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English lit and Theatre course?

Hi. I'm taking A levels in English lit, Drama and Politics and looking for a uni course that combines English lit with Theatre studies, ideally with a practical focus and a critical approach to political and social issues. I saw some courses online but looking for recommendations. I'm also open to other courses if anyone has other ideas. Thank you.
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

Original post
by Goolash111
Hi. I'm taking A levels in English lit, Drama and Politics and looking for a uni course that combines English lit with Theatre studies, ideally with a practical focus and a critical approach to political and social issues. I saw some courses online but looking for recommendations. I'm also open to other courses if anyone has other ideas. Thank you.

Dear @Goolash111,

It's great to hear you are considering studying English literature and theatre studies; this sounds like a great course choice.

At the University of Reading, there is a BA English Literature and Film & Theatre course, BA Creative Writing and Theatre, and BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre. These courses seem very similar to the one you wish to study, but they all offer something slightly different that might interest you.

This course is taught by the two great departments, the Department of English Literature and the Department of Film, Theatre and Television. The film department has access to the brand-new Shinfield Studios, which is close to the university.

The University of Reading looks at every application on individual merit, ensuring every student can receive an offer; this is the contextual offers scheme. However, this does not mean every student gains an offer to the university.

When I was applying to the university, I found it very helpful to attend an Open Day; however, for students who live far away or do not have access to an Open Day, there is a Virtual Tour, which prospective students can look at from their homes. I highly recommend you have a look at the Virtual Tour, it provides an insight tot the campus.

At the University of Reading, there is an ambassador scheme where you can speak to current students and ask them any questions about their course or life at university. The closest match for an ambassador to your desired course is the English literature ambassador. Emily is a second-year student who would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the English literature programme; you can speak to Emily here.

I hope this information provides an insight to some of the degree options you may like at the university of reading, if you have nay questions then please let us know and we will be happy to help.

All the best
Ella
BSc Ecology

Reply 2

These were the same as my a levels back in 2019 and I chose to go to The University of Warwick, they have a dedicated theatre and performance course, as well as Theatre and English lit. It’s a eclectic course, rooted in academic with the emotion of exploring other departments modules for credit! Which I loved! There is a second year module called politics in performance which is great.

Highly recommend!

Reply 3

Original post
by lilybellabayliss
These were the same as my a levels back in 2019 and I chose to go to The University of Warwick, they have a dedicated theatre and performance course, as well as Theatre and English lit. It’s a eclectic course, rooted in academic with the emotion of exploring other departments modules for credit! Which I loved! There is a second year module called politics in performance which is great.
Highly recommend!


Option**

Reply 4

Original post
by Goolash111
Hi. I'm taking A levels in English lit, Drama and Politics and looking for a uni course that combines English lit with Theatre studies, ideally with a practical focus and a critical approach to political and social issues. I saw some courses online but looking for recommendations. I'm also open to other courses if anyone has other ideas. Thank you.

Hi Goolash111,

The university of Chester has a really strong performing arts department that offers both undergraduate degrees in a number of theatre studies courses, but also, postgraduate degrees, so if you decide to study for a masters degree, you can continue at Chester too. Chester has its own creative campus, called Kingsway, which is purely for performance studies. It is located about 10 min from both the main campus, Exton Park, and the city centre, so near to everything you need! The degrees on offer at Chester include Drama which covers theatre making and performance, a more industry focused acting degree, which gets you ready for a career in acting, preparing you to work on the screen and the stage, a performing arts degree which covers acting, dance, voice, multimedia performance and is very interdisciplinary. There are also a musical theatre performance degree and a professional dance degree available too, which are very much specific to the fields.

The courses are delivered through practical and theoretical classes. The university has been voted in the top 5 categories in the National Student Survey in all aspects of performance studies, so it has a good reputation for this school. As part of the university is The Hammond, which is a unique performing arts space that includes music and performance studios, rehearsal spaces and a 420 seat theatre. It is considered to be one of the leading providers of performing arts in the north west and highly regarded globally.

The university itself is really great, with so much academic and pastoral student support. Outside of your course, academic skills advisors are on hand to assist with written work, time management, note taking, research skills etc and each subject has its own subject librarian to help with your research. There is a dedicated student services team who can help with everything from mental health issues, to finances, to accommodation.

