This joint BA in Education and Drama and Theatre Studies is your opportunity to improve your critical faculties through the study of literary and dramatic texts, gain some practical experience of theatre-making and develop a critical and reflective understanding of learning and Education. The core Education modules cover educational policy, child development and learning, critical reflection on learning, and educational psychology. The core Drama and Theatre Studies modules will cover key concepts, practitioners and major forms in theatre and performance practice. You will study theatre history, theatre theory and aesthetics, and will learn a variety of methodologies for analysing live performance. Many of the Drama and Theatre Studies modules combine theory and practical work, and you may wish to tailor your study by choosing options including acting, scenography, devising, physical theatre, theatre management, design, directing and playwriting. Education module options will enable you to reflect on different ways of learning such as Play or Working in Groups. You may also choose to focus on specialist areas such as Special Educational Needs; Children’s Rights; Education and Health; Cultural Diversity or Literacy. You can choose to write a dissertation in one or both of your joint course subjects. This course of study is based in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. These include three fully-equipped theatre spaces, three rehearsal studios, each with sprung floors and flexible technical facilities, and a new studio dedicated to performance research and experimental theatre practice. Partnerships also exist with Aberystwyth-based community theatre organization, Theatr Arad Goch; leading independent television Production Company, Boomerang; and BBC Wales. Aberystwyth Arts Centre, on the main University campus, is a hub of arts and performance activities by both students and visiting professional companies. This Joint BA in Education and Drama and Theatre Studies provides transferable skills relevant to almost any graduate workplace. Upon obtaining your degree, you will be a confident and fluent communicator able to connect ideas and formulate cogent arguments. You will be confident in performing and presenting to audiences, and experienced in problem-solving and collaborative teamwork. These skills – alongside a high standard of academic critical thinking – are just some of the many assets that you will bring to any graduate workplace.

Your joint BA Education and Drama and Theatre Studies can prepare you for a broad range of employment and further training options. You will be a strong candidate for further training and employment within Education, particularly Performing Arts Education. This joint degree also opens up opportunities in the creative and performing arts, journalism, marketing and communications, local government, and arts administration. Recent statistics from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television at Aberystwyth show that nearly 80% of graduates were in work or further study six months after graduation, including employment in TV and Radio production, the arts, business and teaching. Recent statistics from HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) show that, six months after graduation, just over two-thirds of performing arts graduates were in employment, with a further 6% combining work and study. Of all these, 23% were working in art, design and culture, while almost 8% were working as education professionals. According to recent HESA (Higher Education Statistics Authority) statistics, over 88% of Education graduates found paid employment or continued with further study. Throughout your course you will develop a wealth of analytical, creative and practical skills as well as generic skills that can be easily transferred into almost any graduate or professional employment situation. You will be able to read and evaluate source material, think critically and problem-solve. You will also have proven your abilities in writing for and performing to a range of audiences, working effectively with others, and delivering work in time to meet specific deadlines. In addition to these skills, you will benefit from the prestige of holding a degree from one of the UK's foremost universities. The complementary nature of your joint subjects provides you with a unique specialism, which can put you at an advantage over your competitors in many employment contexts. To help you discover the most appropriate career pathway for you, you will be assigned a dedicated, subject-specific careers advisor who will assist you in constructing a Personal Development Plan. This process will encourage you to reflect on your learning and your career aspirations so that every academic option you choose will point you towards your future career.