Several things might prompt you to consider a degree involving drama. You may be active as a performer or be involved backstage in local productions, and you might already be studying drama alongside English. But you can take drama post-18 regardless of such experiences. If you particularly enjoy studying plays in your current English course, and are also interested in the contextual and historical study of drama in society, consider courses combined with drama, or a single honours drama degree. Higher education providers will be interested if you show a passion for theatre and have a clear idea why you are interested in developing the range of skills that result from the study of drama.
A survey of courses currently available reveals an expectation that studying literary texts, particularly plays, can deepen theatre practice, and that drama can offer a deeper sense of how all texts communicate. English and drama students operate as literary critics and also learn about drama from the inside. For example, Northampton University describes this aim as developing literary and dramatic ways of thinking. Putting plays ‘on their feet’ and performing both informally and in public offers a deeper knowledge of what drama is than the audience viewpoint or the historical perspective that comes from English can. And, with opportunities for creative, critical and professional writing blooming within both fields of study, this is also an ideal combination of subjects for anyone who likes to write.
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