are true—but it still rains more in St Petersburg, so I’m fine. 🥲

  • Beck

    University of Essex
    Occupational Therapy
    I wasn't always sure of what I wanted to do at university, but my current course is perfect for me. I am happy to advise if you find yourself feeling the same way. Feel free to talk to me about clubs, societies and extracurricular activities.
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