Drama studies involve learning about dramatic performances and their application in theatre, film, education and therapy. Students of drama focus not just on acting but also on writing, direction, production and theatre criticism during the course of their studies. Drama courses in the UK call for a close analysis of performance and written text along with the physical investigation of modes of performance. Students will also encounter theatre-making.
In addition, you will learn how to study the history of theatre across a range of cultures and develop an understanding of how performance affects audiences and an ability to define and critique what falls under the broad term of “performance”. They may specialise in a particular area such as dramaturgy, devising, scenography, management, directing, writing, and digital skills.
Dame Judi Dench and Dawn French read drama and became successful actors. Matt Lucas and David Walliams also did and became successful comedians. While drama school allows students to hone their acting technique a drama degree takes a more theoretical approach and gives graduates a thorough grounding in the subject which widens their career options in a highly competitive field.
TV presenting is another possibility, as shown by Katy Ashworth, presenter of CBeebies and I Can Cook, and Abi Griffiths, who hosts sports programmes for ESPN. Drama graduates can turn their hand to therapies linked to the performing arts, such as drama therapy, music therapy or dance music psychotherapy.
For international students wishing to study Drama at undergraduate level, an IELTS score of no less than 5.5 across all four categories - reading, writing, speaking and listening – with an overall 7.0 score is generally required at most universities.
To learn more about the best drama universities in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Dance and Drama schools in the Guardian University Guide 2025 below:
If you are interested in learning more about studying drama courses in the UK, arrange a free consultation at your nearest SI-UK India office today.
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