Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 20/07/2023
College College Arts and Law
School Eng, Drama, & Creative Studies
Department Drama and Theatre Arts
Partner College and School Film and Creative Writing
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.A. Drama and Film Full-time
Programme Code 077I
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 3 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme BA Drama and Film is characterised by a wide study, which is methodologically- and theoretically- informed, of Film, ranging across genres, modes and media, combined with the theoretical and practical exploration of a wide range of theatrical and performance styles, from British playwrights and actor training to immersive practices and directing.

Students will develop a deep and rich understanding of the generative, compositional and self-reflective processes involved in creative work in both disciplines, learning practical, technical and industry-specific skills en route. Students will also engage critically with the history and thematic dimensions of both disciplines, encountering a wide range of approaches to Drama and Film in different historical periods. In the third year, students will have the opportunity to take the Professional Skills Module, to undertake a placement or progress their own entrepreneurial project.

The programme aims to produce individuals who possess a broad range of knowledge and understanding of Drama and Film. It will give students the opportunity to:
  • Develop analytical and practical skills derived from close reading of a wide range of film and performance texts and informed by critical studies
  • Understand different modes of representation on stage and on film, and how they are socially and politically informed
  • Gain skills in writing, reasoning, presentation, performance and independent research
  • Work creatively through film and performance practices to explore a diversity of ways of engaging different audiences
  • Understand the histories and practices of film-making and performance, underpinned by key theoretical approaches
  • Develop interpersonal and communication skills, with particular strengths in collaboration and teamwork
  • Gain an understanding of how to narrate these skills to future employers.


The wide range of reasoning, research, independent learning, communication and creative skills acquired from this programme equips graduates to pursue further study or employment in Drama and Film related disciplines, and is readily transferable to a variety of commercial, cultural and professional careers, including the creative arts, film or media sectors.

For semester/year abroad programmes only:
Study abroad will provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the society and culture of a foreign country while gaining experience of a different academic environment and way of teaching. Study abroad also provides an opportunity for students to improve their existing language proficiency (where applicable) as well as enhancing their organisation and communication skills and their employability through a proven ability to succeed in an unfamiliar setting.

For Year in Civic Leadership only:
The Year in Civic Leadership allows students to put into practice the theoretical knowledge and skills developed during their academic studies, and to critically reflect on this activity, by devising a civic engagement project in collaboration with local community actors. The modules deepen student’s appreciation of civic engagement, encouraging them to think about how they can enrich the communities they live and work in.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The ways in which practical and theoretical work in drama, performance and theatre arts necessarily inform one another.
Different critical and theoretical approaches in the study of performance and film, and of the literary, cultural and historical contexts that inform both the creation, embodiment and reception of films and performance.
The creative and professional processes involved in the production of filmmaking, performance and filmic and media writing, with reference to both generic and genre/media-specific conventions and practices, and industry standards (to enhance employability in creative or filmic industries).
Thematic, generic and stylistic links between written/audiovisual texts across a wide historical range.
Theories, historical varieties, methods of discovery and major conceptual paradigms in specialised areas of Film and Drama
Studying relevant topics at an international institution and appreciation of the difference(s) between study in the UK and overseas.
The value of civic engagement, and an appreciation of how they can make change and enrich the communities in which they live. (Year in Civic Leadership only)
1 and 2) Lectures, small group teaching, practical and theoretical workshops, performance projects, peer-review of formative essays, work-in-progress showings and formative presentations; virtual learning environments, (for BA only) an individually supervised independent research project at LH

3 and 5) Lectures, seminars, small group teaching, practical and theoretical workshops, performance projects, peer-review of formative essays, work-in-progress showings and formative presentations; virtual learning environments, (for BA only) an individually supervised individual research project at LH

4) Lectures and seminars; (for BA only) an individually supervised independent research project at LH; peer-review of formative essays and formative presentations; virtual learning environments.

6) Year or semester abroad

7) Year in Civic Leadership
1 and 2) Written assignment, practical performance assessment, essay, portfolio, presentation and (for BA only) independent research project

3 and 5) Assessment by presentation, practical performance assessment, written assignment/essay/portfolio and (for BA only) independent research project.

4) Assessment by presentation, written assignment/essay/portfolio and (for BA only) independent research project.

6) Assessed as required by host institution

7) Written assignment, skills audit, placement, presentation
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The capacity to employ a range of generic and genre-specific filmmaking skills, facilitating the production of polished, original and sustained writing in key film genres
The ability to reflect on their own filmmaking and performance-making ‘as process’, with reference to the practical and theoretical challenges presented at each stage of the degree, demonstrating self-awareness and self-direction.
The capacity to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of discourse, and from both reader/viewer and practitioner perspectives
The ability to understand the complexities of dramatic texts and theatre histories from the perspective of both a scholar and a performer.
The capacity for independent thought and judgement, and the ability to handle information and argument in a critical and self-reflective manner to produce an extended piece of academic research that can incorporate creative practice.
Transferable skills relevant to employment, including problem-solving, self-reliance, initiative, adaptability, flexibility, resilience, self-motivation, and competences such as note-taking, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, ability to use and manipulate digital resources and to present information and ideas effectively in a range of modes.
Ability to work as a member of a team in a range of contexts, including the capacity to listen, to respond flexibly to feedback, to understand diverse perspectives, and to negotiate solutions collectively
Cross-cultural awareness, demonstrating an ability to understand, communicate effectively and interact with people across cultures
The ability to apply theoretical knowledge and skills developed during academic studies to specific social and civic challenges.
1 and 3) Lectures and seminars; (for BA only) an individually supervised independent research project at LH; peer-review of formative essays and formative presentations; virtual learning environments.

2, 5, 6 and 7) Lectures, seminars, small group teaching, practical and theoretical workshops, performance projects, peer-review of formative essays, work-in-progress showings and formative presentations; virtual learning environments, (for BA only) an individually supervised individual research project at LH

4) Lectures, small group teaching, practical and theoretical workshops, performance projects, peer-review of formative essays, work-in-progress showings and formative presentations; virtual learning environments, (for BA only) an individually supervised independent research project at LH

8) Year or semester abroad

9) Year in Civic Leadership
1 and 3) Assessment by presentation, written assignment/essay/portfolio and (for BA only) independent research project.

2, 5, 6 and 7) Assessment by presentation, practical performance assessment, written assignment/essay/portfolio and (for BA only) independent research project.

4) Written assignment, practical performance assessment, essay, portfolio, presentation and (for BA only) independent research project

8) Assessed as required by host institution

9) Written assignment, skills audit, placement, presentation