The university is, as I said only a short walk from the city centre. Chester is a small city but really vibrant. It boasts loads of restaurants that cater to every global cuisine and dietary requirement. There are all the high street shops, and a brilliant theatre and cinema space, called Storyhouse, which contains a library, study spaces and great cafe! Storyhouse works closely with the university so ipthere may be opportunities for students to become involved.

Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 5

Original post
by Goolash111
Hi. I'm taking A levels in English lit, Drama and Politics and looking for a uni course that combines English lit with Theatre studies, ideally with a practical focus and a critical approach to political and social issues. I saw some courses online but looking for recommendations. I'm also open to other courses if anyone has other ideas. Thank you.

Hi!
Although we do not offer the combined English Lit with Theatre studies course, here at LJMU you can still combine English Lit with a few different options. Visit the link here: LJMU English Lit.
We also offer a single honours course that is similar to Drama/Theatre just with a few extra skills added! Have a look at the course details here: Performance and Production.

The English Department at LJMU is truly amazing- I can say this first-hand as a recent English Literature graduate from LJMU. The lecturers are dedicated to their subjects, providing the best teaching to their students. The content of the courses are extensive and engaging, moving from classics to American literature. I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying as an English student at LJMU- if you have a chance, do visit us form an Open Day to see for yourself how great the department and University is! Open Days.

If you have any more questions or would like to speak to a Drama student at LJMU directly, visit the Unibuddy page here: Chat to a Student. You can direct message current LJMU students to chat to them about the course, the uni etc.

Good luck! 🙂

Ria
Official LJMU Rep

Reply 6

Original post
by Goolash111
Hi. I'm taking A levels in English lit, Drama and Politics and looking for a uni course that combines English lit with Theatre studies, ideally with a practical focus and a critical approach to political and social issues. I saw some courses online but looking for recommendations. I'm also open to other courses if anyone has other ideas. Thank you.

Hey there!

I'm pleased to tell you that Liverpool Hope University offers exactly what you're interested in through our Drama and English Literature BA (Hons) course!

This is but one potential combination with your interests you could have a look at, there is everything from Politics and Acting, to Drama and Sociology, and English Literature and Politics! I would highly recommend you check our many combined courses (I could go on forever!) here: Undergraduate courses!

As a continuing student here at Hope, I can speak for the beautiful campuses, both Hope Park (a bus journey away from the beautiful city centre of Liverpool) and Creative Campus (in the city centre itself!) you'll be studying on - getting the best of both worlds offered by a campus university with amazing transport links, including our shuttle bus service. I've already done my undergrad in Politics and International Relations, and like it here so much, due the support (from lecturers, to student life) and opportunities (I'm volunteering in India with Hope in Easter!!) available, that I decided to stick around for another year for my MA in Politics and International Relations.

I can only say so much, but I'd definitely say to see what I mean you can Visit us, coming to the city of Liverpool and checking us out on one of our many Open Days or Applicant Days - whichever suits you! We'd be glad to see you here at Hope to see what our campuses, courses and community have to offer!!

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week, best of luck for the coming months, and let me know if you have any questions. :smile:

Harry
LHU Student Ambassador
MA Politics and International Relations

Reply 7

Original post
by Goolash111
Hi. I'm taking A levels in English lit, Drama and Politics and looking for a uni course that combines English lit with Theatre studies, ideally with a practical focus and a critical approach to political and social issues. I saw some courses online but looking for recommendations. I'm also open to other courses if anyone has other ideas. Thank you.

Hey @Goolash111!🌟

If you're passionate about English Literature and Theatre, then the BA Drama and Literature at the University of Essex could be the perfect fit for you! 🎭📚

This course beautifully blends theory and practice, allowing you to explore classic and contemporary texts while also developing your performance and theatre-making skills. You’ll study playwriting, directing, and acting alongside literature modules covering everything from Shakespeare to modern storytelling. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience with practical workshops, stage performances, and even opportunities to work with industry professionals!

The Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies at Essex is known for its supportive and creative environment. You'll be part of a thriving artistic community, with access to fantastic performance spaces and the chance to collaborate on exciting projects. The university itself is a great place to study—beautiful green campus, diverse student life, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. 🌿🏫

If you’re looking for a degree that will nurture both your analytical and creative talents, this could be the one for you! Let me know if you have any questions—I’d be happy to help! 😊

Best,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas✌️

Reply 8

Exeter?

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